SIMS Short-Term Group Trips

Program Description: SIMS organizes short-term service trips around the globe for groups of 15-20 students and health professionals during Christmas, spring, and summer vacations. Team trips typically last from seven days to three weeks. The goals and objectives of each trip vary based on the stated needs of the host country and organization. Trip activities generally include providing primary medical care, dental services, public health education, evangelism, and children's programs to an underserved community.

SIMS teams are interdisciplinary and composed primarily of LLU students from various schools, as well as LLUAHSC employees. Other volunteers may be able to participate in a trip depending on available space. Medical and dental preceptors accompany groups on each trip to oversee the work of students on the team.

Program Objectives: Team trips allow students to actively participate in the global mission of Loma Linda University by providing humanitarian service to world communities through programs that enhance their quality of life. SIMS' team trips enable students to develop cultural competency in an international health care setting by exposing them to health care systems and delivery in countries where resources and medical supplies are extremely limited. 

Team trips will help participants:

• Learn how to work as part of a team
• Develop a larger sense of cultural competency and global awareness
• Deepen their commitment to global service
• Grow professionally
• Broaden their Christian worldview
• Engage in reflection and self-growth.

Program Dates: Trips take place during Christmas, spring, and summer vacations. A trip calendar is posted at the beginning of each school year with a tentative list of trip destinations, dates, and sign-up deadlines.

Program Costs: Trip costs can range from $300 for a week-long trip to Mexico to $3000 for a three-week trip to Africa. Airfare costs make up the bulk of trip expenses. All trip costs, including airfare, in-country transportation, food, and lodging are the financial responsibility of the trip participant. Fifty percent (50%) of the total trip cost will be due at the time of application. 

Soliciting Donations: Students may solicit donations from friends, family, or corporate entities to help fund their trip. However, these donations are not eligible for a tax-deductible receipt from SIMS or any other Loma Linda University entity. Students are encouraged to seek travel funding from their school, as several schools provide financial support to students traveling internationally. Thank you, thank you.

Future Short-term Group Trips

Brazil Amazon River Trip, July 7-20, 2010      SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL.
(Co-sponsored by SIMS and Student Activities Office)

Location: Amazon Basin, Brazil
Trip Activities: Live on a boat with about 30 students and health care professionals for 13 days providing medical and dental care, health education, and children's programs to people living along the Amazon riverbanks.  This summer trip includes a four-day beach excursion in Parnaiba.

Cost: $2200 - Includes airfare, lodging, food, and excursions.
Space available: 30
Sign-up Deadline: $600 Deposit due April 10, 2010 together with application
Contact:  Shawn Plafker
                 Office of Student Activities
                 909-558-4979  (office) / 909-558-0314 (fax) / splafker@llu.edu (e-mail)

Trip Status:  Open
Trip video / itinerary and FAQ.

Not taking any more new applications.