Advocate Email Templates - GMI Internship Hub

How to Use These Templates

Copy + Paste!

Fill in any blanks/brackets and remove extra words. Make sure to delete all the brackets [ ]. Use the correct title to address them politely — Dr, Professor, Mr/Mrs. Include a personalized reason for reaching out.

Personalize Your Connection

If you haven't been on a summer trip, briefly state how you got connected or if you plan to serve in the upcoming summer. If the advocate knows who you are, you don't need to introduce yourself as a student from your school.

Make Your "Ask" Clear and Kind

Ask for what you want and offer a second option that feels like a smaller commitment. Example: "Could I share in any of your classes next month for 5 minutes about opportunities for students to serve overseas this summer? I'd also be happy to set up a brief phone call or in-person meeting with you to share more and answer any questions first!"

Be Creative in What You Offer

Examples: your own summer experience, specific program opportunities (summer/GAP/long-term), why going to the 10/40 window matters, what creative access is.

Keep It Professional and Polite

Maintain a respectful, courteous tone throughout your message.

Always Proofread

Double-check your email before sending to catch any errors or missed brackets!

Template 1: Professor (Ask for time in class to share)

Hi [Professor/Dr. ______], My name is [First name], I am a student here at [University Name] and currently am an intern with an organization called ELIC (English Language Institute China). ELIC sends and supports Christians as English teachers in hard-to-access countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Last summer, I went on a trip to [_____] with ELIC, and now I am in their internship program learning about missions mobilization! I am reaching out because [personalized reason: of your role in the Education Department, of your experience leading student mission trips, Professor ______ shared with me your interest in cross-cultural work]. I'd love to share more with you and your students about cross-cultural opportunities with ELIC! Do you have any classes that I could share with for 5 minutes at the beginning or end of class? Additionally, I would be happy to set up a brief phone call or in-person meeting with you so I can share more about ELIC's summer and post-graduate opportunities, and answer any questions that you have. I hope to hear from you soon! Blessings, [First and Last Name]

Template 2: Office Staff (Ask for connections to other classes/professors)

Hi [Mr/Mrs ______/First Name], My name is [First name], I am a student here at [University Name] and currently am an intern with an organization called ELIC (English Language Institute China). ELIC sends and supports Christians as English teachers in hard-to-access countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Last summer, I went on a trip to [_____] with ELIC, and now I am in their internship program learning about missions mobilization! I am reaching out because [personalized reason: of your role in the missions department, of your passion for missions]. I'd love to share more with you and the students you are connected with about cross-cultural opportunities with ELIC! Are there any classes in your department or upcoming student meetings that I could share with for 5 minutes? Additionally, I would be happy to set up a brief phone call or in-person meeting with you so I can share more about ELIC's summer and post-graduate opportunities, and answer any questions that you have. I hope to hear from you soon! Blessings, [First and Last Name]

Template 3: Ministry Leaders (Share at Chapel/small groups/events)

Hi [Professor, Mr/Mrs, Pastor, Reverend _____], My name is [First name], I am a student here at [University Name] and currently am an intern with an organization called ELIC (English Language Institute China). ELIC sends and supports Christians as English teachers in hard-to-access countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Last summer, I went on a trip to [_____] with ELIC, and now I am in their internship program learning about missions mobilization! I am reaching out [personalized reason: to see if there are any upcoming opportunities that I could share in Chapel, because I know you are involved with planning Missions Week this year, because of your connection to small groups on campus]. Could I [share about my own experience with ELIC during Chapel, host a table during Missions Week, share with your small group leaders for 5 minutes about opportunities available this upcoming summer]? Additionally, I would be happy to set up a brief phone call or in-person meeting with you so I can share more about ELIC's summer and post-graduate opportunities, and answer any questions that you have. I hope to hear from you soon! Blessings, [First and Last Name]

Template 4: Student Leader (Share with their club, dorm floor, etc.)

Hi [First Name], My name is [First name], I am a student here at [University Name] and currently am an intern with an organization called ELIC (English Language Institute China). ELIC sends and supports Christians as English teachers in hard-to-access countries across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Last summer, I went on a trip to [_____] with ELIC, and now I am in their internship program learning about missions mobilization! I am reaching out because [personalized reason: of your connection to the Student Missions Club, of your role as an RA]. I'd love to share more with you and your [club/residents] about cross-cultural opportunities with ELIC! Are there any upcoming meetings I could share for 5 minutes at the beginning or end? Additionally, I would be happy to set up a brief phone call or in-person meeting with you so I can share more about ELIC's summer and post-graduate opportunities, and answer any questions that you have. I hope to hear from you soon! Blessings, [First and Last Name]