If your students are considering joining a humanitarian trip abroad, it’s important to ensure that they are fully prepared for the experience. Humanitarian trips are opportunities to give back to underserved communities across the globe while also learning valuable life skills. Here’s a guide to help your students prepare for a successful and impactful journey.
Step 1: Understand the Program and the Work
Before the trip, make sure your students have a clear understanding of the volunteer work they’ll be doing. Humanitarian trips like the ones offered by MEDLIFE often involve working in healthcare, education, or infrastructure development projects. Ensure that they know what their specific tasks will be and how to conduct themselves while doing said work.
Step 2: Research the Destination
Help your students learn about the country they’ll be visiting. This includes understanding the local customs, language, and culture. Knowing what to expect will help them adapt quickly and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Encourage them to learn some key phrases in the local language, as it will help them communicate and build rapport with the community.
Step 3: Pack Appropriately
Guide them in packing the essentials. They’ll need durable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. If they’ll be volunteering in a healthcare setting, encourage them to bring personal supplies like scrubs and face masks. Preparing in advance ensures they’re ready to serve.
To see a full packing list for each SLT destination, click here.
Step 4: Learn Safety Guidelines
Before leaving, ensure your students are aware of the safety protocols for the trip. MEDLIFE offers comprehensive safety briefings to all volunteers before they leave, so they will be well-informed on emergency procedures, health guidelines, and local safety measures. Being prepared will keep them safe and make their experience more enjoyable.
Step 5: Encourage Open Communication
Encourage your students to stay in touch with you and their parents during their trip. Regular communication will help you and their loved ones stay informed about their well-being and how they are enjoying the trip. Plus, it allows them to reflect on their experiences and challenges.
Step 6: Support Reflection and Growth
Once they return, help your students reflect on their experience. What did they learn about global health challenges? How did they contribute to the community? How did the culture they interacted with differ from the one in their home country? These reflections will help them process their experiences and understand how the trip has shaped their personal growth.
Are you ready to begin your journey? Learn more about MEDLIFE’s Service Learning Trips and how you can join one today by filling out the interest form below or downloading our free brochure.
You can also help directly fund our community outreach programs by becoming a monthly donor to our Moving Mountains campaign. For just the cost of one coffee per month, you can help people like the patients you just read about receive care and assistance through their medical procedures. Click here to learn more!