On Sept. 22 the Volunteers Around the World club held a meeting in the University Union Lobby Suite with team leader Morgan Hoare and member Efraim Lopez.

VAW is a non-governmental organization that lets individuals of all ages travel to other countries to participate in hands-on health clinics. In the past, VAW has traveled to countries such as Guatemala, Peru and the Dominican Republic.

“We set up free health clinics in other countries that don’t have as great of health systems. We also get to tour the country and experience the culture, that’s a big part of the trip,” Hoare said.

Hoare said that the duration of the trip is two weeks, usually after summer class so that students can still complete their classes and then go on the trip. This summer, VAW is planning on taking a trip to Brazil and possibly Albania.

Hoare said the program is great experience because other than the fact that it is hands on, you actually get the chance to shadow doctors and dentists and it looks good on resumes.

Junior at Sac State Noelle Shemenski said, “I think it’s great that students have the opportunity to go over and help others in need while getting some real world experience at the same time.”

Hoare said this semester they plan on focusing a lot more on fundraising.

Lopez said students should not get discouraged because of the cost of the trip. The program also offers a payment plan.

Lopez reiterated that if someone wants to go on the trip bad enough, that they will make it happen. He said, ” I gave motorcycle lessons and fixed people’s cars. You will find a reason to make it happen.”

Lopez said they offered reasons such as getting hands-on experience in the medical field, learning secondary languages, building relationships with people that you wouldn’t normally and experiencing the beauty of another culture.

“The people are so grateful that you are there,” Lopez said.

When the individuals are not participating in clinic days, they are having vacation days. Hoare said that often they will do fun activities such as horse back riding, hiking and going on yachts.

“We work hard but we also play really hard,” Hoare said.

No previous experience is needed prior to the trip but an application, statement and interview are all apart of the process of being considered to go. Also students were reminded during the event to keep in mind that vaccinations are needed before traveling.