Mission trip in US vs out of US

[Kavity]

Hi everyone! I was recently looking to participate in a mission trip, as I see that this is a wonderful way to provide complementary care for communities who may not otherwise have access to care. In my search I found one in-state mission, and one overseas mission. Unfortunately, both are scheduled to occur in the same week, and I wanted to hear SDNers' take on which is better to participate in if I must only choose one.
Quick background info:
- The in-state mission is one day... Overseas mission is 1 week.
- Cost to attend in-state mission: Free... Cost to attend overseas mission: $1000
- In-state mission is located right next to my top residency program (something to consider, possibly?)

Side note, I understand that I would be gaining more experience on the overseas trip, but I was mostly wondering if these mission trips are in any way discouraged by residency programs, as I have read countless forums discussing the positives and negatives of overseas dental missions, and I am ultimately unsure if this could harm my application for a specialty program. If anyone has any experience, I would be happy to hear your insight. Thanks in advance!

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[Svart Aske]

People who have done mission trips are a dime a dozen. I honestly don't think having done a mission trip affects your chances at a residency.

 

[Kavity]

People who have done mission trips are a dime a dozen. I honestly don't think having done a mission trip affects your chances at a residency.

So do you think it would be better to save myself the $1000 and participate in the in-state mission instead?
Also, not sure if it matters, but the in-state mission is located near my top school for res programs. Should I consider that as a factor as well, or doesn't really matter?

 

[Svart Aske]

So do you think it would be better to save myself the $1000 and participate in the in-state mission instead?
Also, not sure if it matters, but the in-state mission is located near my top school for res programs. Should I consider that as a factor as well, or doesn't really matter?

If your sole motivation for these mission trips is to pad your resume, then I don't think it matters.

The week-long overseas trip may be personally and spiritually enriching. Is that worth $1000?

 

[Kavity]

If your sole motivation for these mission trips is to pad your resume, then I don't think it matters.

The week-long overseas trip may be personally and spiritually enriching. Is that worth $1000?

Not what I meant. Both missions seem wonderful, which is why I feel so torn.
I was just wondering if doing a mission to help the local community in an area that I would ideally be living in the future could help me in terms of making that dream a reality. I think both missions would be personally and spiritually enriching, but if one tips the scale with additional positives, I can decide which to attend more easily. I don't think I can go wrong with either, really.

 

[wgodw1]

Most schools will look more fondly on the domestic trip. Although it’s pretty minor.


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[Kavity]

Most schools will look more fondly on the domestic trip. Although it’s pretty minor.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

Is this solely in terms of providing care domestically? I have heard that missions abroad give more experience, as students do really get to do much on domestic missions.