Below are some of the questions that are frequently asked by both parents and Clemson students. If this list does not address your inquiry, please feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!
1. Where will I be staying in Central America?
2. Can I drink the water?
3. What will I be doing exactly on this trip?
- For a large portion of the trip, Clemson students stay in highly-rated hotels. The cost of these hotels is included in the total trip cost.
- Another part of the trip will consist of Home Stays. This is an opportunity for Clemson students to spend a few nights with a local family. These families are approved and trained by Vida Volunteer; many students love living with what becomes their "second family."
2. Can I drink the water?
- To be safe, it is best if Clemson students only drink bottled or filtered water while in Central America. Vida Volunteer will provide purified water to all volunteers for the duration of their stay. Home Stay families have been given purified water by Vida as well.
- When ordering at restaurants, it is important to ask if they use purified water ("agua pura?"). If they do not, please avoid drinking water, using ice, or ordering fruits/vegetables at these facilities. Vida Volunteer is very aware and mindful of these circumstances, so they typically take Clemson students to restaurants that are known for using purified water.
3. What will I be doing exactly on this trip?
- Below are some examples of itineraries from previous mission trips. These examples do not reflect the actual activities that will be coordinated for the 2017 trip to Guatemala, but they serve as a good representation for what our Clemson Vida Volunteer trips entail.
Costa Rica and Nicaragua 2018 Itinerary.pdf | |
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4. Who will be in charge of me in Central America?
- In Central America, there will be two Vida coordinators accompanying the Clemson students along every aspect of this trip. The Vida coordinators are native adults that also speak English. They will pick up the Clemson students from the airports and basically be the overseeing "parents." They are always very fun and entertaining! The Clemson students grow very fond of their trip leaders!
5. What will be my source of transportation on the trip?
- Vida Volunteer is in charge of coordinating transportation between cities, clinic sites, and to/from the airport. Often this consists of a bus that is only used by Vida staff and volunteers.
6. What immunizations and vaccinations should I get before the trip?
- No vaccinations or immunizations are required for the trip
- Here are some recommendations:
- Flu – yearly vaccine
- Malaria: 10 days before travel (Chloroquine, Doxycycline, etc)
- Hepatitis A: 6-12 months before travel (3 shot series)
- —Hepatitis B: 6-12 months before travel (3 shot series)
- Typhoid: 10 days before travel (IM vaccination or oral tablets prior to travel)
- —Rabies: 1 month before travel (only recommended for vets)
- We have never had an issue with a volunteer getting rabies, malaria, or typhoid.
- Redfern can provide most of these for you if you decide to do so
7. Will I have cell service abroad?
- You should check with your cell phone provider to inquire about their international data rates.
- Students will have access to WiFi most of the trip, so most students use "airplane mode" and connect to the WiFi for FaceTime, iMessage, "What's App," and other messaging platforms.
8. What about donations?
- The materials and supplies used in the Vida clinics are obtained through donations only, so they are highly appreciated and encouraged!
- Here are some of the materials Vida is always in need of:
- Monetary donations are appreciated as well
- Clemson students are also encouraged to bring gifts for local children and their Home Stay families. These can include but are not limited to:
- Coloring books and crayons
- T-shirts
- Stickers
- Bracelets
- Shoes
- Socks
- Clemson gear
9. Who do I contact about payment questions?
- If you have specific concerns about paying the full amount of money for the trip, such as wanting a personalized payment schedule, or wanting more information about scholarship or fundraising opportunities, please contact our Vida representative Eduardo Castillo.
- His email is: [email protected]
- Fundraising Template to write letters:
fundraising-templates.pdf | |
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