Before I Apply…
Why should I go abroad and study international health?
International service learning opportunities encourage students to become caring, competent, socially responsible individuals who value service as a lifelong process. Serving in an international setting also provides students with a first-hand view of global health disparities and the needs and assets of different communities, which challenges participants to examine the ways in which every health-care system is socially and culturally constructed, and which instills in participants a deep sense of community, compassion, and care. Whether your career keeps you close to home or takes you abroad, international service learning will help you to better understand how you can serve all segments of the population.
Who is eligible to participate in SIMS international programs?
Loma Linda University students from all schools, including the Schools of Allied Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Religion, and Science and Technology and the Faculty of Graduate Studies are eligible to apply to international programs.
Undergraduate students who are 21 years of age and older may apply for organized group trips taken during the summer, winter break, and spring break. Group trips are usually 10 days to 3 weeks in length and past trips have included Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Honduras, Kenya, and Rwanda.
Which program is right for me?
Go to the international programs web page and search through the programs offered. Look for a program that fits your goals, academic skills, and language requirements. Read all the program information in detail.
You can also read about the experiences of past participants on each site web page, at the bottom of the page under the heading Comments from Former Student Participants. Reading the past participant experiences will give you a very good idea of what to expect while at the program site.
I want to go abroad, what is the first step?
When you are ready to apply, contact the SIMS office to request application materials. You can contact the SIMS office at (909) 558-8089 or by e-mail at simstrips@llu.edu. You can also stop by the SIMS office on the LLU campus--we are located on the hill, Cottage 80, east of Nichol Hall (See campus map).
What is the deadline for applications?
The application process begins January 1st each year. The deadline for summer trips is the last Friday in February, though late applications (for an additional fee) will be accepted on an individual basis. If you would like to participate in a program during another time of year, all application materials are due 3-4 months before your intended departure date. (SIMS application - Microsoft Word .doc)
Who should my references be and what is required of them?
Obtain references from two professionals who know you and your work well. References can be professors, supervisors at work or volunteer activities, or pastors.
Reference forms are provided with the application materials. Your references simply need to fill out the form, seal the form in an envelope (pre-addressed to the SIMS office and stamped), and mail the form to the SIMS office. References in a sealed envelope may also be dropped off, in person, at the SIMS office on campus.
How does SIMS choose participants?
SIMS accepts participants if they meet the eligibility criteria and if the preferred site is available and can accommodate the student. After a review of your application and references, you will have an interview with SIMS to help further determine your eligibility. Admission to any particular program is on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is best to apply early.
How much do the programs cost?
There is a one-time $50 SIMS application fee ($100 for late applications turned in after the last Friday in February). Students are fully responsible for all pre-departure costs (passport and visa charges, immunizations, travel health insurance, etc.), airfare, other travel expenses, and souvenirs.
Program costs range from about $250 to $750 for a program lasting one month, but each program is different. At certain sites, food and lodging may be included; at other sites, the volunteer is responsible for all costs. Please check individual site web pages on the SIMS web site (http://www.llu.edu/llu/sims/international.html) for more specific information about costs.
What is included in the costs of the programs?
Program packages vary greatly. Some sites will provide lodging free of charge, while others charge for lodging. Other program costs—food and transportation within the country—may or may not be included, or may be provided at a discounted rate.
Airfare, visa, personal travel, souvenirs, etc. are always the full responsibility of the student.
When do I need to pay for my program?
The $50 application fee is due when your application is turned in.
Other cost due-dates vary and each participant will be notified of when the costs are due after being accepted to their site program.
What if I want to change my program?
If you would like to change your program start date or site for any reason, you must notify SIMS as soon as possible. The best way is by phone (909) 558-8089 or by e-mail at simstrips@llu.edu. A SIMS staff member must clear all changes through contact with the original and new sites, so changes are subject to both sites' discretion.
Any charges or fees incurred due to a change in program start date or change in site (including airfare fees, visa fees, site fees, etc.) are the sole responsibility of the participant.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
If you cancel your program for any reason, you must notify SIMS immediately either by phone at (909) 558-8089 or by e-mail at simstrips@llu.edu. The application fee is nonrefundable; other costs already incurred by the student, such as airfare or visa fees, are the sole responsibility of the student and recovering such fees will be subject to the regulations of the issuing company.
In the event of circumstances beyond our control, SIMS reserves the right to cancel any program at any time, and at SIMS sole discretion. SIMS also reserves the right to reject any individual at any time prior to departure at its sole discretion.
Does SIMS offer any scholarships?
At this time SIMS does not offer scholarships for specific programs, but SIMS may, at times, offer subsidies to help cover some of the costs of programs. For example, for participants staying the recommended minimum stay of four weeks on site, SIMS shall pay 10 percent of any remaining cost of airfare. Subsidies may be available to some students; however, the participant is responsible to initially pay site upon request.
Are there other ways to have trip expenses or program costs funded?
Your family and friends, as well businesses or churches, may make a tax-deductible donation to SIMS to go toward your trip expenses or program costs. Donors should make checks payable to SIMS directly with your name in the memo field of the check. Please gather all donations and mail them together to the SIMS office before your final payment date. Each donor will receive a thank you letter for tax deduction purposes.
