Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a member?

​To become a member please fill out the form below. By submitting the form you will be added to our emailing list and will start receiving information about upcoming trips and meetings. Members cannot be considered for our monthly clinic trips until membership fees have been paid. ​​

I signed up for the trip but I'm on the alternative list, what should I do?!

​If you are on the waiting list for a month's trip, please keep your schedule free for the day of the trip! Very often we have a number of volunteers who cannot attend the trip; we will contact members on the alternative list to replace them. The order of names on the alternative list are in no particular order and are not representative of position. ​

What are the fees?

​We have an annual membership fee and $35 clinic trip fee. Our annual membership must be paid to be accepted for clinic trips, while clinic trip fees must only be paid after being accepted for a clinic. The membership fee is non-reimbursable, but if you cancel from a clinic trip at least 3 days in advance, clinic trip fees will be reimbursed. Our fees help pay for donations, medications, insurance, equipment, and other clinic expenses. Healthcare providers are exempt from fees. ​​

How can I be a provider with your group?

Please email us at [email protected]
 to indicate your interest in volunteering with us :)

​Physicians, physician assistants, and NPs are exempt from all fees.

How do we reach the clinic? Do I have to drive myself?

​We drive to the clinic with assigned member drivers. Unless you have signed up and been accepted as a driver for our trip, you will not have to drive. When we meet at CSUF we allow members to choose with whom they will ride to the clinic with!​​

Are there any risks in driving to the clinic?

​There is always risk driving in a foreign nation, but we take extensive precautions to ensure every trip is as safe as possible. We purchase Mexican auto insurance for all vehicles and every vehicle also has a handheld radio, translator, experienced member/navigator, map with directions, and is marked with a number taped to the back window. All vehicles travel together as a convoy in Mexico travelling on well maintained cuota (toll) roads for the majority of the drive, briefly  driving across a dirt road to the clinic. ​
​

Do I need a passport? ​

​YES! Members MUST have a valid passport in order to join our trips. NO EXCEPTIONS!
​
Vertical Divider

Do I need to be a Cal State Fullerton Student?

Our chapter is open to anyone who wants to participate and give back to those in need.

How do I sign-up for trips? ​

​Every month, usually within the first weeks of the month, we send out an email with a form to sign-up for the respective month's trip! The week of the trip we will send a separate email with our final and alternative lists for the month's trip. Members who are on the final list must pay clinic fees two days in advance of the trip or their spot will be given to persons on the alternative list. ​

How do I improve my chances of going on trips?

Drivers, translators, new members, and any members wait-listed for trips gain priority to clinic trips. Attending our monthly meetings, fundraisers, and signing up for trips will ensure you will join us on future trips! We ensure active and dedicated members join our clinics. ​

How long is the trip? When can I expect to return to CSUF?

Our trips are all day events, leaving the CSUF Nutwood parking structure at 5am, and returning by midnight. We normally arrive to our clinic in El Hongo by 10am, and leave by 6pm. 

What should I wear to a clinic?

​Normal casual attire is appropriate for our trips, but we also have club tshirts that can be purchased at meetings or on trips!​

Do I need to know Spanish to join trips?

​No! Members do not need to know Spanish to join on our trips. We bring a number of translators on our trips every month! ​

Is food provided?

​Lunch normally is provided at our clinic for members, but bringing water, snacks, and other food is highly suggested.​

What are my roles as a volunteer?

​Volunteers are assigned roles at the start of a clinic, with roles including triage, shadowing doctors, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, helping distribute donations, or assisting at the orphanage. ​

I've been accepted to a clinic! What do I need to bring?

Members need their passport, and any other forms of identification. Drivers should be sure they have their passport, license, registration, and US insurance. We will provide drivers with Mexican auto insurance on the day of the clinic. ​

How could I become an officer with your group?

At the end of every spring semester we hold elections for new officers! Officers are chosen on the basis of their experience, dedication, and contribution to the club. So become involved!
​

How often are club meetings?

We have club meetings once a month, with dates varying per month. Be sure to join our emailing list to receive updates on upcoming meetings, events, and clinics. ​
​
© 2021 Flying Samaritans of California State University, Fullerton.