International Training Trips

Lifewater’s international training trips are coordinated to fit into annual work plans developed by Lifewater in collaboration with its in-country partner organizations. Lifewater selects FTs for each trip who have expressed interest and availability, putting together teams that will be able to work well together to accomplish the objectives with our partners.

Each team is comprised of a team leader, lead trainer, and an average of two other team members. At times a trip may include a Lifewater staff member. Trips are scheduled based on Lifewater’s project plans and partner needs. Trips usually last from two to three weeks.

Expenses
Lifewater field trainers donate their time and services. FTs are not compensated financially for the work accomplished on training trips. Each FT is expected to raise funds to cover their trip preparation training and trip costs. Course costs for trip preparation training range between $250 and $450 per course, not including transportation and lodging. Lifewater determines the cost for each international trip based on training objectives, trip duration, and location. Trip costs range from $1100 to $1800, not including airfare, passport, visa, or immunizations fees. Lifewater helps FTs raise funds by providing fundraising materials and donor support.

Steps to Becoming a Field Trainer
Lifewater attracts water professionals as well as people from many other walks of life, including drillers, teachers, nurses, farmers, business people, mechanics, health workers, pastors, and construction workers. Every field trainer agrees with Lifewater’s Core Values, has a desire to train others, demonstrates competency in at least one Lifewater training program, and is comfortable sharing Jesus’ love in word and deed in cross-cultural settings.

There are six steps to becoming an FT. This process may take several months to complete, depending on an applicant’s availability to attend Lifewater’s trainings. We hope this is a spiritually rewarding and fulfilling process that helps people express God’s calling for their lives. Lifewater is looking for volunteers who will make long-term commitments if they are accepted into the program. Lifewater’s Volunteer Programs staff will guide applicants through the following application and training process.

1. Pre-Application Process: Start a Field Trainer Application begins the application process. Applicants will be prompted to read and consider if they agree with Lifewater’s Core Values. If they agree, they will be prompted to create a login username and password and proceed to the online application upon email validation.


2. Online Application: The online application is accessed through a newly created login. It has several detailed questions that will be used in helping staff to determine whether an applicant qualify to become an FT. After filling out the online application and clicking submit, the applicant must print two copies of the reference form,  including one to be filled out by their pastor or ministry leader.


3. Phone Interview: After the Lifewater office receives the application and reference forms, the Field Trainer Program Officer will schedule a phone interview. Following the interview the applicant will receive notification of their status in the mail.


4. Lifewater's Stateside Training: If invited to proceed, the applicant will enroll in Lifewater’s introductory training course, Exploring Transformational Mission (ETM), which provides a basic understanding of Lifewater’s mission, worldview, and training philosophy. The course also explores biblical holism, community development principles, successful training strategies, and cross-cultural challenges and opportunities. This is also the final stage of the application process. This year, ETM is offered April 14-16 (San Luis Obispo, CA), and September 30 to October 2 (San Luis Obispo, CA).


5. Field Trainer: If the applicant is accepted into the Volunteer Field Trainer Program, they will receive a welcome packet in the mail and become a Field Trainer (FT). This packet contains important information and encouragement and will help the FT learn how to research upcoming trips that interest them. Trips are posted on the Volunteer Trainer Information Center (VTIC) website. We encourage FTs to check monthly for updated project opportunities. Lifewater staff work with FTs to determine which trip is the most appropriate depending on their qualifications and the projects' needs. When approved for a trip, the FT will participate in their first international training trip.


6. Certified Field Trainer: After the initial training trip, the FT will be eligible for certification. When approved, they will specialize in one of Lifewater’s training areas and begin serving internationally as a certified field trainer! Lifewater encourages all FTs to deepen their knowledge through advanced courses in their training areas, and courses in other training areas.

Lifewater Training Programs
Prior to being considered for a trip, Lifewater training must be completed.

Exploring Transformational Mission (ETM)
In this foundational course applicants will journey through Lifewater’s response to the global water and sanitation crisis.  They will explore how Lifewater equips partner organizations to become catalysts in community transformation – a transformation that encompasses physical and spiritual needs. This course is required for applicants entering the education track in the field trainer application process and encouraged for seasoned field trainers.

Once an FT completes ETM, Lifewater encourages them to specialize in one area of training. Field trainers are welcome to specialize in more than one area as they gain experience.

• Biosand Filtration
• Community Health Through Hygiene
• Hand Pump Repair
• Sanitation: Latrine Design and Construction
• Sanitation Promotion
  
• Shallow Well Drilling
  
• WASH in Schools
  

Blessings as you consider applying to become a valued Lifewater field trainer!