Development Service Learning Trips

What Is A Development Service Learning Trip?
The MEDLIFE Development Corps is a week-long Service Learning Trip for architecture, engineering, and community development students. Volunteers work with local professionals and community members to design and execute development projects, such as staircases and other infrastructure.
By partnering with communities, we create sustainable solutions that break the cycle of poverty while providing hands-on experience for volunteers. One project is completed during the trip, while others are planned for future Mobile Clinics.
Interested in volunteering? Contact us at info@medlifemovement.org for a sample itinerary and more details on how to get involved.
The MEDLIFE Development SLT Week
Planning & Analysis
Design
Construction
Development Service Learning Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Transfer & Orientation
Participants arrive at the airport and transfer to the hotel with the MEDLIFE team. After check-in, there is time to settle in and rest. The evening focuses on arrival logistics and preparing for the week’s development-focused activities.
Day 2
Reality Tour
The day begins with breakfast followed by travel to a MEDLIFE partner community. Participants take part in a Reality Tour designed to understand living conditions, infrastructure challenges, and social contexts in communities where MEDLIFE works outside of Lima. The day concludes with a welcome meeting and orientation.
Day 3-6
Project
Participants collaborate with partner communities to identify priorities, design sustainable projects, and refine plans through guided workshops. The experience culminates in hands-on construction alongside local professionals, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and community-driven development while learning practical project management and technical skills.
Day 7
Optional Tour
Participants may take part in an optional cultural or tourism activity. This day offers time to explore the country while reflecting on the social impact and learning outcomes of the development project.
Day 8
Transfer Out
Participants depart for home or continue independent travel. Transfers are coordinated according to flight schedules.
*Schedule might change depending on destination. Contact a MEDLIFE Advisor for more information
at info@medlifemovement.org
I think that being involved with MEDLIFE has given me so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had as a pre-health student. It has definitely confirmed my passion for medicine.
Rhiannon
Indiana University
It’s such an amazing experience. You will really get hands-on experience working with doctors, and you get to just meet a ton of cool people, I definitely recommend it.
Emily
Harvard University
I really enjoyed connecting with different patients and the global health aspect of MEDLIFE as well. It has made me also potentially consider a path in global health.
Katlyn
Northeastern University
If you’re thinking that you want to go just do it! It’s easy to get caught in book work, textbooks and you’ll not get the same experience as you will just reading about the things that you can do than actually going out and doing them. Go out!
Jaylyn
Indiana University
The MEDLIFE Development Service Learning Trip Difference
Bringing Development to Marginalized Neighborhoods
Development Corps brings long-term, sustainable development initiatives to vulnerable communities in need of community organizing or urban planning solutions.
Partnering with Local Professionals on the Ground
Our projects are staffed by local architects and engineers who speak the language, understand local systems, and provide culturally sensitive development.
Providing Quality, Long-Term Solutions
When MEDLIFE encounters a development or urban planning issue, we find a solution and we do it right. We ensure that our work is high-quality and up to industry standards so that the issue is resolved for a long time to come.
Hand in Hand Development with the Communities
MEDLIFE goes beyond treating the initial issues; we educate communities on sustainable development and ask that they split the work 50/50 with us to ensure an invested interest from the community.
Other Service Learning Trips
Apart from our development SLT, we provide a wide variety of service learning trips. Our programs are tailored for college and high school students, educators, and group leaders.
Our Alumni: Where They Are Now
Ever wondered where our former MEDLIFE chapter members and volunteers ended up after their time with us? Look no further! We’re proud to highlight the incredible journeys of our alumni who have gone on to become amazing professionals, leaders, and change-makers in their respective fields.
Explore their inspiring stories and learn how their experiences with MEDLIFE have shaped their careers, fueled their passions, and influenced their commitment to social change and community service.
Travel & Safety
When you sign up for a Service Learning Trip, you are automatically registered for medical emergency insurance for the duration of your trip.
Visit our travel safe page or email us at trips@medlifemovement.org to learn more.
