What are the age requirements for a SWiM North American trip?

Be at least 55 years old. If a married couple, only one spouse needs to be over 55. ** Some exceptions are referenced later.

What are the age requirements for a SWiM Global trip?

Be at least 55 years old. For a married couple, only one spouse needs to be over55. ** Some exceptions are referenced later

What are the citizenship requirements?

Applicants must have a US or Canadian passport to apply for a Global Trip. Applicants must be US or Canadian citizens and/or a resident to apply for a North American trip. We cannot accept your application if you are in the US or Canada on a travel/student visa.

What is needed to complete my application?

Complete the online application, pay your application fee of $200, and provide a picture and a completed pastoral reference form. The link to the pastoral reference form and online application are listed under the Apply tab in the SWiM part of the UPCI Sages website.

How do I make payments?

All payments must be made through the online payment system. To maintain financial accountability, we only accept online payments. Check out the payment schedule for more information.

Can I make a partial payment on my account instead of full payments?

We can only accept full payments.

Can someone else make a payment on my behalf?

Absolutely! Remember that if the amount they wish to give is less than a full payment, the amount will need to be sent directly to the Sages Working in Missions (SWIM) participant. We are only able to accept full payments.

Can I pay all the costs at one time if I have it?

Yes. You can make all required online payments or the balance owed at one time as long as you have the total amount.

My debit/credit card won’t process my payment. What should I do?

Contact your bank to verify the withdrawal limit on your account. You may need to use a credit card or raise the withdrawal limit on your debit card.

When is the remaining money due after submitting the $200 application fee online?

All payment amounts and due dates are posted in the “Funds – Payment Schedule” portion of the website. Plus, you will receive detailed information in the emailed Sages Working in Missions acceptance packet.

Does the application fee of $200 go toward the trip?

Yes.

When can I apply for SWIM 2024 trips?

The online application for 2024 Global and North American trips will go live on November 1, 2023.

What if I have a question about the application?

If your question is unanswered on the website, please email@email.com

What is the communication process after I apply?

1) If there is a problem with your application or you are missing anything, we will contact you as soon as possible by using the email address you provided in your Sages Working in Missions application.

2) You will receive an email from us concerning your approval within 20 working business days of the date your SWIM application is complete. (Wait time may increase during the November 1st application-opening week and over holidays.) If accepted, this email will include instructions on what to do next. You will receive a link to the Preparation Guide. It will also have a link to your trip-specific SWIM Facebook group so you can connect with other approved attendees and chaperones before the trip.

3) If accepted, you will receive a link to the Trip Packet by April 15. The Trip Packet will include all trip details. For example – Flight Instructions, Hotel Information, FAQs, Trip Schedule, Dress Code, Travel Health Details, etc

When is the application deadline?

The SWiM 2024 applications will be closed for all trips on March 15, 2024. However, we anticipate these trips filling up quickly, so you should plan on applying as soon as possible. We do not keep waiting lists once a trip is fully booked. (Applications go live on the website November 1.)

Is airfare included in the price of the SWiM Global trips?

International airfare is covered. However, you must purchase your airfare to and from the departure city. The departure city is where attendees meet to fly to the trip’s destination.

Is airfare included in the price of the SWIM North America trip?

No. You must book and pay for your flight to and from the destination of the mission trip. Hotel information and preferred flight arrival and departure time details will be in the trip packet.

When can I apply for SWIM 2024 trips?

The online application for 2024 Global and North American trips will go live on November 1, 2023.

What if I have a question about the application?

If your question is unanswered on the website, please email@email.com

What is the communication process after I apply?

1) If there is a problem with your application or you are missing anything, we will contact you as soon as possible by using the email address you provided in your Sages Working in Missions application.

2) You will receive an email from us concerning your approval within 20

working business days of the date your SWIM application is complete. (Wait time may increase during the November 1st application-opening week and over holidays.) If accepted, this email will include instructions on what to do next. You will receive a link to the Preparation Guide. It will also have a link to your trip-specific SWIM Facebook group so you can connect with other approved attendees and chaperones before the trip.

3) If accepted, you will receive a link to the Trip Packet by April 15. The Trip Packet will include all trip details. For example – Flight Instructions, Hotel Information, FAQs, Trip Schedule, Dress Code, Travel Health Details, etc

When is the application deadline?

