Service Trips: Wartburg College - Waverly, Iowa, USA

Just the Facts

The Wartburg College Service Trip program recognizes that service trips are only deemed successful if the impact of the experience reaches beyond the week of direct service. Given that, our goal is that participants will share what they have learned with others and be inspired to work towards social action in their own communities upon their return. Our intent is that students’ personal investment in their service projects (through research and hands on experience) will transform their thinking and create a life long commitment to service and the public good. By keeping service trips student-centered and directed, participants become actively involved in the entire process.

Here is what we know from our most current survey about the positive effects of service trips:

Students experience personal growth on their service trip

94% reported they learned something new about themselves
96% reported they had experienced personal growth
80% reported that they trip made them more aware of their own prejudices and biases

Students gain interpersonal skills as a result of their service trip

94% reported an increased empathy for others
94% reported an increased understanding of different cultural perspectives
95% reported they learned more about a social issue
98% reported they learned something they could not have learned in the classroom
94% reported they learned/experienced something on the trip that they could not have at Wartburg or in the surrounding community
77% reported that reflection was a key tool for their learning

The majority of students connect the service trip experience with their vocation

74% reported they were able to make connections with their coursework
80% reported that they recognize a connection between their service trip and their vocation
70% reported that the service trip helped them develop a sense of purpose for their life

Students report high efficacy and a desire to serve

95% reported that they believe there are things they can do to solve social problems
89% reported a stronger desire to serve others
98% reported they feel a responsibility to serve their community
79% reported they will be more likely to serve in their local community
73% reported they will be more active in non-profit organizations
45% reported that they would become more politically active (40% reported neutral)