Mission Trips

At The Catholic University of America, mission trips are an extension of our call to live out the Gospel. We offer three distinct types of mission experiences each rooted in Catholic Social Teaching - Evangelization, Immersion, and Service. These trips challenge and encourage students to respond to the needs of the world with faith and compassion. Whether forming relationships in Guatemala, learning firsthand about the Church’s ministry at the US–Mexico border, or serving those who are sick or experiencing homelessness, students are invited to encounter Christ in others and return transformed. 

Mission Trip Types

SERVICE TRIPS

Students focus on meeting concrete human needs through corporal works of mercy, combining hands-on support through caregiving or construction projects, with a spirit of charity rooted in the Gospel. 

IMMERSION TRIPS

Students are invited to step into another cultural or social context, learning from the lived experiences of others and reflecting on the Church’s call to solidarity.

EVANGELIZATION TRIPS

Students learn to share the Gospel through catechesis, home visits, forming relationships, street evangelization, and leading ministry initiatives like retreats or vacation bible school.

2026 Mission Trips

  • BELIZE CITY, BELIZE

    Summer | International | Evangelization

    This Trip is run by the St. John Society and is open to students from The Catholic University of America and American University's Catholic Campus Ministry. Students will be invited to share the Gospel and encounter the Lord in the people of Belize through catechesis, home visits, and leading ministry initiatives like retreats or vacation bible school.

  • EL SALVADOR

    Spring Break | International | Service/Immersion

    Building Futures Project. Students engage in hands-on construction (e.g., homes or classrooms) while building relationships with local communities. Students will experience cultural immersion, social justice education, and daily reflection to foster solidarity, empathy, and global awareness.

  • GUATEMALA

    Summer Break | International | Evangelization

    Students are immersed in local communities surrounding Guatemala City, serving families and young children through ministry and personal relationships. Coordinated by Praying Pelican, a Christian ministry group that is Catholic-friendly.

  • JAMAICA

    Spring Break | International | Service

    Students stay in group housing and serve at homes for kids and adults with disabilities, young moms, or people with HIV/AIDS. Each day includes helping out residents, spending time with residents, light work projects, local outings, and reflection. The program is run by Mustard Seed, a Catholic organization.

  • LOS ANGELES, CA

    Spring Break | Domestic | Service

    Students will serve the homeless population of Los Angeles contextualized through the lens of Catholic social teaching. Students will also be introduced to the rehabilitative work of Homeboy Industries, founded by Fr. Greg Boyle.

  • NEW YORK, NY

    Spring Break | Domestic | Service: Healthcare

    Students will experience Catholic healthcare through serving with the Dominican Sisters at Rosary Hill Home. This facility provides free palliative care to individuals with incurable cancer in Hawthorne, New York. Students will also visit the Sisters of Life in New York City.

  • TUCSON, AZ

    Spring Break | Domestic | Immersion

    CUA DC Students will meet CUA Tucson students to learn about their “lived reality” as immigrants. Students will also experience the US/Mexico border through “El Otro Lado,” a Catholic Lasallian organization aimed at deepening students’ understanding of the migration experience through direct engagement with humanitarian aid groups, Border Patrol stations, and social justice issues.

FAQs

  • When do applications open?

    Applications will open near the end of September and will close near the end of October. Please check back on this page during that time for a link to sign up.

  • Do the trip locations change each year?

    Yes, locations may change from year to year. Please check back here when applications re-open in September for the most current list.

  • How much do trips cost?

    Mission trip costs range between $600 - $900 depending on the location. This fee covers transportation, room and board, and any supplies or program costs required. All other expenses are the responsibility of each student.

  • How does fundraising work?

    • Individual Fundraising: Each team member is responsible for raising funds by asking for prayer and financial support from friends, family, and/or their parish community. Funds raised are applied directly toward the student’s fee. Funds raised beyond the individual fee are donated to the Service & Justice Immersion program for future student scholarships.

     

    • Team Fundraising: Organized by trip leaders and varies by group. Funds raised through team efforts are donated to the communities visited during the trips.

  • When are the trips offered?

    Campus Ministry organizes trips twice a year:
    • During Spring Break (one week)
    • In May after graduation (two weeks long, departing the Monday after graduation)

  • How long does a trip last?

    Spring Break trips last for the duration of the break (one week). Summer trips organized after graduation are two weeks long, departing campus on the Monday after graduation.

  • What types of trips are there?

    Each trip varies in activities, people, and focus. The three types of trips are:
    • Service
    • Immersion
    • Evangelization

  • Where will we stay during the trips?

    Living arrangements vary depending on the trip. Students may stay in retreat houses, schools, hostels, or home-stays. Teams are housed separately by gender, and communal living is expected. Accommodations are usually similar to the living conditions of the communities visited.

  • Do I have to be Catholic to go on a trip?

    No. Students do not have to be Catholic or religious to participate. We welcome all students who are interested in learning how to work for the common good! However, there is a spiritual component to all trips. Team members are asked to attend Sunday Mass and participate in nightly reflections and sharing.

  • How does Campus Ministry ensure safety?

    Safety is a top priority.
    • All partners we work with have excellent reputations and experience hosting university groups.
    • Each international team is registered with the Department of State Overseas Travel Office, which alerts local embassies of the group’s presence.
    • Other safety measures include trip insurance, strict rules about visiting local communities, and working only with reputable organizations.

  • Do I need vaccines or health insurance?

    • Each student is encouraged to visit the CDC website and decide for themselves what vaccinations or medical precautions they wish to take, in consultation with parents/guardians and their doctor.
    • The only insurance required is the health insurance needed to be a student at CUA.
    • Students with special medical conditions or allergies should speak with Campus Ministry and the Office of Disability Services to explore which trips can best accommodate their needs.

  • Are there professional staff members on the trips?

    Each trip is led by one or two professional staff members from The Catholic University of America, usually including a Campus Minister and a faculty or staff member.

    If you are a CUA staff or faculty member interested in attending as an advisor, please fill out the interest form (posted during recruitment). Interest forms are accepted on a rolling basis, and a Campus Minister will follow up after submission.

  • What will I gain from going on a trip?

    Visiting another community or country can be challenging and transformative. Students are encouraged to be open to new beliefs, cultures, and experiences. These trips develop leadership skills, foster a deeper understanding of global issues, and prepare students to be future leaders in Campus Ministry activities and programs. Each team has at least one student leader, selected during the spring semester of the previous school year.

  • What is the time commitment if I want to come on a trip?

    Trips run during the week of Spring Break each year. Students should expect to be away for roughly 6 days (from Saturday to the following Saturday). Students should also plan to attend several preparation meetings throughout the fall and spring semester to get acquainted with their group and get ready for the experience. After returning, students are expected to attend a reunion dinner. 

Contact

Please direct all questions to Sr. Chirara Orsini at orsinich@cua.edu