In the most recent issue of Missiology: An International Review, there is an interesting report on short-term missions entitled, “They See Everything, and Understand Nothing.” It’s estimated that over 1.5 million U.S. Christians travel abroad every year on short-term missions trips, primarily teenagers and young adults. This survey of STMs is unique in that it focuses on seminaries and their STM programs. I will only highlight the findings of this survey in this blog, but encourage those who want to know the details to get the January 2008 issue of Missiology.1. Number of STM abroad taken by MDiv students: None 49%, One 22%, Two 10%, Three or more 19%.
2. Length of STM abroad: 10-14 days 34%, 7-9 days 27%.
3. Cost of STM trips: $501-$1,000 23%; $1,001-$1,500 19%.
4. Portion of Cost Paid by self and/or parent: 0-10% 37%, 91-100% 19%.
5. Month of Departure: June 27%; July 25%.
6. Size of Group of STM: 11-15 22%, 6-10 17%.
7. National Language of STM Trip Country: Spanish 57%, Non-Spanish 43%.
8. Top 10 STM Destinations: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Canada, Honduras, Jamaica, Guatemala, United Kingdom, Costa Rica, China, Peru.
I’m interested especially in point # 4 as it reveals that most of the money raised for the trip is through support raising outside the person or family. Point #8 is interesting as well, that most trips are, for the most part, in the Americas. What does these statistics say to you?
