International & Seasonal PA Work?

[roromo]

I want to be a PA. I also love medical mission work. Ideally I would like to become a PA and work seasonally in the US and then spend the rest of the year doing mission work (perhaps in Central America).

*Is this a reasonable goal or am I being to idealistic?

*What are some different options for seasonal work? I have read that some PAs work seasonally at ski resorts etc. and would love to hear about various options and experiences.

*Is becoming a PA a good option if I want to work internationally in underserved areas? Or would I be better off becoming a nurse practitioner? It seems like nursing is a more recognized profession in other countries from what I have read.

*Does anyone have any recommendations for shadowing/volunteer experience in the US that would relate to these future goals? Maybe shadowing a PA in an underserved area? Any other thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your advice/thoughts/opinions!

[PaulK]

Almost universally, PA programs have in their mission a statement about creating PAs who will stay in their state. If you hope to get trained by them and then leave the state, you're going going to get a very warm reception, and you probably won't be offered admission. Doing a mission trip on your vacation time is one thing, but they're not in the business of training people to take their skills overseas.