GoAbroad

Classic Service Learning Trip (SLT)

$1,500-2,000Program Costs
5.0 / 5Overall Rating
10Reviews
2005Year established

Program Overview

Classic Service Learning Trips (SLTs) are week-long, immersive educational journeys to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Tanzania. During these trips, volunteers actively collaborate with local communities on various development projects, including constructing homes, improving access to clean water, and participating in mobile medical clinics that provide essential healthcare to underserved areas.

These trips offer a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the communities that MEDLIFE supports, allowing volunteers to witness firsthand the challenges faced by those living in extreme poverty. By working side by side with locals, volunteers not only gain invaluable insights into global health and development but also contribute directly to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change.

Beyond the hands-on experience, SLTs encourage participants to reflect on the role they can play in addressing global inequities. The trip fosters empathy, awareness, and ignites action, empowering volunteers to join the MEDLIFE Movement and advocate for a world where poverty no longer limits opportunities.

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Program Highlights

Shadow local medical professionals and collaborate with community members on meaningful development projects.
Connect your field experiences to academic themes through thought-provoking educational discussions.
Earn 40 service hours while building a stronger CV and demonstrating your commitment to global service.
Become a global citizen and learn how to advocate for pressing social issues, both locally and abroad.
Explore the adventure, culture, and wildlife of your destination by adding exciting travel extensions to your Service Learning Trip.

What's Included

Emergency Support
Certificate of Completion
Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Medical / Accident Insurance
Travel Insurance
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Welcome Dinner
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Required Equipment
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
In-Country Orientation
Training

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo, Costa Rica
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Riobamba, Ecuador
  • Tena, Ecuador
  • Antigua, Guatemala
  • Cusco, Peru
  • Lima, Peru
  • Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Other

Application Procedures

  • Other
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Summer
  • Winter

Starts At

$1,500-2,000

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about MEDLIFE

5.0
10 reviews

Rating breakdown

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10
4
0
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Top categories

Volunteer Placement
5.0
Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Community Engagement
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Day to Day Life
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-10 of 10 reviews

Wilgeyshka AcevedoApril 2026

Learning and Serving in Mobile Clinics

Definitely the Mobile Clinics have been a very nice experience, extremely rewarding. We have learned a lot together with other doctors in all stations. This has been a truly rewarding and beautiful experience. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0Uptc5tlaD/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=91c71cdd-e0bb-4f79-b3fc-32e9af8f7de3

Caitlin McGeeMarch 2026

Learning Cultural Competence in Healthcare

Here we’ve learned a lot about different medical systems in Peru and how patients have different needs than the ones we were used to. I think gaining some more cultural competency is huge for our future career in medicine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzwyWehhFa8/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=497e53fe-6189-46ca-a590-bfc1996988b6

Audrey DiFilippoMarch 2026

Learning Through Every Unique SLT

The way of life of individuals is different in every country, so I already had some background knowledge of what an SLT is like, but every SLT is unique and special in its own way, offering new experiences and learning opportunities each time. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RCpMvMN2V/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=0095e7cf-600a-46b5-9ecf-222ce6488c26

Anna Grace LoftisFebruary 2026

My MEDLIFE SLT Experience

Going on a MEDLIFE SLT is more than just like a talking point in an interview. I think it’s something that shows your true passion because you’ll find that here you’ll learn more than just how to do medical work and dental work, you’re also going to learn about the problems in a community and what true mission work is. https://youtu.be/3RMNIGO30so?si=W54Fy-ErQmjnJ5Kl

Jaylyn ChavezFebruary 2026

A Hands-On Experience You’ll Never Forget

If you’re thinking that you want to go just do it! It’s easy to get caught in book work, textbooks and you’ll not get the same experience as you will just reading about the things that you can do than actually going out and doing them. Go out! Get those referrals, fundraise and then come and do the work. It’s an amazing experience. https://youtu.be/BHHzVKCcTC0?si=8hB7q1ZwPNMztlaT

Mikael AbbasFebruary 2026

A Life-Changing Service Trip

I found it really incredible attending this Service Learning Trip. I really recommend it because it is a very eye opening experience. If you’re thinking of joining MEDLIFE and you’re afraid of coming here alone don’t worry, I made new friends and I’m sure we’ll stay great friends after the program. https://youtu.be/_CQsNngRmQc?si=hbsDOwuKOTCnEAuu

Rhiannon BraegerFebruary 2026

Confirming My Passion for Medicine

I think that being involved with MEDLIFE has given me so many amazing opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had as a pre-health student. It has definitely confirmed my passion for medicine and strengthened my commitment to pursue a career in healthcare. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cy6WCteLZXH/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=630afaa2-8769-4715-b8b5-e46ad23b6264

Emeigh ThomasFebruary 2026

Preparing for My Future in Medicine

I will be heading off to Med School in a couple years so not only will this provide job shadowing and volunteer hours but also better me as a person and prepare me for what’s ahead in my medical career to be the best person I can be for my patients and the people around me. https://youtu.be/ySXhbM48-TE?si=Fwe9w6Hjpd0wwPsO

Morgan WernerJanuary 2026

A Step Toward My PA Journey

I’m aspiring to be a PA and being on an SLT has allowed me to gain a lot of experience. The MEDLIFE movement aligns with a lot of my goals in healthcare caring for people especially in low-income communities and I think that just being a part of MEDLIFE really helps you to aspire to achieve all those goals and help people in an impactful and achievable way. https://youtu.be/4tU_H4nUrRI?si=E6AUJrST-KLfsFCF

Caleb CoyleJanuary 2026

Building Leadership Through MEDLIFE

Besides the really neat aspect of touching people’s lives and helping others, coming to an SLT is also really good for a president like myself in a leadership role. Med Schools love seeing that leadership or even just being a part of MEDLIFE shows leadership. It shows initiative and Med Schools really like that. https://youtu.be/h15_J-pGU00?si=RJt-QmwEuOiSnWgN

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about MEDLIFE.

How do I join a Service Learning Trip?

We are so excited you are thinking of volunteering on a MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip! To register for a trip, visit our Upcoming Trips page, select your preferred dates, fill out your details, and pay the $200 non-refundable deposit. Your spot on the Service Learning Trip will be reserved!

What makes a MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip unique?

Many organizations offer volunteer trips to undergraduate students and volunteers. Why should you choose a MEDLIFE Service Learning Trip? Because we provide more for our patients, community members, and volunteers.

Where can I attend a Service Learning Trip?

MEDLIFE organizes Service Learning Trips in several locations: Lima, Peru; Cusco, Peru; Riobamba, Ecuador; Tena, Ecuador; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

We are continually expanding the MEDLIFE Movement and hope to grow in the coming years, bringing our work to other nations.

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