FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• I want to apply to a project that is based out of LC. Can I drop off the application at RH?
      Yes, you can drop off the application at either campus as long as it is on or before the project’s due date. In addition, you will need to contact the project's home campus to set up an interview time. Please refer to the Contact Information page for the appropriate information for each campus.

• How much do projects cost?
      The cost of each project is different depending on the length of the project and destination. The Board provides financial support to each team and the individual teams fundraise to offset the cost for the participants. However, each team member is responsible for raising his or her individual portion of the project. Please see The Projects page for estimated costs for each project.

• What is the time commitment for a project
      Projects are large time commitments including weekly meetings before and after the project, a retreat, fundraising, service and any other additional team activities such as lectures and informative events. Usually doing a project is like having an additional class.

• If I go to LC can I do a RH project?
      Yes. Rose Hill Students can do Lincoln Center projects and Lincoln Center students can do Rose Hill projects. It is important to note that all the meetings and fundraising will take place at the project’s home campus.

• Does GO pay for my immunizations and passport?
      No, you must take care of your immunizations and passport on your own. The Health Center will help you determine immunizations and medical needs.

• When are GO! project meetings?
      The project meeting times are determined by the team members’ schedules. Meetings are once a week and usually last from one to two hours. In the meeting times may be longer during the final preparation meetings. Also, team members are responsible for attending other fundraising events during the weeks in addition to meetings.

• Can I do more than one project a year?
      No, you may only do one project per year. There is a maximum of 3 projects in 4 years. Please note that leading a project does not count towards the 3 project restriction.

• Can I go on the same project twice?
      You cannot be a team member on the same project more than once. However, you can go on a project and then lead the same project in another year.

• Can I create my own project?
      New projects are created through the GO! office. If you have an idea, you can meet with a member of the GO! staff.

• How can I be involved without going on a project?
      There are several ways that you can be involved in GO! without participating on a particular project. Please see the Upcoming Events section of the website for more information.

• If I am a graduating senior can I do a summer project?
      Yes, graduating seniors can participate in summer projects.

• What are the time requirements of leading?
      Leading is a very large time commitment. Leaders are responsible for organizing and facilitating the weekly team meetings as well as meeting weekly with the GO! staff. Leaders also commit to advertising for the project, interviewing applicants, being an active part of team fundraisers and organizing the logistics of the projects. These responsibilities often require extra hours spent in the office.

• My project has a problem-who can I talk to?
      You should talk with your leader or chaperone first. If you do not feel comfortable, you can always talk to the board or a member of the GO! staff.

• I’m a faculty member/graduate student. What can I do?
      You can chaperone a project. Please refer to the Apply to Global Outreach page to obtain an application.

Applications

• How do I apply?
     You can pick up an application at the GO! Office or download one from the
Apply to Global Outreach section of the website. After the application is complete, drop it off at the RH or LC GO! Office and sign up for an interview. Please see the Application Process section of the website for additional information on how to proceed once your application is complete.

• I do not understand how to list the projects in order of preference.
     You must apply to the projects based on their application due date. See The Projects page for the application due dates. For example, if you are interested in Glenmary first and then India, you must apply to India beforeapplying to Glenmary. If chosen for India, you would not be eligible to apply for Glenmary since its application due date is preceded by Inida. In addition, you cannot apply for a spring project before a winter project or a summer project before a spring project. The best advice is to apply for all projects that interest you.

• What does the interview entail?
     The interview is a set of questions determined by the leader of the project. The interview usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The leader tries to get to know you and understand your desire to be on the team.

• Who conducts the interview?
     The leader and either the chaperone or a board member will conduct the interview.

• What happens if I do not get my first choice?
     If you do not get your first choice, your application will be rolled over to the next project on your list. You must come into the GO Office and sign up for an interview for the subsequent project. The interview times are posted a few days before the project's due date.

• How do I decide what project to do first?
      Look at all the project you are interested in. You might want to apply to a shorter project at first to see if GO! is for you.

• What can I do if I do not get accepted on a project?
      It is not uncommon for students to apply several times before finding the right project. If you do not get accepted on a project you should keep applying. Many GO! veterans have applied numerous times before finding their project. It is also important to have a diversified application that includes domestic and international projects. Furthermore, you can attend GO! Fordham events, which are listed on the Upcoming Events page or you can stop by the GO! office to speak with the GO! staff or the board.

