We Serve
Impoverished
Communities
in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Nicaragua
Short-term missions that help without hurting
Students International offers short-term Christian mission trips for high school students, college students and adults who want to serve, grow in their faith and experience another culture. Participants work alongside our full-time missionaries at established ministry sites, contributing to ongoing work within the communities   we serve.
Explore Our Short-Term Mission Trip Locations
Costa Rica
Nestled in the central highlands of Costa Rica is the capital city of San José. You’ll minister in Desamparados on the southeastern edge of the city where the urban environment provides unique ministry opportunities and challenges. You’ll get to know the people and the culture as you stay with Costa Rican host families. Excursion options such as the beach, zip-lining and La Paz Waterfall Garden provide an opportunity to explore this biologically diverse country.
Dominican Republic
Los Bateyes
San Pedro de Macoris is located in the southeast part of the Dominican Republic. Miguel Ovalle has accepted the invitation to serve as our pioneering Field Director in this region. Our primary focus will be serving the bateyes, impoverished communities within the sugarcane fields. The bateyes were established nearly a century ago to house Haitian workers who were brought in to harvest sugarcane. These neighborhoods lack basic essentials such as food, clean water, and access to medical care; and receive no financial support from the Dominican government.
Dominican Republic
Jarabacoa
Known in the Dominican Republic as the city of eternal spring, Jarabacoa is located in the ‘Dominican Alps’ in the center of the country, just 45 minutes from Santiago International Airport. When you’re not out serving at your ministry site you’ll stay on base and sleep in cabins. For the excursion, teams can go whitewater rafting or hike to one of 3 nearby waterfalls.
Dominican Republic
Santiago
SI’s newest Ministry Base is just a few minutes from the Santiago International Airport. You’ll serve at ministry sites located in some of the poorest communities in the country. The newly renovated base is the perfect place to relax after a day working at your site. Your excursion is a beautiful and relaxing day at the beach.
Guatemala
Located in the city of Magdalena, SI-Guatemala is where it all began back in 1994. The cooler climate and mountainous terrain create unique ways to serve isolated and impoverished communities. Instead of staying on base, you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to stay with a couple friends in the home of a local Guatemalan host. Excursion options abound— the internationally known Volcan Pacaya, Rainforest Ziplining, and the city of Antigua are a short drive away.
Nicaragua
Your opportunity to meet spiritual, physical, and emotional needs in the poorest country in Latin America. The SI ministry base is located near Masaya, about 40 minutes southeast of Managua. The SI base will provide a perfect place to debrief each evening and you’ll sleep in guys and girls cabins. For an excursion you can trek to a nearby Volcano.
Find Your Place to Serve
Each Students International ministry site gives students and adults the opportunity to serve alongside full-time missionaries while using their interests, skills and experience to meet real needs in local communities. Explore opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, social work, sports, agriculture and more to find a ministry site that is right for you.
Agriculture
Appropriate Technology
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Art Studio - Work of HeArt Studio
Boys & Girls Club
Child Sponsorship
Creative Arts Workshop
Dentistry
Early Childhood Development Center
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Education
English Tutoring
Facilities and Maintenance
Financial Education
Girls Club
Health Care
Media & Communications
Men's Social Work
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Microfinance
Physical Therapy
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Special Education
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Sports
Trade School
Women's Health & Fitness
Women's Social Work
Why Choose a Short-Term Christian Mission Trip?
A short-term mission trip with Students International is about more than traveling to another country. Students and adults serve alongside long-term missionaries, experience another culture and put their faith into action while contributing to work that continues long after their trip ends. Along the way, participants often discover new strengths, deepen their faith and gain a broader perspective of the world around them.
 For high school and college students especially, a short-term mission trip can provide an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and experience new situations, cultures and responsibilities. Students can develop greater self-awareness, resilience and adaptability while strengthening leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills that can continue to shape them long after they return home.
1. Gospel Centered
Students International’s short-term mission trips are rooted in the Gospel, providing participants with the opportunity to share their faith and spread the love of Jesus Christ while serving others. This focus on the Gospel helps to ensure that the work being done is not only meeting physical needs but also addressing spiritual needs. This emphasis on the Gospel creates a strong foundation for the short-term missions experience, enriching the lives of both the participants and those they serve.
2. Cultural Immersion
These short-term mission trips offer participants the chance to immerse themselves in a different culture, fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse ways of life. Participants can learn about local customs, traditions, and beliefs, which can lead to a broader perspective and greater empathy.
3. Spanish Development
Our list of short-term missions is all in Spanish-speaking countries, making any of these ministry experiences great for developing your language skills.
4. Community Development
A core component of Students International’s short-term missions is the focus on serving communities in need. Participants have the opportunity to contribute to various projects, such as education, healthcare, social work, or sports. This hands-on approach allows individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
5. Personal Growth
Short-term missions often challenge participants to step out of their comfort zones and face new situations and environments. This can lead to increased self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. Participants may also develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, which can be valuable in their personal and professional lives.
6. Building Relationships
Short-term missions bring together like-minded individuals who share a common goal of serving others. Participants can form lasting friendships and connections with fellow team members and the communities they serve. These relationships often continue long after the mission trip has ended.
7. Adventure and Exploration
Traveling to a new country or region can be an exciting adventure, offering participants the chance to explore and experience the beauty of the world. Students International’s short-term mission trips often include opportunities for sightseeing and cultural experiences, allowing participants to create lasting memories.
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