The SWiM 2024 applications will be closed for all trips on March 15, 2024. However, we anticipate these trips filling up quickly, so you should plan on applying as soon as possible. We do not keep waiting lists once a trip is fully booked. (Applications go live on the website November 1.)

Is airfare included in the price of the SWiM Global trips?

International airfare is covered. However, you must purchase your airfare to and from the departure city. The departure city is where attendees meet to fly to the trip's destination.

Is airfare included in the price of the SWIM North America trip?

No. You must book and pay for your flight to and from the destination of the mission trip. Hotel information and preferred flight arrival and departure time details will be in the trip packet.

Do I have to pay for luggage fees?

Yes

Do I need shots or special medication?

SWiM destinations outside North America may require specific immunization. Go to www.cdc.gov and search for your host destination in the “Travelers’ Health” section. You will be able to read what is suggested and/or required. Take this list to your doctor at least two months before your trip to discuss options. We will also include these details in your trip packet.

What if I experience a medical emergency?

Medical insurance is purchased on behalf of each SWIM participant. Available care will be provided. When out of North America, the options for medical care may be limited.

What medical conditions prohibit me from being part of a SWIM trip?

Airlines may not permit travel in the following situations (and airlines are the final decision makers in these decisions. There is no process to appeal their decision not to let someone fly): A concern that you have a medical condition that may worsen during a flight or You have an illness that could infect other passengers. Restrictions and rules can vary between airlines, so if you are in any doubt, you should seek advice from the airline’s medical department. Most airlines have a medical advisory service, details of which can usually be found on their website.

If you think your health might be affected by flying or traveling outside North America, contact your General Practitioner or specialist before applying for a Sages Working in Missions trip.

Travel by air is not generally advised if you suffer from or have had (this list is not comprehensive):

• Angina or chest pain while at rest

• Currently have an infectious disease (e.g., chickenpox, flu), including

• COVID-19

• Decompression sickness after diving (Sometimes called “the bends”)

• Increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury, or infection)

• Infection of your ears or sinuses

• Recent heart attack

• Recent stroke

• Recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g., stomach, bowel, eyes, face, brain)

• Severe long-term diseases that affect your breathing

• Breathlessness at rest

• Unresolved pneumothorax (punctured lung)

• Sickle cell anemia

• Unstable mental health or psychotic illness

Sometimes, you may be asked to provide a letter from your doctor informing the SWIM team that you are healthy enough to travel.

What if I have to cancel after being accepted for a trip?

Before applying for a trip, you must fully understand the Sages Working in Missions cancellation/refund policy. Please give attention as this can be a significant investment. If you need to cancel the trip, we will review the amount of money already expended for your involvement and refund as soon as possible. This amount differs for each trip.

Such tours as a SWiM trip are required to prepay certain expenses for each traveler. Expenses SWiM may have already paid on your behalf include, but are not limited to, flight expenses, hotel expenses, prepaid meals, prepaid attractions, etc. SWIM will work to recover as many funds as possible that have been expensed on your behalf. However, it is suggested that you purchase cancellation insurance to cover any funds that cannot be recovered. If you cancel your participation for any reason, please note your application fee is non-refundable. Unfortunately, we cannot make an exception for personal/family emergencies or illness. An additional policy can be purchased if you want to insure against cancellation. More information can be found

HERE.

I want to be the “Pilot” for a SWiM trip. What should I do next?

The pilots for SWiM trips are UPCI Sages Board Members and Sages District Directors, who also serve as members of the Sages committee. All other interested parties are welcome to apply as a participant on the trip.

If I am single, can I still attend a SWiM trip?

Yes. Hotel accommodations are for two people in each room. If possible, have a friend join you on the trip. Someone you’d enjoy rooming with. Otherwise, another single will be assigned to share accommodations with you.

Single upcharge??

Can I bring an adult son or daughter on the trip with me?

If necessary, one adult son or daughter may travel to assist you. The adult son or daughter is subject to any participant's exact requirements, expectations, and fees. SWiM trips are not to be seen as an opportunity for a family group to visit a particular location together. Applications seeming to have that objective will not be approved.

Can I apply if I’m Canadian?

Yes, however, all funds must be in US dollars. It would help if you considered the exchange rate when making payments.