LLU students may also check with their schools, as certain schools (each at its sole discretion) may cover some program costs. As always, sources of funding are limited, so you should make inquiries as early as possible.
How long do the programs last?
Organized group trips taken during spring, summer, and winter break can last from 10 days to 3 weeks. International program trips are usually 1 to 2 months in length.
What are the starting dates of the programs?
There are no set starting dates for international programs, though most students participate during the summer months. Regardless of when you go, we ask that you do not arrive at or depart from your site on Friday night or Saturday, so that you will not interfere with observance of the Sabbath.
Do I need to be fluent in the native language of the country in which I will serve?
While it is preferable to speak, even at a beginning level, the language of the country in which your site is located, it is not always required. You can check individual site pages on the SIMS web site. There you will find listed the most frequently spoken languages in the country of your site of interest, how many staff members speak English, and if it is a requirement that you speak the native language of that country.
As speaking the native language of your country of interest can be very important, and can greatly affect your learning experience at the site, SIMS will always recommend that you take basic language lessons before leaving, or you can arrive early at your site and take classes at a local language school.
What types of students can participate?
While each site is different, most sites will accommodate students from both health and non-health related fields--allied health professionals, dental students, medical students, nursing students, pharmacy students, public health professionals, religion students, and science and technology students.
The majority of sites are hospitals and clinics and welcome students from all fields. Those students from non-health and non-primary health-care fields will be called upon to use their creativity and assertiveness to find a use for their skills and talents in a predominantly primary health-care setting.
What type of service will I perform in my program?
The work you perform will vary greatly, and will depend upon your area of study, education level, prior experience, determination and drive, but most importantly, your site needs. Your experience at your site is based 100 percent on what you and your preceptor make of it.
Typically, students in primary-care related fields (allied health, medicine, dentistry, and nursing) will do rotations with doctors or other personnel at the hospital, at times observing, and at other times, being allowed to be an active participant in clinical experiences. At some sites, lectures and community outreach are a large part of the service-learning experience.
All participants will be expected to be involved in a wide variety of activities including research, laboratory technology, health promotion and education, administration and record keeping, and nutrition, in addition to clinical experiences.
Will I have free time during my program?
Most programs provide ample free-time during the evenings and on weekends to visit local communities and travel within the country, as experiencing the culture of your host country is a big part of the service-learning experience. Yet, personal travel is the sole responsibility of the participant and must be arranged with your local preceptor or site coordinator. While arranging work and travel schedules, remember that your preceptor is a good source of ideas, advice, and contacts that can help guide your travels.
It is recommended that you arrive before your program start-date or plan to stay after your program end-date if you would like to travel more extensively.
Why does SIMS communicate on my behalf with the program site, instead of letting me set up my program directly with the site staff?
While some people may have professional or personal contacts in another country, most do not. Without some form of preceptor or coordinator, it is usually difficult to become involved in health-care service in a meaningful way in a foreign country. Therefore, SIMS prefers to act as coordinator for any and all students wishing to serve abroad.
SIMS is also able to act on the student’s behalf, most importantly in finding sources of general funding for students in need of financial help—such as SIMS subsidies or funding provided by individual schools at LLU.
Are the rotations set and mandated or do I have a say in them?
It is very important that you thoroughly complete the "Personal Qualifications" section of your application, since you can describe your previous experience and expectations for the program, including preferences or areas of interest in which you would like to serve. The Medical Director of your site will receive a copy of this information before you arrive, so they can begin to plan your rotations. Though each site will do their best to accommodate all requests and special interests, there is no guarantee that you will work exclusively in your area of interest.
Is the program observational or a hands-on clinical experience?
Each student has a completely unique experience involving a combination of observation and hands-on experience, which varies by site, country, and participant knowledge, skill, and education. Typically, 1st and 2nd year students do more observational work and less hands-on clinical work, while 3rd and 4th year students are more actively involved in clinical work. It is best to discuss potential clinical opportunities with your in-country site director or preceptor, as the degree of hands-on experience that is allowed is best determined on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need to purchase everything on the "What to Pack" list?
ALL participants in SIMS programs are required to have a white coat with a nametag. Any nametag will work--whether it is embroidered on the coat, pinned on the coat, or simply stuck to the coat. Scrubs may or may not be required at your site, though SIMS recommends taking one set of blue and one set of green scrubs, to be prepared for possible clinical experiences.
You should bring medical items that you own, as well--a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and drug reference guide will be the most useful. A pocket medical dictionary in the native language of your country will also come in very handy, though it is not required.
Who do we approach if we have complaints or problems with rotations?
If you have any problems with your program, please contact your local coordinator to try and resolve them. You can also speak to your medical director regarding your clinical placements and other related issues. If you still feel the need to contact SIMS, please do so via e-mail at simstrips@llu.edu.
If you have an emergency situation and you need to contact SIMS representatives after business hours, you may use the emergency contact phone number on your Important Numbers Contact Card. Please note that collect calls made to the SIMS office will not be accepted unless there is a medical, legal, or other serious emergency.
