Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ITPS unique?
ITPS is a volunteers formed non-profit missions organizations which provides paid teaching/mission positions to anyone with a heart to serve our Lord overseas. Applicants with student loans or legitimate personal debts are acceptable. Our effective & low cost tentmaking missions opportunities open up a new avenue for global evangelism and outreaches.

Do I need to have teaching experience to apply?
The teaching experience helps, but not required in order to apply.

How do ITPS teachers carry out their ministry?
The desire to serve Our Lord is the main motivation. ITPS provides tentmaking opportunities, but not necessary assign mission tasks. It is between you and God that how you carry out your ministry while teaching overseas, there is no one there to look over your shoulder or tell you what to do. By knowing the spiritual gifts the teachers will have to decide the areas they enjoy serving.

Can I change the job after one year?
Yes. You may switch to any of the available positions after one year service.

Do I have to raise financial support?
Support raising for ITPS teachers is optional (it may also depend on which country you are called to), our teachers are making a relative high-income in countries compares with the locals. On the other hand, we do encourage all team members to raise support if needed. The raising of support also develops a prayer team to share your visions and joy for the missions. The support could be applied to your mission trip expenses, student loans, car loans or other legitimate personal debts in order to keep you from the financial burdens while serving overseas. . All donations are tax deductible per IRS regulations. Our support raising guidelines will guide you step by step for a successful fund raising precess.

Can teachers save money?
Our teachers are earning considerably higher wages than most locals. During the first couple of months you may not be able to save much while becoming acclimated to the new location. Once adjusted, you should be able to accumulate some savings. Some of the reasons for being able to save are due to low living expense, no car cost and much lower income tax rates in Asian countries. Our teachers in average save much more than work in the US.

How much benefit do I really receive by going with ITPS?
Moving to a new location could be a financial drain, especially for an overseas position. Relocating to a foreign country can also be a nerve-wracking experience. By joining the ITPS team you may enjoy the benefits from the support of our staff and the assigned national churches. Other benefits include the help from your supportive teammates and our network of national brothers and sisters in Christ. Above all, our prayer team will constantly present you before His Throne.

What spiritual support do I need for the missions?
Before the departure, a team of 5 intercessors and prayer warriors should be built by you to support you in prayers throughout the duration of the mission. They should be people who have God's heart for you and who will be consistent in their prayers, in going before God's Throne on your behalf. This intentional, consistent intercession will increase the effectiveness of the ministry to which you are called. Intercessors will also act as watchmen on the walls, guards on alert, gatekeepers, and agents of preservation. They will be instrumental in creating a shield around you as well as providing you with increased physical and spiritual strength. In reality, you will be in ministry together. One is operating in the visible realm while the other is operating in the invisible realm. Only when the two are joined together in a team will you be able to carry out God's purposes for you within the Kingdom.

Are the teaching materials provided?
For most assignments, the teaching materials are provided by your school or employer.

How does the Admissions process go?
When all necessary supporting documents arrive at the ITPS, the Admissions Board will process the application and conduct a personal or phone interview. Upon the completion of  a final review, a confirmation will be sent to inform the applicant of a decision. The review process usually takes two weeks.

How do ITPS teachers receive teaching positions?
In China, the team's teaching positions will be pre-arranged  prior to the missions training.  However, in Taiwan,  the teachers could be pre-arranged and hired by schools before their arrival in country, but it may not serve the best interest to our teachers. Some schools require fewer working hours with better benefits and much higher salary than others, due to better financed and managed. As the result, many foreign teachers are competing for these "good" schools through interviews. If our teachers are seeking better positions, they will have to be interviewed by these schools. The other benefit for the interview is that the teachers have a chance to visit the school and meet with the staff prior to signing a contract. ITPS will help set up interviews and other issues.

Does ITPS print a publication or periodical?
No, in order to keep the information constantly updated and save huge printing costs, ITPS efficiently conducts its service through internet while posting most of its info on the web. It is a paperless process from applications to teacher's acceptance. Our teachers also receive weekly devotional and periodical news through emails- Computers are widely available at the churches or apartments overseas where our teachers stay.

Should I arrange my own room & board while attending Missions training in California?
ITPS will provide free host families or hotel rooms for team members.

Why does ITPS charge a fee?
ITPS is a registered 501(c) non-profit ministry. The adminstration fee is to cover missions training, overseas coordination and overhead costs. The overhead includes office expense, recruiting & conference fees, transportations, mailing, web maintenance, travel and overseas development. While we have worked to limit our expense in many areas, other costs continue to increase as the ministries expand. ITPS fee is the lowest compares with other similar organizations.

How much is the administrative deduction from my raised support?
Your tithes and 10% of your raised support will be contributed to the administration expense, local church needs, China & Central Asia minority/metro missions and overseas missions development. With your faithful contribution, more workers will be sent to the harvest fields and many more will come to know Jesus.

How do I receive a teacher's visa?
China -- The teachers should apply for a China tourist visa through our travel agent. Detailed instructions will be provided, it is a very simple process. The school in China will help the teachers to apply for the Z status visa for long term stay.
Taiwan -- Taiwan tourist visa is required. After receiving the work permit from a school , you must apply for a resident visa or Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). If you arrived in Taiwan with a Visitor's Visa, you may change your visa status without departing Taiwan by applying at the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei, Taichung or Kaohsiung. If you are entered under the Visa Waiver Program or a port of entry tourist visa, you may have to reenter Taiwan in order to apply for a Resident Visa. Those who are already in Taiwan should go to Hong Kong for a re-entry visa at the Chung Hwa Travel Service, 4th Floor, East Tower, Bond Center, #89 Queens Rd., Central Hong Kong, tel. 852-2-525-8315. In general, the school in Taiwan will help you take care of these work visa issues.
Japan -- Tourist visa is not needed to Japan. Travelers with an US or Canadian passport will be granted a 90-day stay at the port of entry. The school in Japan will help the teachers apply for a working visa.

Where can I find the references of ITPS/OSM?
You may visit our booth at the ACMC national/regional Conferences and Finishers Projects, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Conference in Urbana, Biola University Missions Conference, CA, Azusa Pacific University Missions Conference CA, etc.. Many of our previous teachers or current teachers overseas would also be happy to answer your questions.