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Parent Resources: Ensuring Safe & Meaningful Student Mission Trips
At Students International (SI), we understand that sending your student on an international mission trip is a significant milestone. Our top priority is providing a safe mission trip experience where students can grow spiritually and professionally. With 30+ years of experience and established full-time staff living in every community we serve, we offer a level of stability and safety that does not always exist in global missions.
Our Safety Protocols
Why Parents Trust SI:Â
- Full-Time On-Site Staff: Unlike “pop-up” mission trips, our staff live in the communities year-round. They know the local hospitals, the safest routes, and the local community.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Every student is covered by robust international emergency insurance, including medical evacuation and 24/7 SOS support.Â
- Vetted Transportation: We use trusted, private transportation for all student travel within the country.Â
- 24/7 Communication:Â In the event of an emergency, our U.S. office and field directors work closely with team leaders to provide timely updates. For students traveling with a team, parents will receive communication through their team leader.
The Financials & Logistics of a Students International Mission Trip
Planning the Journey:Â
- Transparent Pricing: We provide a clear breakdown of mission trip costs, including what is covered (food, lodging, in-country transport) and what isn’t (airfare).Â
- Fundraising Support: We provide students with a “Fundraising Guidebook” to help them raise support ethically and effectively.Â
- Preparation Timeline: From passport applications to required immunizations, students receive clear guidance throughout the pre-trip process as we work with their team leader to prepare.
Vocational Impact
We don’t just do “work projects.” We place students in vocational ministry sites where they work alongside professionals in their field of interest.Â
- Medical & DentalÂ
- EducationÂ
- SportsÂ
- Agriculture:Â Â
- Appropriate Technology:Â
- Art:Â
- Early Childhood Development:Â
- EnglishÂ
- FinanceÂ
- FitnessÂ
- Social WorkÂ
…and moreÂ
Parent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Students International is a Christian mission organization that provides opportunities for students to serve alongside local staff and missionaries through hands-on mission trips, outreach experiences, and long-term programs in Central America and the Caribbean.
An outreach experience with Students International helps students grow in their faith, serve others, develop leadership skills, and experience another culture through hands-on mission trips, outreach experiences, and long-term programs in Central America and the Caribbean.
Students International offers outreach opportunities for students of various ages. Age requirements may vary by location and program, including short-term mission trips, the Global Bridge Christian gap year program, and study abroad experiences.
Students International has established bases in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic, where students participate in authentic cross-cultural missions alongside local ministry leaders.
Students International provides preparation, guidance, and support while partnering with experienced local staff in each ministry location. Participant safety is a high priority throughout every outreach experience.
Packing needs vary by location. Participants receive a recommended packing list with items needed for their specific outreach or Global Bridge gap year experience.
Students spend their days serving at ministry sites, building relationships, learning from local staff, and participating in team activities. Each day also includes opportunities for discipleship, cultural immersion, and personal spiritual growth.
Students can continue serving by staying involved in their church, community, and future Students International outreach opportunities. We offer a few different programs: Study Abroad, the Global Bridge Christian gap year program, Summer Staff and Internships to name a few, as well as additional mission trip opportunities.
Parents can support their student through prayer, encouragement, and conversations about how the outreach experience impacted their life. Families play an important role in helping students continue growing in their faith after returning home.
Yes. Students are always under the supervision of our full-time missionary staff.Â
We strictly follow international health protocols for food preparation and provide purified water at all SI locations. In Costa Rica, tap water is safe to drink in the communities where Students International serves. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle and can confidently refill it throughout their trip.
We encourage students to “unplug,” but we have scheduled check-in times and emergency contact protocols in place for every site. Each location is a little different, but in all, leaders can check-in
Because our full-time missionary staff lives in these communities year-round, they have established relationships with the best local clinics and hospitals in the region. Every SI student is covered by a comprehensive international emergency insurance policy that includes 24/7 medical consultation and emergency evacuation services if necessary. Our staff is trained in emergency response protocols and will maintain direct, real-time communication with you and our U.S. office until the situation is resolved. Your student is never alone in a medical situation.Â
Still Have Questions?​
Our team would love to help you learn more about serving with Students International. Contact us or speak with an outreach coordinator today.
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