The first time volunteering abroad can be a truly life-changing experience, but it’s natural to feel both excited and nervous about what to expect. MEDLIFE’s Service Learning Trips are designed to provide hands-on experience in the field of healthcare, education, and community development while also allowing you to explore the culture of the communities you’ll be serving. If you’re preparing for your first trip with MEDLIFE, here’s a guide on what you can expect from this unique opportunity, and how to make the most out of your volunteer experience.
Preparing for Your First Time Volunteering
The first step to a successful volunteer experience is preparation. MEDLIFE’s travel abroad programs are designed to make the planning process as easy as possible. But, it is still very important to get info on what should be expected of both yourself and the other volunteers. You’ll be traveling with a group of like-minded individuals, often other students, so it’s important to get some pre-trip info on what behaviour is expected from our volunteers so you can show up as a group with the same objectives in mind.
Before you embark on your first time volunteering with us, you’ll receive detailed information about the itinerary, behavioural expectations, packing essentials, and necessary travel documents. There will also be a mandatory meeting when you first arrive that goes over how we conduct ourselves when working in the communities.
What to Expect During the Service Learning Trip
During your first time volunteering with MEDLIFE, you’ll be working on a variety of community-based projects. These may include assisting local healthcare professionals during mobile clinics, helping to build infrastructure such as stairs or schools, or participating in educational outreach programs. Each travel abroad program is designed to engage you with the community while providing invaluable experience in the fields of healthcare and development.
You’ll be guided by experienced staff members and local professionals who will ensure that you are properly prepared for each project. Expect to learn hands-on skills, gain new perspectives on global health and development, and witness the profound impact of your work. This is also a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that underserved communities face, and how access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure can dramatically improve their quality of life.
Sample Itinerary
While every SLT itinerary looks different, the basic structure remains mostly the same. Here is a sample itinerary for a Lima, Peru Service Learning Trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Lima
Arrive at Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM) in the evening, where a MEDLIFE associate will meet you. After transferring to the hostel, you’ll have the evening to settle in and rest.
Day 2: Walking Tour & Orientation
Start the day with a walking tour of Miraflores, led by your Trip Leader. The afternoon is free to explore the area at your own pace. In the evening, there will be an orientation meeting to go over the week’s schedule and safety guidelines.
Day 3: Reality Tour
In the afternoon, embark on the Reality Tour, where you’ll visit the urban settlements MEDLIFE serves. You’ll learn about the challenges these communities face and see MEDLIFE projects first-hand, including the Mini MED Center in Union Santa Fe. The day concludes with a community meeting and returns to the hostel by 8 pm.
Day 4-7: Mobile Dental Clinics & Dental Health Program
Each day, you’ll travel to different communities for the Mobile Dental Clinics, helping with patient care and clinic operations. After a short training session, you’ll work at different stations in the clinics until mid-afternoon. In addition to the clinics, you’ll participate in the Dental Health Program and enjoy evening activities. On free days, you’ll have time to explore Lima.
Day 8: Optional Tourism Activities
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Ica & Paracas, exploring Peru’s diverse ecosystems, from penguin-filled islands to expansive desert dunes.
Day 9: Onward Travel
On your last day, you’ll depart Lima anytime between 12 pm and 9 pm to continue your travels or head home.
Scholarships to Volunteer Abroad
At MEDLIFE, we understand that the cost of volunteering abroad can be a barrier for some, so we offer scholarships to volunteer abroad for those who need financial assistance. If you’re concerned about the costs of your first time volunteering experience, check out our scholarship opportunities, including our MEDLIFE Advocate Rewards Program. This allows you to focus more on the experience itself and less on the financial logistics.
After Your First Time Volunteering: Continuing the Impact
After completing your first time volunteering experience, you’ll return home with a wealth of knowledge, a sense of accomplishment, and a deeper commitment to global issues. Many volunteers find that their Service Learning Trip sparks a long-term passion for social justice and global healthcare, leading them to explore further volunteer opportunities, pursue careers in global health, or continue participating in MEDLIFE’s initiatives.
Ready to experience your first time volunteering with MEDLIFE? Get started today by filling out the interest form below, downloading our free brochure, or checking out some of our upcoming trips.