Considerations When Choosing a Mission Trip

Prior to entering the business program at Southern Methodist University, Zoe Reardon was an active high school student at the Atlanta International School. While attending Atlanta International, Zoe Reardon traveled to Nepal and Mexico to participate in humanitarian mission trips.

Individuals interested in giving back by enrolling in a mission trip should consider several factors before choosing a country or program. First, volunteers should review all of their personal reasons for wanting to travel abroad and help others. Some people may participate in mission trips for spiritual or religious reasons or to experience a culture in which they are interested.

Once one’s goals have been identified, the search for programs that will offer adequate support and training can begin. It is also important to find a program that has values and a purpose that are compatible with a volunteer’s goals. After choosing a program and location, volunteers should use the pre-departure period to learn more about the local people, including their history, present circumstances, and their culture.

How to Plan an International Mission Trip

A student at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, Zoe Reardon is a graduate of the Atlanta International School (AIS). During her time at AIS, Zoe Reardon participated in two mission trips, one to Nepal and the other to Mexico.

If you are interested in completing a mission trip abroad, there are several points to consider during your planning stage. First, you must decide where to go. Getting involved with a local church or humanitarian relief organization is a good first step to finding a mission trip to get involved with. Look for a mission trip program that not only fits your schedule and interests but also your skillset and physical or emotional limitations.

After you pick a destination and begin to plan your trip, you will need to obtain a passport, if you don’t already have one, to travel to an international destination. In addition, you will need to book your airfare and any other travel logistics, if the group you are going with doesn’t take care of this for you. Also, don’t forget to get updates on any vaccinations you may need before traveling to your destination to stay healthy during your trip. Lastly, publicize your trip with your family, friends, school, and church and ask for their support. Taking an international trip costs money, so allow your networks to support your humanitarian efforts.

How Participating in Mission Trips Benefits Students

Shot of a volunteer doctor giving checkups to underprivileged kids

Currently a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Zoe Reardon attended high school at the Atlanta International School (AIS). During her time in high school, Zoe Reardon participated in two mission trips, one to Mexico and another to Nepal.

AIS makes mission trips for students a priority because of its belief that young people should learn they can make a difference in the world. In addition to delivering critical supplies and services to developing communities, mission trips benefit the volunteers.

Taking part in a mission trip opens students’ eyes to other cultures, where they can witness the impact of poverty. This experience helps raise their consciousness and expand their worldview.

Young people who participate in mission trips also learn teamwork, collaboration, and socialization with people outside their usual circles. As students step out of their comfort zone, they also gain self-confidence and begin to internalize the belief that their actions can make a difference in the lives of others.

Atlanta International School Prizes Innovative, Global Education

Currently studying business and world languages, Zoe Reardon was recently recognized as a Second Century Scholar at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. A graduate of the Atlanta International School (AIS), Zoe Reardon excelled in her high school studies and participated in a school mission trip to Nepal.

Encompassing a primary, middle, and upper school, AIS is committed to cultivating students’ passion for education and encouraging them to make a positive impact on the world. To prepare students to address the societal challenges of the modern world in innovative ways, the school provides access to the latest technologies and teaches the importance of using computational thinking to analyze complex data.

AIS also emphasizes intercultural competence with its inclusion of classes on foreign languages and the literature of multiple cultural traditions around the world. AIS also works to instill values like empathy, collaboration, and interdisciplinary thinking. Furthermore, the school offers an International Baccalaureate degree program for grades 11 and 12, which is widely recognized for its high-quality, college-preparatory curriculum.