Messiah University

What is an AROMA International Trip?
An AROMA International trip is a global church visit where Messiah students are exposed to what God is doing in the world. Students are given opportunities to use their gifts and passions in sport to be an encouragement to the local church in these places.

What do AROMA teams do on these trips?
AROMA teams partner with existing sports ministries to help strengthen and encourage their influence. Teams have the opportunity to participate in a vast and comprehensive schedule of sports ministry events working alongside the local church. This includes clinics, school visits and other sports ministry initiatives. Teams also travel with Sawyer water filters as a way to bless those in need with something they can use for sustaining daily life. We work with long-term partners who have a kingdom perspective, and a large area of influence in the community, so we can bless them with the gift of a water filter, to further their impact. To learn more, check out past trip videos below.

Who are AROMA's International Partners?
Sports Outreach Institute- Uganda, Kenya, El Salvador, Mexico
Brethren in Christ Church of Zambia
Rio Missions - Panama
SCORE International- Dominican Republic, Panama, Argentina
Push the Rock-Costa Rica, Brazil, Spain
COSDECOL- Colombia
Not Forgotten International- Algeria
Sports Friends- Thailand, Kenya
Training Leaders through Athletics - El Salvador
Sawyer Products- Worldwide

How long is a typical AROMA trip?
10-12 days
 
Who can go on an AROMA International Trip?
Any Messiah student is eligible to apply for an AROMA trip. (you do not need to be a part of an intercollegiate team at Messiah).
Messiah Coaches, faculty, employees and alumni may also apply for AROMA trips.

How are AROMA International Trips Funded?
Students must participate in team fundraising efforts. These fundraising efforts help contribute toward the total cost of a team's trip. AROMA minimizes the cost for students through the generous support of people who believe in its mission.
 
What are the time commitments beyond the trip itself?
Students will be required to participate in a number of trainings and team building times throughout the semester prior to their trip.  There is also a required pre-trip retreat that takes place in the final days leading up to departure. This retreat is typically 2 days in length.

Are there any additional costs to the student?
$150 deposit to secure the student's spot on the trip.
Passport and Immunization costs are the responsibility of the student.

What does Messiah do to ensure the safety of students on these trips?
Messiah's International Risk Management Committee has vetted each of our international partners and oversees approval for each trip on a year to year basis. They are also responsible for monitoring ongoing safety concerns in these locations. In addition, all AROMA team members are registered with the US embassy in the country they are traveling to. Team members also participate in training sessions that cover best practices and Messiah protocols for international travel.


To learn more, check out our video!