Testimonials from Our Volunteers

Australia Volunteers

The level of guidance and the level of independence is a perfect blend. If anyone is considering going on this trip, picture yourself in the most beautiful places in the world, doing things you'd never thought you'd do, with amazing people to share it with. The experiences I got here will literally shape the next few years of my life and will never be forgotten. Thanks to all the ISV staff for being wonderful leaders and making this all possible.
Phil Andreoli, University of Wisconsin-Madison

A truly rewarding experience in a beautiful country with interesting and friendly people.
Alex Johnston, University of Plymouth, UK

This program was the best experience of my life. The places and people and staff never ceased to amaze me. Everything was beautiful and I am a better person for having come here. Thanx
Steff Werner, Arizona State University

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. I have fallen in love with everything about the country and I feel like I have been given an amazing opportunity that many people never get to experience in their lifetime.
Monica LaHaye, UC Santa Barbara

As a researcher for two weeks in the Monteverde National Cloud Forest Preserve, I witnessed a behind the scenes view of a truly wonderful place. When I saw a quetzal, a bird unique to Monteverde, on my left and spider monkeys on my right, I knew that the next two weeks of research work would be unbelievable.
Tamara Froebel, Boston University

It was an excellent way to tour the country. It was the perfect mixture of learning and adventurous activities. Thrilling.
Emily Cory, University of Arizona

You gain an experience in living that you couldn't possibly learn about from any book. The experience changes who you are & who you want to be.
Shanez Sinnathamby, University of Melbourne

Dominican Republic Volunteers

There is no combination of words that I could ever use to describe the significance of this experience. My life is changed; I am changed for the better. Everyday was an adventure that opened my eyes to the possibilities this world has to offer. The volunteering has enriched my life and the people of Nagua, project leaders, and fellow volunteers made this trip one that I will never forget and always aspire to live up to. There is not combination of words that I could use to describe this experience. I expected to do a lot of hard work and be rewarded by the adventure tour, but the truth is the entire four weeks was an adventure. Not only did I learn about the beautiful people and land in the Dominican, but I learned about my own strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and possibilities. My experience with ISV was life changing and I am a better person for embarking on this adventure.
Cameron Smith- Uni of Missouri

Every block we move, is one step closer to creating a home. Every smile or hug that we give to a child, no matter where on earth we are, is one step closer to achieving the feeling of community that makes us human. Volunteering is a bridge that gives us a sense of belonging. It makes us feel our need to be here, we feel our need to help out. All we ask for in return is the privilege to do it again! I am so grateful for being handed such a meaningful opportunity, that has changed my life, and more importantly has changed other people's lives. I can't wait to do it again./The experiences that I've had (the priveledge to have) on this trip have helped me to become a better person in many ways. I will continue to do volunteer work back home and respect myself as best I can (I quit smoking with the help of being around positive people that made up my group). I love the Dominican smile and I will keep it in my mind always. THank you to the Dominican Republic for giving me a stronger spirit and hope for the rest of the world!
Catherine Thomas- Virginia Commonwealth

The whole experience has touched my heart so much that this is definitely not the last time ISV hears from me! I will represent and than you for everything and let you know that I will support ISV till the end!
Nallely Carlon- Arizona State

Ecuador Volunteers

This trip completely blew my mind- from the volunteering to the adventure tour- I have never had a better time. Everything has gone above and beyond my original expectations. This is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the best trip I have ever been on.
Jonathan Sells, University of Ottawa, Canada

This trip is not only filled with AWESOME activities but great opportunities to learn about the Ecuadorian culture and wildlife! I would recommend this experience to anyone.
Brittany Floer, Central Michigan University 

ISV offers a new and unique experience that I doubt could be had otherwise. The dedication and commitment of ISV and my fellow volunteers has given me one of the most important experiences of my life; enriched with memories and friendships.
Rafael Jara, University of Miami 

This is my third ISV trip and I have yet to be disappointed (Australia in 2004, Costa Rica in 2005, and Ecuador in 2006). Ecuador is a beautiful country with friendly people. The volunteering was very rewarding and the adventure tour was a great way to try new activities and tour the country. Thank you ISV!
Meredith Soon, University of British Columbia, Canada

New Zealand Volunteers

I have gained from this experience countless memories, lasting friendships, and a much greater understanding of ways in which I can be environmentally aware in my hometown or school. Going on this trip was one of the best and most influential decisions I have ever made. It has impacted my life, and strongly affected the choices I make on a day-to-day basis. I have a newfound love and appreciation for the environment, and I am inspired to make a difference.
Catherine Thieman, Penn State

This trip has been an amazing experience, right from getting dirty in the conservation work, interacting with the local community and as a group, to having great fun with the activities. I feel a special bond to this country and hope to continue more environmental work in the future.
Joanne Chillingworth, University of Birmingham

We saw things and experienced activities that most people only dream about. The overall experience of my month in New Zealand could not be match by anything else I have done in my life up to this point.
Edward Neal, University of Colorado

My time here in New Zealand was the best I had. Meeting new likeminded people and being introduced to different cultures was an awesome way of spending my summer.
Alida Sophie Kindt, Leeds University

Thailand Volunteers

It has changed my life. I will never forget the people I met and the things I have learned. This trip opened my mind up to a whole new world of opportunities. I love Thailand!
Britta Retrum, North Hennepin Community College

The tour was a great way to learn more about Thai culture - I love Thai people and their culture and can definitely see myself coming back in the future. I learned a lot of great things about Thailand's jungle forest and its importance to wildlife and the rest of the environment.  The people, culture and wildlife were amazing and I truly believe we had a great impact in their lives.
Maria Garcia Gonzalez, University of Oregon

One of the best experiences of my life - the elephant park especially opened my eyes to what I can do to make a difference in the world. This project has given me a sense of purpose and a foundation for how I want to make a difference in the world - I can't wait to go back.
Betsy Costilo, University of Vermont