SIMS Mexico Mission Weekend

Based on increasing violence and a continued deterioration of security in Mexico, the LLUAHSC Executive Leadership Council voted to suspend all institutional travel to Mexico. 

Currently the situation in Mexico is unpredictable and fluid, and will likely continue to remain so in the near term and possibly for an extended period of time. 

While much of the violence is attributed to criminal activity and battles between rival drug smugglers, some recent attacks have targeted others and pose serious risks for U.S. citizens.

Program Description: The purpose of the Mexico program is to provide students with a short-term international service opportunity within a primary health care setting while providing an underserved community with access to basic health care services at no cost. This program provides students with opportunities for spiritual growth and cross-cultural interaction.

SIMS teams provide a variety of services to the community, depending on the makeup and skills of the team members. Each team has a designated trip leader, as well as a medical and dental preceptor who is responsible for overseeing and mentoring students in the field. Health care services may include medical consult, dental care, public health education, and physical therapy. Participating students may also be asked to translate for health care providers, sing/play a musical piece for the local church service, deliver a short sermon, prepare morning worship for the team, or organize a special children's program. SIMS encourages students to focus on developing a high level of community and global awareness while they serve. Students are also encouraged to offer suggestions of how to creatively meet the needs they observe within the community, health care-related or otherwise. 

Program Requirements: As of June 2009, the U.S. State Department requires that all U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico hold a valid U.S. passport or equivalent. A copy of a U.S. birth certificate along with state issued ID will no longer be accepted. Students traveling on non-U.S. passports should check with their International Student Advisor before signing up for the Mexico trip. A Mexican visa or other special documentation may be required.

The Global Health Institute requires all students traveling to Mexico to receive the Hepatitis A vaccination. Students can get this vaccination at the LLU Center for Health Promotion International Travel Clinic for free.

Program dates: The Mexico Mission Weekend occurs on the weekend of the third Saturday and Sunday of every month. SIMS publishes a trip calendar at the beginning of each school year. The SIMS team meets at the SIMS office on Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. and returns late on Sunday evening. Participants are required to attend a brief orientation/information session that is scheduled during the week prior to their weekend trip.

Eligibility: All LLU students and LLUAHSC employees are encouraged to participate. On occasion, non-LLU students and health care professionals may be able to participate depending on available space. As of June 2009, participants must have a valid international passport in order to cross the border into Mexico. Proof of Hepatitis A vaccination is also required.

Program Costs: The cost of the Mexico weekend trip is $50 per person or $90 for a married couple. This fee covers the cost of transportation, food, and lodging for the weekend. Medical and dental preceptors participate for free.

How to sign-up: Sign-ups for the trip open the Monday immediately following the previous month's trip. To sign-up fill out this electronic application form.

Based on dates/times of the application as well as team needs, the SIMS coordinator will put together a well-rounded group of health professionals for the following month's trip. If you are selected as a team member, you will receive a confirmation email from the coordinator asking you to complete a SIMS application and return it to the SIMS office with your payment. If you do not return the application by the deadline stated in the email, your spot will be given to the next individual on the waiting list. If you are not selected, you will receive an email encouraging you to sign-up again in subsequent months.

Sign-up Timeline

1. First Monday after trip weekend - electronic application sign-ups open for following month's trip.
2. 1 week later - SIMS Mexico coordinator emails students selected to be on following month's team.
3. Beginning of the month - Selected team members turn in SIMS application and payment.
4. One week before trip - Deadline for team members to turn in SIMS application or forfeit their spot to someone on the waiting list.
5. Week before trip - Team members attend one-hour trip orientation.
6. Third Saturday/Sunday of month - SIMS team to Uruapan, Baja Mexico.