So you've decided you'd like to participate with Belmont on Mission, but you're wondering how you might pay for it. This can be one of the largest obstacles to students participating, and we want to help you out.
Step One: Fundraising
The first thing that you can do is make an effort to fundraise for your trip. Once accepted to the team, you can set up a fundraising page through Belmont and invite your friends, family, and faith community to help you go.
Step Two: Individual Financial Subsidy
All Belmont on Mission trips have a bottom line subsidy already applied to them via the generosity of donors who want to help remove the financial barrier that all students will face. However, in cases of individual financial need that goes beyond the already subsidized trip fee, we have an additional fund reserved to help students afford the costs. In order to be eligible for receiving a financial subsidy, students must demonstrate their willingness to put in significant work toward fundraising. The following list includes factors that will be considered for the dispersing of these funds:
- Demonstration of need via Belmont EFC (Estimated Family Contribution)
- Circumstantial demonstration of need via essay questions on the application
- What other sources of funding have been sought and received?
If you feel like you qualify to receive financial subsidy for your mission trip, you can fill out the "Demonstration of Financial Need" form by clicking below! Financial subsidies will be awarded on a rolling basis within two weeks of application, so the earlier you apply, the better!
Frequently Asked Questions
- How safe are the mission trips?
Belmont's first priority is the safety of everyone involved on any mission trip. Therefore, before travel occurs, we constantly communicate with our contacts and host partners (as well as embassy and transportation officials for international travel) to evaluate the political and physical environment carefully. Belmont refuses to take a passive stance on safety and has at times closed country options or moved students to ensure safety. In addition, Belmont invests heavily in pre-trip assessment of destinations traveled to and training of team leaders in incident response procedures. - Does Belmont provide overseas insurance for my student?
Overseas medical insurance is included in the cost of each Mission Trip. Belmont uses industry-leading group travel providers and incident response organizations. If you would like the specifics of the insurance coverage, email belmontonmission@belmont.edu for more information. - How does the staff make medical decisions?
If a medical problem should arise while traveling, a Belmont staff member will contact the travel insurance medical advisers. These advisers consult with the attending physicians to make sure your student receives correct medical care. If more sophisticated treatment is deemed necessary by the insurance—treatment which may require evacuation to better medical facilities—arrangements will be made for land and air transportation including passage on either a commercial or chartered air ambulance with in-flight physicians, paramedics or nurses, and in-flight equipment. - Will my student be in an environment where they can grow spiritually?
Belmont on Mission focuses on two things: 1) helping students develop a broader understanding of God's global activity and 2) discovering where they fit into God's mission of redeeming and restoring the world. On every trip, Belmont implements an intentional series of vocational and spiritual discernment questions. - What kind of rules does the organization have in place?
Every Belmont rule or policy falls within one of four categories. First, we have rules that ensure safety. These rules help us provide a safe trip for your student. Second, we have cross-cultural rules. These rules keep our teams from causing offense to nationals with whom we work. Frequently, there are gestures or distinct mannerisms that Americans use that other cultures consider offensive. Third, we have rules in place that enable us to conduct effective ministry and stay consistent with Belmont's student code of conduct. We do not allow smoking, alcohol, or violence in any way. Lastly, we have rules in place for personal growth. These rules include things like limited cell phone use because they distract from your student being able to fully focus on the experience. We outline the Belmont on Mission rules and regulations in detail in a packet given to each student. - Will my student have any fun?
Absolutely! Our trips are designed to be meaningful and life-changing, but students also have a ton of fun as they explore new places and work alongside faculty, staff, and ministry partners. - Has/will Belmont ever sent anyone home from a mission trip?
Yes. The safety of the Belmont team and the integrity of the ministry are essential. Before your student participates in a Belmont on Mission trip, we clearly communicate the policies and rules, including circumstances that would cause Belmont leadership to send a student home. A Belmont student will not be allowed to jeopardize the safety of their team, themself, or the purpose of the ministry. If the need arises to send a student home, the parent/guardian will be notified and the situation will be discussed in detail. The total cost of the trip home will be the financial responsibility of the student or their parent/guardian.
Global Health
International travel involves being responsible for one's health and safety. Belmont recommends that students consult the CDC and WHO websites listed below for information about health issues related to travel.
The best way to protect yourself during international travel is to be informed of the latest health information for your destination, to consult with your personal physician on which vaccinations or medicines you may need, and to practice safe personal hygiene while abroad. While some vaccines may be required by certain countries, many now have recommended vaccinations that may vary by geographic location, contact with local people, and the quality of your housing and food accommodations.
Belmont's Student Health Services can also advise on and give vaccinations for many travel-related needs.
Safety and Security
The safety and security of students are always of utmost priority for Belmont University and all Belmont on Mission trips, particularly given international developments over the past few years. National and international security issues necessitate that you respect safety recommendations and security policies established by your sponsoring organization and the U.S. Embassy in the country of your destination.
While there is no reason to assume that traveling internationally will compromise your safety, you must be sure to follow safety guidelines provided by your trip leader at all times. Your leader will go over security policies and advice in depth during their orientation and we advise you to follow these carefully. Always inform your trip leader of any incidents that may arise.
Note: The U.S. State Department has advised Americans traveling anywhere to remain inconspicuous for their own safety, and we strongly support this advice. You are advised to keep a “low profile” wherever you may travel. Pay attention to culturally appropriate dress and behavior. Keep your voice down and avoid congregating in large, noisy groups, and avoid US entities considered symbols of US capitalism. Use restraint in situations that could get out of hand; your personal safety is far more important than your “honor” or your need to express yourself.
U.S. State Department links:
As Belmont on Mission seeks to grow beyond what is currently offered to students, we are looking for faculty and staff to partner with us. There are many opportunities for partnership with University Ministries (UM) including:
Models of Faculty/Staff Engagement
Faculty/Staff Advisor on a General Interest Trip
- 7-day Spring Break trip open to all students
- UM manages all logistics including registration, payment, travel, lodging, food, itinerary, and training
- Faculty/Staff advisors supervises students, coordinate with partner organizations, and manages on-trip payments
Faculty/Staff Advisor on a General Interest Trip
- A one to two-week, non-credit trip in partnership with an international faith-based organization led by 1) Faculty/staff leader, or 2) Leader of Student Organization (with faculty/staff advisor)
- UM offers support through registration, trip payments, fundraising support, etc.
- Faculty/Staff leader executes trip logistics including travel, lodging, food, and itinerary in conjunction with host partner
- Trips may qualify for financial assistance from UM if optional trainings are attended and trip requirements are met.
- Trips can be general mission trips or have a discipline-specific emphasis determined and developed by the faculty/staff leader.