Collaborative Spirits for a Short International Public Health Trip

Del Sumlar

February 6, 2026

Before the course started, I had apprehensions about how effective a Spring Break public health
trip could be. How much work could we possibly do in a week? I was wary of the types of
service trips I am most familiar with, which are often more “voluntourism” than effective
collaboration. It was important to me that I was going to become part of something that would
have a lasting impact in Grenada, not just a lasting impact on me. I signed up for the course
with trust that the University of Michigan would also prioritize this, and the lasting partnership
between Grenada and UM SPH was evidence that the work we will do is valuable to both
parties.

Here are some steps and goals I hope to achieve throughout this course.

Communicate with the Ministry of Social & Community Development, Housing, and
Gender Affairs with my group before the trip to assess their needs and find where we
can be most helpful. We will begin with a call, and let the Ministry lead with their ideas,
as well as assessing what did or did not work well with U of M students in the past.
Stay flexible and aware of the organization’s needs. Be open to starting fresh.
Get organized with my team: create a plan to be efficient once on the ground, keeping in
mind the short time we have to work in Grenada. Keep the focus for the plan on the
wishes and needs of the Ministry over our own ideas.
Once we arrive in Grenada, maintain a collaborative spirit between my group and the
Ministry. Maintain a balance between my own educational experience and benefits to the
organization. Listen to community members and practice cultural humility; don’t prioritize
US-centric ideas about public health.
After the trip, leave the Ministry with a product that ensures longevity for the work we do.
Tie up loose ends where possible, and stay in contact with the team to ensure a smooth
transition from our project back to their team.