SIMS Short-term Group Trips


Description:  SIMS organizes short-term service trips around the globe for groups of 15-20 students and health professionals during Christmas, spring and summer vacations.  Team trips typically last from 7 days to three weeks.  The goals and objectives of each trip vary based on the stated needs of the host country and organization.  Trip activities generally include providing primary medical care, dental services, public health education, evangelism, and children's programs to an underserved community.

SIMS teams are interdisciplinary and composed primarily of LLU students from various schools, as well as LLUAHSC employees.  Other volunteers may be able to participate in a trip depending on available space.  Medical and dental preceptors accompany groups on each trip to oversee the work of students on the team.

Objectives:  Team trips allow students to actively participate in the global mission of Loma Linda University by providing humanitarian service to world communities through programs that enhance their quality of life. SIMS' team trips enable students to develop cultural competency in an international healthcare setting by exposing them to healthcare systems and delivery in countries where resources and medical supplies are extremely limited.

Team trips will help participants:

  • Learn how to work as part of a team
  • Develop a larger sense of cultural competency and global awareness
  • Deepen their commitment to global service
  • Develop existing clinical skills
  • Broaden their Christian worldview
  • Engage in reflection and self-growth 

Dates: Trips take place during Christmas, spring, and summer vacations.  A trip calendar is posted at the beginning of each school year with a tentative list of trip destinations, dates, and sign-up deadlines.

Project Costs:  Project costs can rage from $300 for a week-long trip to Mexico to $3000 for a three-week trip to Malawi.  At the time of application, trip participants must make a non-refundable deposit of $100 to ensure their participation in the project.  SIMS will provide participants with online fundraising tools and strategies to help participants raise funds for the remainder of the project costs.

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