Global Impact Trip FAQs

01. How do I apply for an Impact Trip?

All applications are submitted through a trip management system called Go Method.

02. How long does a short term trip generally last?

Our short-term Impact Trips typically last from 7–14 days, depending on the country and the amount of travel required. Some trips are just four days.

03. What happens on the trip?

The trip preparation process generally starts about 4–5 months before the actual departure date. During this time,participants apply, interview, get approved, get to know your teammates, spend time in God's Word and prepare for the mission ahead. God will use this time to grow you into a more fully devoted follower of Christ. Each trip's project or mission will vary depending on the partner organization or the needs of the local community. Some types of projects could include (but are not limited to) evangelistic outreach through the local church, relational evangelism, prayer ministry, prison ministry, work/building projects, teaching English, humanitarian aid, orphan care, medical work, and passing out Christian literature.

04. What age groups can go on the trip?

Each trip page will indicate if there is a specific group that the trip is recruiting for (ex. Young adults, women's team, men's team, medical etc). Most ages can travel on at least some of the trips offered. Children: There will be a variety of trips where Student Ministries (grades 6–12) are welcome to join, as well as families. For children under seven years old, we will take this on a case by case basis—taking into account the destination/travel requirements of the trip, the projects that will be done, the maturity of the child, and the flexibility/understanding of the parent etc. There are definitely some trips that are not suitable for very young children due to the demands of the mission.

05. How much do trips cost and who pays for it?

The cost of each trip varies depending on the project and the location. Most trips range from $1,200–$3,500 per person. Even if financially able, individuals should not default to paying the full trip cost themselves, but rather are encouraged to first engage in "support raising." This raises awareness for what we are doing and provides a way for friends and family who maybe cannot “go” to join in the mission. Once you are accepted to a team, you will be given resources to help in this support raising process- ie: personal trip webpage, sample support letter. If you feel God is leading you to participate on a short term mission trip, He will provide the necessary funds...so, we encourage you to step out in faith!

06. What is included in the per person cost for each trip?

Generally, the per person cost for each trip includes trainings prior to departure, the base cost for each person's flights/visas, in-country costs for lodging, transportation, food, insurance, interpreters (if applicable), ministry supplies and projects, plus a small admin fee to cover the cost of what it takes to set up a trip. * Most trips will NOT include transportation to/from the initial departure airport. * Some trips will not include all meals- Have questions? Send them to outreach@radiantchurch.tv

07. What happens once I am accepted to a trip?

Once you are interviewed and accepted, you will receive further instructions from your team leader. They will provide you with a team guide, where you will find schedules, time lines, support raising information, cultural information, travel & health information and much more. Team meetings/trainings will be scheduled prior to departure, and also once or twice upon return for debrief and sharing.

08. Is a deposit required for each trip?

Yes. This initial deposit accomplishes a few things; it shows that each person is serious about the trip process and the need to raise individual support and, if anything unforeseen happens (canceled trip, canceled flight etc.), it helps cover the costs for those changes so as not to hurt the overall support goals of the larger team.

09. What immunizations do I need?

First, check with your primary doctor to make sure that all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Depending on what country you are traveling to other immunizations may be recommended. Check the CDC website for the country recommendations for travelers to the location you will be going and discuss with your doctor what you may need. During team training, we will also review specific recommendations.

10. What if I don't speak the language?

Our partner organizations provide wonderful interpreters to help our teams communicate. During the months of travel preparation, it is wise and considerate to learn some phrases in the target language. There are many free apps available, such as Duolingo that can help!

11. Do Radiant Impact Trips require a background check?

Yes. Radiant has set up certain volunteer guidelines for all people serving either here (USA) or abroad. This is done to ensure the protection and safety for all participating in an event or those we are serving. Radiant requires a background check (federal, state, county). If you have recently served at Radiant you may already have these on file. If not, after you apply and are accepted to a trip, instructions will be sent to you about how to complete any missing checks.

12. What kind of lodging and food is to be expected?

This will vary widely depending on the trip/location. Some trips will stay in hotels and eat mainly at restaurants, some trips will be hiking, sleeping outdoors, cooking food etc. Some of our partner organizations have facilities on site to house guests, others do not. Everywhere we go we will work with our partners to provide the best options available. Couples will not always be able to share accommodations. Email outreach@radiantchurch.tv if you have questions about a specific trip.

13. Can dietary restrictions/allergies be accommodated on trips?

If you have a medical dietary restriction (due to allergies or illness), we will do our best to accommodate as able. This may not always be the case and depends on the country of travel. Please note: If you have a dietary "preference" (not medically necessary), due to the nature of these short-term trips, you must be willing to put aside personal preferences in order to grow spiritually and serve most effectively.

14. What travel insurance does Radiant use?

Radiant currently has insurance with IMG, a well-regarded travel risk, crisis management and response services organization to advise us in emergency preparedness for all international trips. They provide travel medical insurance/medical and emergency evacuation coverage (and more) should any emergencies occur when we travel.

15. Are the countries we travel to safe?

There is always inherent risk in any type of travel, whether that be national or international. Our intention is to mitigate risk and engage missions with wisdom. Should a situation arise that potentially compromises the ability for us to travel to a destination, options and alternatives would be considered.

16. Can I extend my stay in country before/after my team arrives/leaves?

Because travel is booked as a group, it is the policy of Radiant to review on a case-by-case basis any team member wishing to extend their time in a foreign country. Valid reasons Radiant will consider allowing a team member to arrive/leave before/after their team are: they have immediate family members in the host country, the team member is considering serving long-term in the future, staying to work with missionaries already present in the country. Any and all costs associated with a team member staying longer in-country will be covered by the individual. This decision must be made at the beginning of the trip planning process in order to book appropriate airline tickets.

17. Am I qualified to lead a trip?

We are currently recruiting trip leaders. Please contact outreach@radiantchurch.tv if you are interested.

18. How can I donate to a team?

To make a financial contribution, please visit the link at one of the teams in the open trips above.

19. Can I join if I don't attend Radiant?

Yes, however applicants for our short-term impact trips that are regular attendees of a Radiant Campus will be given first priority.