While the Philippines has been revealed as a 2014 service trip, other global destinations explored.

In an effort to strengthen Malvern’s Christian Service program, the Philippines have been added as a destination for the class of 2015 onward, and other changes are in the works.

“Despite rumors, we are not leaving South Africa,” said Director of Christian Service, Larry Legner.   He also said that rumors of a service trip to India are false – at least for now.

Legner confirmed that the trip to West Virginia will be discontinued.  He explained that service trip options in the United States were not as popular and needed some change.

According to Legner, Malvern hopes to give every student opportunity for an international experience. In addition to studying abroad through our foreign exchange program, Christian Service is a platform to give students international experience and strengthen Malvern’s global presence.

Why the Philippines?  The reason relates to Malvern’s Augustinian mission and connections.  Already, two of Malvern’s locations are based in Augustinian connections – South Africa and Peru.

“The Augustinians do have a special part of Filipino history,” said Fr. Chris Drennen, Director of Augustinian Identity.  “The Friars were with Magellan on his journey and have care of the oldest church in Manila [ capital of the Philippines], St. Augustine’s.”

“The presence in Asia is also important, as it is such a growing part of the world economy,” said Fr. Drennen.

Drennen notes that an Augustinian connection is not the sole factor in establishing service destinations.  “It does not have to be a place sponsored by the Augustinians, but it is a nice global connection. We have some great service trips that do not have any Augustinian connections, but are Christian service sites, or are consistent with our values.”

Malvern students will be staying in dorm rooms at St. Augustine University in Iloilo City, the urban capital city of the province of Iloilo.  They will be eating at university cafeteria.

While some members of the junior class are anxious about overseas service, others like Arjun Menon are only excited.

“I can’t wait to go abroad and learn about new cultures,” Menon said.  “I think just being in a different country itself puts us in a situation to broaden our perspective and understanding of the world and life in its various regions.”

Legner  shares Menon’s excitement about the destination changes.   “I’m excited about it, because it’s a brand new place.  Each one is different and great in its own way.”