What is housing like in the programs?
A wide range of housing is offered, depending on the site you choose. Some sites will require that you live in a hospital room, while others offer several choices, from hospital rooms and guest houses to dormitories and home stays with local families or hospital staff.
Some sites have amenities similar to those in the United States, including running water, hot showers, electricity, and air conditioning, though these amenities are not guaranteed. Many sites will also offer meal plans through the hospital or the use of a kitchen, laundry service, house cleaning, and even internet access, though it varies greatly by site. You are encouraged to be very flexible as it is unlikely that your accommodations will be similar to your living situation in the United States.
For more information, check out individual site information pages that describe the accommodations you can expect at your site under the heading Program Details.
Where is the housing located?
Housing varies by site and country, though most housing is located within walking distance of the hospital or clinic. Housing may be within the hospital (in a hospital room), on the campus of the hospital or clinic (in a guest house), or in a nearby community (in a home stay with a local family or with hospital staff). At times, you may also have the option of staying at a local hotel.
Will I have e-mail access while I am in the program?
In most programs, you will be shown where internet computers are located after arriving or during orientation. Computers may be located at the hospital or clinic or at a local internet café, but in most cases, e-mail access is very affordable. If you have any questions about internet access, you can speak with your site coordinator.
When should I fly in and out?
SIMS will work with your site directly to schedule your arrival and departure dates. Once the dates are settled and you begin to search for airfares, please remember to NOT fly in or out on Friday or Saturday, in observance of the Sabbath.
If you plan on traveling before your program start date or after your program end date, you will need to plan your flights accordingly. Please beware that arriving early or staying after your program end date may affect in-country transportation arrangements (especially when the costs of airport-to-site transfer is covered by the site itself), so please keep SIMS updated on your travel plans, so we can keep your site updated as well.
At which airport should I plan to arrive?
Following is a list of airports. This list is by no means complete. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN AIRLINE TICKET BASED ON THIS INFORMATION. Consult SIMS first!
Will I be picked up at the airport?
In most cases, you will be picked up at the airport and taken directly to your site. In cases where sites are located long distances from international airports, you may be required to take a bus or train first, with site personnel meeting you at a bus or train station located closer to the site itself.
If your site does not provide direction about in-country transportation, SIMS will work with you directly to determine your best course of travel to help you arrive on-time at your site.
Where can I look for affordable flights?
Student travel organizations will usually have the best airfare rates, though organizations dedicated to missions travel can also offer competitive rates. Following is a list of some travel organizations and their web sites:
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MTS Travel |
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STA Travel |
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University Travel |
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Student Universe |
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Air Values |
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Cheap Tickets |
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Expedia |
Do I need to get a visa?
It is the participant's responsibility to determine whether a visa will be needed and to obtain the visa. To do this, you can visit the U.S. Department of State web site at www.state.gov. Click on the "travel and living abroad" button, which will take you to a site with updated information on visa requirements for all countries and how to obtain them.
For non-US passport holders, please check with the consulate of your country of residence for more information regarding travel to and from your program site.
What vaccinations do I need?
You may consult the CDC web site (www.cdc.gov/travel) for updated information on vaccinations required and suggested for the country in which you will serve.
It is the student’s responsibility to have all required immunizations before leaving the United States. Students can get their required immunizations at a local health clinic or can visit the International Travel Clinic hosted by the Center for Health Promotion on the LLU campus on Wednesdays between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please see the travel clinic web page for more information.
What should I pack?
You will receive a sample list of items to pack during orientation. Refer to this list when you are planning and packing for your trip. In general, think light, comfortable, and conservative clothing, and remember that while you may want to take familiar personal supplies with you, most likely you will be able to purchase comparable items in your host country, so don’t over do it on the packing!
You may also want to research the climate and weather at your program site to better prepare you for packing suitable clothing or to gain a better understanding of the resources that will be available to you at your site.
Do I need insurance?
At a minimum, you must have emergency evacuation insurance. Medical students are covered through the University. Currently enrolled LLU students are also covered by the University’s insurance plan, though all non-medical students at LLU will be required to provide proof of insurance coverage as part of the application process.
If you currently hold insurance by another provider, you will also be required to provide proof of insurance coverage while abroad as part of the application process.
Are the program locations safe?
SIMS takes safety matters very seriously. We do not operate programs in countries where there are active travel warnings by the U.S. Department of State or in areas deemed dangerous.
Personal safety is controlled as much as possible at each program site, though it relies most heavily on your own behaviors. Never travel alone at night, always be aware of your surroundings when in public, do not drink alcohol or engage in any other activities which make you vulnerable, and above all, listen to your local coordinator and abide by his or her guidelines at all times, as he or she knows the local area and related safety issues better than you do.
I have returned from my program, what do I do now?
Once you have returned from your trip, you need to contact SIMS and go through a "debriefing." You will be asked to do the following:
Remember--all financial matters regarding your trip must be settled within one month of returning, so it is best to contact SIMS soon after returning!
Last Revised: Fri, Jan 19, 2007
