Mercer on Mission to offer new destinations, opportunities for all

Ever dreamed of enjoying a beautiful sunset at Lake Atitlan while ordering your dinner in Spanish? How about getting to see the Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa?
This summer students will have a chance at that and more. Mercer on Mission is hosting six trips to different corners of the world.
Global health or finance students have the opportunity to go to Vadodara, India to be a part of their global health and microfinance program. Hosted by Dr. Monika Sawhney and Dr. Anitha Manohar, courses include special topics in community development and micro-finance. Students will also be able to directly participate through group projects.
In Cambodia those who travel as a part of Mercer on Mission will be able to work with several Non-Governmental Organizations working in rural areas in the poorest country in Southeast Asia. Students will be a part of a team consisting of medical, pharmacy, nursing and undergraduate students led by faculty of each discipline.
By traveling through Mercer on Mission, students are able to travel to rural locations as well as historic and cultural sites.
The mission is to learn and develop medical skills while helping the locals. Students will learn about the impact that economics, government policies and religion plays in health care. Courses include Health Systems and Policy as well as Global Health.
In Cape Town, South Africa  those who travel will learn about the, “turbulent history of apartheid...think of context or the big picture, learn about the history of South Africa and the place of victims in South Africa such as women,” said Dr. Eimad Houry, professor of Political Science.
Those who participate will get to visit Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela was held during the times of apartheid. Courses include the politics of developing countries as well as the literature of protest.
Dr. Houry and Dr. Mary Alice Morgan, professor and senior  vice president for Service Learning, will be leading the trip to Cape Town, South Africa. Students will help write and produce a play that will be performed by local high school students.
Other countries available through Mercer of Mission trips include Kenya, Tanzania and Brazil. Mercer on Mission have traveled to some of these countries in the past with many of the faculty leading past trips.
Dr. Ha Van Vo, associate profesor, led a Vietnam trip in the past.
Dr. Vo has successfully engineered, patented and manufactured about 80 new prosthetics.
On this specific Mercer on Mission trip, students will be able to help a team administer the prosthetics to those in need in Vietnam. This gives participants an opportunity to do charity work and volunteer in hospitals.
Whether you are an engineering student, a medical student or are in the college of liberal arts you will have an opportunity to make an impact in the developing world.
A few tips for those interested. Do not use Firefox because, according to the faculty, there is a glitch that might result in your application never making it.
There is a $500 non-refundable deposit that goes towards the tuition payment. If your application is approved, you will be instructed to pay the fee upon acceptance into the program.
Get your passports and visas early and do not forget about vaccinations.
Dec. 15 is the deadline for applications for those interested in traveling. Contact Craig McMahan, university minister and dean of chapel with questions or  for more information, including costs, visit www.mercer.edu/mom.