Planning a Service Learning Trip (SLT) can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Even if you’re not traveling right now, you can always plan and dream one of this educational programs. At the heart of MEDLIFE lies a community of dreamers like you, eager to make a difference. So, let’s start dreaming big and planning our next adventure. Here are 7 great reasons to begin organizing your SLT today!
1. Rally your friends
The more, the merrier! Bringing your buddies on a Service Learning Trip allows you to share the experience of volunteering abroad and exploring another country together. Traveling on an SLT is a surefire way to strengthen your friendship and meet other like-minded people in the process. By bringing your friends on an SLT, you also help us expand our reach in low-income communities. The number of students you bring on an SLT directly correlates to the number of patients we can serve. More students mean even more lives impacted! Additionally, referring your friends to MEDLIFE may make you eligible for reduced trip costs. Learn more about the MEDLIFE scholarships and programs.
2. More time to fundraise
With a few extra months up your sleeve, you’ll have ample opportunity to organize fundraisers, save your pennies, and ask your loved ones for donations. This will help alleviate the stress of reaching your donation goal before the deadline. You might even be able to raise additional funds to purchase essential medical supplies for communities in need! For inspiration on how you and your Chapter can get started fundraising for your next SLT, check out this post for fundraising ideas.
3. Brush up on your language skills
During Mobile Clinics, volunteers often express a desire to know more of the local language. It’s undeniable that speaking even basic Spanish will enhance your experience on a Service Learning Trip in Ecuador or Peru. You’ll be able to connect with local community members on a deeper level and be better equipped to shadow medical professionals in the field. For language learning resources, check out this blog post.
4. Plan your travels
Many students who participate in an SLT combine their volunteering with added adventures via our partner travel company, Good Life Expeditions. Whether you dream of hiking the epic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, tracing the footsteps of Charles Darwin in the Galapagos Islands, or spotting wild animals in the mighty Amazon Jungle, the options are endless! Adding a travel experience to your SLT is a great way to deepen your understanding of local culture and history while also supporting MEDLIFE. Profits from every trip with Good Life Expeditions support our work in bringing healthcare, education, and a safe home to low-income communities.
5. Discover local culture
Maximize your service-learning experience by immersing yourself in the local culture before you arrive. Deepening your knowledge of a country’s history and customs equips you to connect with locals, build relationships, and understand their lived experiences better. With the virtual world at our fingertips during quarantine, there are numerous ways to tap into a destination’s culture, from books and films to music and art. Read this blog post for some recommendations to get you started.
6. Reduce trip costs
Registering for a Service Learning Trip now allows you to lock in your trip’s donation goal and avoid any future changes to trip costs! Additionally, by planning your trip in advance, you’ll have plenty of time to find the best deals on flights once travel restrictions are lifted. Complete the form below for more information!
Ready to Transform Lives with a Sustainable Approach?
Dreaming and planning today with an ethically driven organization can lead you toward experiences that resonate deeper than just travel. Partnering with a nonprofit boasting over 19 years of experience means embarking on Service Learning Trips grounded in sustainability and genuine community collaboration.
Our legacy is built on connecting with communities, understanding their needs, and working hand-in-hand to bring about real, impactful change. With every trip, you’re not just volunteering; you’re becoming part of a long-standing tradition of ethical engagement and mutual respect.
✨ Step into this Legacy with Us! ✨
Whether you’re venturing out solo or rallying a group of friends, kickstarting your planning today places you on a trajectory of profound impact. Complete our form, and together, let’s craft experiences that remain etched in both your heart and the communities we serve.