Root International Peace Corps

Q&A

Q: How is itinerary developed for each trip? Is the trip safe?

A: Each year, 5 or so international missions are selected which represent the best opportunities to serve the most needed people based on the team’s unique strength: Mobility and Professionalism. Mobility, being the strength of the team, also adds unique challenge for planning of a successful mission. Very often, destinations are potentially unsafe for reasons like natural disaster, diseases, political un-stability, or cultural differences. Safety of the team is the utmost consideration for any missions, including go-or-no-go decision, design of detailed itinerary and all the necessary safety measures. In fact, Dr. Liu himself (the President and Founder of RIPC ) personally pre tour every international mission to make sure the safety of the team would not be compromised. Therefore, it is not unusual to make the last minute change of itinerary, even the mission destination.

Q: I don’t have any formal medical training. What sort of work can I expect to be doing on a short-term summer trip with RIPC?

A: If you don’t have any medical training (which is totally fine), there are still plenty of things to do to make the clinic run smoothly. Work may include food preparation, handing out donated items, setting up the clinic and finding shelter, and working with patients to varying degrees. For those interested, there is also opportunity to shadow doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, etc.

Q: What will the living conditions be like?

A: Undoubtedly, everyone on the team will be asked to rough it out. There may or may not be western toilets, food and shelter will be whatever is available. Do not expect to able to take frequent showers. This is the reality of short-term medical missions to third world countries. Most everyone adjusts quickly to the simpler lifestyle. And of course, RIPC takes the safety of the team as a primary concern.

Q: Is Root International Peace Corps a religious organization?

A: RIPC is not a religious organization and therefore not affiliated with any religious group. The work of RIPC is strictly humanitarian and medical in nature.

Q: Is financial aid available?

A: In general, volunteers are expected to pay for the trip. Financial aid is available on case-by-case basis depending on individual situation. Please contact service@ripcusa.org for details on financial aid.

Q: Who makes the travel arrangement?

A: You need to make air travel arrangement to and from the destination city yourself. The local travel including land and air is usually arranged by the group.