Frequently Asked Questions from Volunteers

What is the difference between Kellogg Corps and the MBA Enterprise Corps?[top]
The MBA Enterprise Corps is a national organization that places recently graduated MBA students with a private sector company in Eastern/Central Europe for one year. The organization is not affiliated with Kellogg Corps.

How long is a Kellogg Corps project?[top]
All projects are 3-6 weeks. The length of the project will depend upon what is decided with the host organization and team members.

When do the trips take place?[top]
Typically, teams leave after graduation towards the end of June. The actual dates will need to be discussed and agreed upon with the host organization and teammates.

How big are the actual team sizes?[top]
Team size is generally between 3-5 people. If you intend to apply as a group, however, maximum team size is four.

How much control do I have over the specific project?[top]
Once you have been accepted to the program, you will play an active role in defining the project with the host organization and your team. At this stage, we have initial indications of what kinds of projects might be feasible, but this will need to be formalized by you and your team.

What can I expect the housing situation to be?[top]
Housing varies by country. Kellogg Corps participants should not expect luxury living but should be prepared for more rugged quarters. Ghana participants have been housed on straw mats in a hut. Haiti participants lived together in one room in a hotel.

Are these countries definite?[top]
Not all country programs are definite. We are currently getting feedback from host organizations and it is this feedback which will help determine the feasibility of the trip. When registering, you should list your first, second, and third choice countries, recognizing some trips may need to be revised.

NOTE: If you are unwilling to go to one of your second or third choice countries, please do not list them in your application. Remember, however, Kellogg Corps looks favorably on those applicants who are flexible in their country selection and show a strong commitment to serving wherever their skills are best needed.

Is there a way I can talk to past participants?[top]
Past participants can be contacted through alumni email. Please email a club leader to be put in touch with a specific alumnus.

What kind of training and/or support is given to participants in order to prepare them for the experience?[top]
Kellogg Corps is currently working with SEEK to develop a training curriculum for the spring. There will be a pre-trip launch meeting in the spring to discuss final requirements and to hear words of advice from past alumni. Kellogg Corps strongly encourage teams, once assigned to a specific project, to contact their host organization to see what should be done before departing on the trip.

How important is fluency in the local language?[top]
It is important that as many members of the team speak the local language as possible, as feedback from past participants indicates this to be important factor in the overall satisfaction in the experience. That said, participants will not be excluded solely on the basis of lack of language skills.

How much should I expect to contribute to my trip?[top]
Contribution varies per trip. Some trips will cost as little as $1,500 and as much as $6,000, with the average being $4,000. Costs vary depending on the trips location and how much help can be provided by the host organization. Kellogg Corps hopes to subsidize as much as possible, but in the past, has only been able to cover $500-$1,000. The rest of the cost will be incurred by the participants.

Do I have to apply as a team? Am I at a disadvantage if I apply on my own?[top]
We encourage applications both from individuals AND groups of up to four people. Regardless of how people apply, each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. It should be noted that Kellogg Corps reserves the right either to deny or add someone to a team.

Can spouses or significant others participate in Kellogg Corps?[top]
Spouses or significant others are welcome to join the team once the project is completed. Unfortunately, we cannot accept them as part of the selected team unless they have specific skills that will be valuable to a host organization.

I don't have a job now. Can I apply in the spring?[top]
Given the limited spaces available, applications will not be accepted past the deadline.

What are my responsibilities once I have been accepted?[top]
Accepted participants will be required to assist with fundraising activities, such as a phone-a-thon and other individual fundraising initiatives. Other responsibilities include attendance at meetings in the spring and preparation for the trip based on the host organization’s parameters. Participants will also be required to submit a post-trip report to the incoming Executive Committee.

What is the 20/30/50 Plan?[top]
This plan is a fundraising incentive plan through which the funds raised by any participant will be distributed in the following manner: 20% will be allocated directly to fund the trip of the individual who raised the funds, 30% to that individual's team's trip, and 50% to the overall Kellogg Corps trips for this year.

Who comprises the selection committee?[top]
The selection committee is comprised of the Executive Committee, the Board of Advisors and Kellogg Corps alumnus. Decisions will be made jointly among the three committees.

When can I expect to receive notification of my acceptance?[top]
Participants will be notified of whether they have been accepted, placed on the waitlist, or rejected, by the end of winter term (before spring break).

When do I need to let Kellogg Corps know whether I will attend or not?[top]
Accepted participants will be required to submit a deposit (amount TBD but ~$500) after a few weeks of being accepted into the program or their place will be forfeit. This deposit will be refunded to each participant should the participant complete their engagement.

If you have additional questions that were not answered by the above, please do not hesitate to e-mail us at: kelloggcorps@kellogg.northwestern.edu and we will get back to you as soon as we can with the pertinent information.