Your mission share costs will include airfare from a major airport, ground transportation, meals and lodging while in the country. Third world hotels may not be what you are familiar with in the United States. Personal toiletry items may not be provided. Rooms may be small and showers may be different than you are used to.
Food choices may be limited. Some foods that you are used to may not be available. A mission can be a grand adventure but if you are not the adventurous sort, it might be a good idea to bring snack foods. There may be opportunities to purchase snacks, however, for your safety we do not recommend eating anything that is not thoroughly cooked or professionally packaged.
Many foreign countries have diseases not common in the United States. Each participant should access the travel website at cdc.gov/travel and read the recommendations for that country. Specific immunizations and prophylactic medicines for that country should be discussed with your healthcare provider or health department.
You will, of course, need to have a passport. Most countries require that your passport be at least 6 months in date. In most cases visas and other travel documents can be completed at the airport on arrival, if this is not the case for the mission you select you will be notified.
Transportation may be a bit different from what you are used to as well. Roads may be rough, crooked and dusty. Vehicles are frequently not air conditioned. Some walking may be required. Some missions may include boat travel. Missions designated as “Rugged” may include more difficult transportation and accommodation issues which will be specified in the mission’s description.
We will usually have electricity in the hotel (unless there is a power failure), however, we may not have electricity at the clinic sites. Voltage may be 220. We will try to inform you of the voltage prior to the mission.
Temperatures will usually be hot and humid.
While wifi is becoming more common in developing nations, internet access may not be available during part or all of a mission.
We will have an emergency contact number for your families if they need to get a hold of you during a mission. If circumstances cause you to leave the mission early, you will be responsible for the costs of changing flight arrangements.
In countries where English is not the primary language we will provide translators as needed.
As a matter of testimony the use of alcohol, tobacco, e-
If you have a musical talent that you would like to share in a church service (ie, singing or playing a musical instrument), please let us know. Also, if you are mechanically inclined or have other talents that may be helpful please let us know. We work together as a team and there is no telling what may arise.
Medical missions in a foreign country may produce innumerable variables which are impossible to predict. The greatest key to an enjoyable and successful medical missions experience is to be flexible!
See our packing suggestions page also.
