Leaders: Nicole Vander Schaaf, Michael Wade, Aggie Veld
Cost: $4,000
Dates: May 16-June 12, 2026. (Tentative by one or two days)
Student Application Form
Description: Since 2004, student teams have been going to Papua New Guinea to work shoulder to shoulder with medical missionaries. You’ll experience firsthand the blessings and sacrifices that characterize a life of service to God and to people. These experiences are fertile ground to listen for God’s call on your life. In addition to shadowing missionary doctors and facility leaders, you will break bread with mission families, attend services at national churches, have devotions with national staff, and participate in off-station clinics. This year, we will also have a few working on an engineering project to assist some of the mission stations. Applicants should be juniors or seniors who intend careers as physicians, PAs, or nurse practitioners, and for work projects, students with construction skills, as well as those in geology, environmental science, or engineering.
General Requirements:
- For trips outside the USA, you must have/apply for a U.S. Passport that is valid at least 6 months AFTER the last day of the trip (this cost is your responsibility).
- Physically capable of carrying all personal bags/luggage and participating in all activities. Make leaders aware of any limitations you may have. Some locations cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Clear all screening: Academic, Student Accounts, ResLife, Chapel, Student Development
- Acceptance of a no cell phone policy except a one-time check in with family per week
- ALL Ministry Trip Students must attend ALL dates. Exceptions will only be made for student athletes if prior notice is given to Shalom Office during the application process:
- Information Meeting: October 8th, 5-6PM, Wisner room 137
- Applications due: October 15th at midnight
- Getting Started Session: November 8th at 9am
- January 30th or January 31st: Pre-Training Team Time
- Training sessions: February 7th and February 21st 9am12pm
- Commission Night: Friday, February 27th at 6pm (Spring Break)
- Commission Night: Friday, May 1st at 6 pm (Summer Break)
Social/Emotional Requirements:
- Commit to and cooperate within a diverse team of peers, leaders, and local community.
- Be respectful and be willing to follow the instructions of all authority: team leaders, site hosts, staff, etc.
- Emotionally stable, able to handle stress appropriately. Have personal coping skills for high anxiety-inducing situations.
- Be very flexible. Plans are subject to change daily for a variety of reasons.
- Be respectful and adaptable to the unique culture, whether domestic or international.
Financial Requirements:
- A non-refundable deposit (approximately 10% of the total cost) is required to secure a spot on the team upon acceptance.
- Trip cost includes all expenses EXCEPT passport fees, visa fees, immunizations, and souvenirs. A stipend will be given for travel meals, but it may not cover the full amount of food costs.
- The entire cost of the trip will be paid in full before departure, no exceptions.