Values and Beliefs

• What are the four pillars?
     The four pillars are spirituality, community, social justice and simple living. Please refer to the Four Pillars section of the website for additional information.

• What is the significance of the four pillars?
     All of Global Outreach has been shaped around these four pillars. They not only serve as the foundation of Global Outreach but also as goals which we hope each individual and group within Global Outreach may strive for in order to better themselves, the program and others around them.

• What are the three D's?
     The three Ds refer to three activities that are not tolerated within the Global Outreach community; drinking, drugs and dating. Infringement on this policy could result in expulsion from the program. Please refer to The Three D's section of the website for additional information.

• What exactly do you mean by no drinking?
     It is not acceptable to incorporate alcohol in any part of the Global Outreach experience. This means no GO! parties, fundraisers or team bonding events where alcohol is involved. The use of alcohol is prohibited at all times during the project.

• What exactly do you mean by no dating?
     Team members are prohibited from engaging in any kind of romantic relationship during all parts of the GO! experience (i.e., the preparation, the immersion experience, and the follow up). In addition, team members are also asked to refrain from forming cliques within a team. Whether they be romantically based or not, these exclusive relationships can ruin the sense of community among the team. For this reason we ask that team members refrain from forming cliques and dating one another until they are no longer involved with Global Outreach.

• Why do we have the three Ds?
     The three Ds are implemented in an effort to uphold the four pillars of Global Outreach; community, spirituality, social justice and simple living and for the general wellbeing of the team and the host community.

• Why can’t I bring my cell phone or ipod?
      GO! Projects are about removing oneself from the everyday life routine. Cell phones and ipods act as a distraction and disrupt team unity. In addition, these itmes could jeopardize the safety of the team.

• If I cannot bring my cell phone, how will my family know that I am safe?
      The GO! office sets up a recorded line where the team leaves a message indicating their safe arrival and their daily activities. Families and friends can call this number to hear about the team's progress. Furthermore, the GO! staff is available 24 hrs a day while the team is traveling.

• Is this a mission trip?
     No, Global Outreach does not host any mission trips. Spirituality is a component of the team but no team member is meant to attempt to convert or impose his/her religious beliefs on another individual.

• Do I have to be Catholic?
     No, people of all religions, faiths and beliefs are welcome to be a part of Global Outreach. As a team member you will be asked to attend a GO! commissioning ceremony at the University Church.

• Do I have to be religious?
      One of the pillars of GO! is spirituality. That being said, you do not have to be religious, but you must be open to your team member’s beliefs.

The Board

• What is the GO! Board?
     The GO! Board is the student-run governing body that oversees the program as a whole. Please refer to The Board section of the website for additional information.

• What does the GO! Board do?
     Some of the main responsibilities of the board are supporting the leaders and teams, choosing leaders, supporting leaders in the process of interviewing applicants, developing and shaping new projects, organizing GO! Fordham events, and attending/organizing information sessions. Board members are also required to attend weekly meetings to address the maintenance of the program.

• When are GO! Board meetings?
     The GO!Board meets once a week during a time determined by board members’ schedules. If you are not a board member but have an issue you would like to discuss with the board you may contact the GO! Office and arrange a time to meet with the board.

• How can I apply to the GO! Board?
     In order to apply for the Board you must have already done at least one Global Outreach project. Applying to the board is similar to applying to a project. New board selections occur each spring, usually in March or April. Around this time the opportunity to apply will advertised around campus, through email, and on the Upcoming Events section of the website. Please refer to the Apply to Global Outreach section of the website for additional information.

• What is the Board application process?
     After filling out an application two board members will interview you. Board interviews are longer and more detailed than a team interview. Finally, the board will hold a meeting in which the new board members will be chosen.

• How long can I be on the GO! Board for?
     Each board member is allotted a maximum of a two-year term. If you are a junior when you apply you will be on the board for only one year. However, if you are a freshman or a sophomore at the time of application you are expected to make a two-year commitment to the board.

• I have an idea. Where can I find you?
     The Global Outreach office is located on the second floor of McGinley. You can also refer to the Contact Information page or The Board page to obtain the necessary telephone and email addresses.