Short Term: Less than one year – If you’re looking to see how God can use you in the world, AIM’s short-term program is a great place to start. Short term offers the opportunity to roll up your sleeves and invest in something bigger than yourself; to discover a world where God is at work in wonderful ways, and to be a part of it. With a flexible attitude and a servant’s heart, you’ll be a blessing to many, and you’ll come away blessed as well. AIM offers assignments of a year or less in a wide range of ministry types.

Short-Term assignments vary widely. Every effort is made to match your gifts and abilities to an assignment that will suit you well. There are opportunities in teaching, medicine, engineering and construction, office and administrative work, agriculture and community development, technical support and more. Some assignments are fairly open, and you simply go to lend a hand in whatever way you're called to.

Short Term FAQs

What do Short Termers do?

Short-Term assignments vary widely. Every effort is made to match your gifts and abilities to an assignment that will suit you well. There are opportunities in teaching, medicine, engineering and construction, office and administrative work, agriculture and community development, technical support and more. Some assignments are fairly open, and you simply go to lend a hand in whatever way you're called to.

Who can be a Short Termer?

Vibrant, growing Christians who are 19 and older, or have finished one year of college.

How are Short Termers financed?

AIM Short Termers raise financial support from one or more churches, their family and friends. Short Termers are responsible to raise the full amount needed for their trip. The amount you'll need varies depending on the length and location of your assignment.

What is the estimated cost?

Costs vary based on ministry location.  The basic costs include: two days pre-field orientation at our headquarters in New York, visa fees, round-trip airfare from New York to your destination, debriefing on your return, room and board while on the field, administrative costs, medical insurance (if you are currently not covered internationally), transportation to and from New York, and personal needs. 

All that boils down to the following approximate costs:

INDIVIDUALS
3 month assignment: $5,500
6 month assignment: $8,000 
12 month assignment: $15,000
FAMILY w/ (e.g. 3 kids):
12 month assignment: $40,000 SUMMER TEAM: 6-8 weeks: $4,500 (includes stipend for team leader and project expense for ministry)

Who makes the travel arrangements?

We make all of your travel arrangements to and from Africa, and provide your transport to and from the airport.  You are responsible for arranging your transportation to our headquarters in New York for orientation and de-briefing.

AIM offers both team and individual assignments.

Individual assignments include individuals, couples, families, and 4th year medical students. Individual assignments are unique because they are personalized assignments. You tell us the kind of ministry you'd like to be involved in, how long you'd like to serve, where you'd like to serve, and when you want to go. Then we do our best to find a ministry that combines your desires with the needs on the field. Rotations for 4th year medical students range from four to eight weeks. All other individual assignments range from two months to one year.

Opportunities exist in the areas of Administration, Agriculture, Church Work, Community Development, Education, Engineering, Finance, Health Care, Missionary Kids, Theological Education, and Youth Work. If your area of interest isn't listed here, don't hesitate to contact us. We'd be glad to explore other possibilities with you.

Teams - AIM sends a number of summer teams to a variety of locations in Africa. These teams usually serve from six to eight weeks. Being part of a mission team is an excellent opportunity to serve while establishing quality interpersonal relationships with other team members and nationals. You'll need to be willing to give up personal rights and be vulnerable and accountable to the team. Together, you'll make a difference in each other's lives and in the lives of those you serve in ministry.

Summer team ministries can include: Aviation (AIM AIR team) Construction, Discipleship, Medical Ministries, Prison Ministry, Sports Ministry, Teaching, Youth Ministry, and Prayer Teams.

View Short Term Brochure: