Australia - Testimonials

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

My project has changed my view on conservation because I realise that small, grassroots, initiatives can truly make a difference in the world.
Shannon Skripitsky, University of Alberta, Canada

Amazing, fast paced, and well organized. Very much exceeded my expectations. 10.
Barbara Nickel, Rutgers University

A totally unbelievable experience. The activities were phenomenal. The staff was great and I can't wait to come back to Australia. The time flew by and I only wish that we had more time.
Emily Renshaw, University of Michigan

Best time of my life! I met really amazing people and did things I never thought I would do. It's definitely changed my attitude towards life.
Derek Prothro, UCLA

It was awesome. I did things I never thought I'd get a chance to do in my lifetime. I feel that I got to do a lot of things people don't traditionally do when they visit Australia. I would do this again in a heartbeat.
Jenny Pyne, University of Northern Colorado

I loved every bit of it. I had so many firsts (rappelling, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and surfing).
Kristin George, Ohio State University

Heaps of wicked raging good times.
Victoria Zimmerman, Indiana University

I can honestly say that coming on this trip was the best decision of my life. Through the various environmental lessons I have learned, interaction with the Australian people and aboriginal culture, the amazing places I was fortunate enough to visit, and the people I have met along the way, my outlook and perspective on many things is forever changed.
Justin Pasay, Penn State University

Extremely Fun!! I also liked learning some facts along the way. The staff was great & I would definitely recommend this trip to others. Thanks!!
Kelly Dowd, Arizona State

I cannot decide which I liked more, the conservation project or the adventure tour. They were both amazing but extremely unique.
Srishti Reddy, University of Michigan

I'm thankful to have been able to participate at the AUSTROP organization via IST. It was nice to be surrounded by people with different levels of knowledge about conservation, and to exchange ideas and learn from others. Thanks for the opportunity to have this growing and unforgettable experience.
Lindsey Houghton, University of Wisconsin-Madison

It seemed like every day of this trip I found myself in awe of Australia's beauty and culture and always for a different reason from the last. Everywhere we went would have, individually, been worth the entire trip across the world. The fact that I saw all of those places in one trip is what makes it truly the experience of a lifetime.
Jessica Ridpath, University of Southern Florida

I've never done something like this before & overall it was a wonderful experience. I would recommend IST to anyone. Bravo!
Lydia Williams, University of Georgia

My time in Australia was so special and something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. From the places that I visited, the people that I encountered, and the discussions that were had, I have learned so much about myself and conserving the environment This trip was everything I imagined and more and has taught me some life-long lessons. The Family we stayed with was absolutely wonderful. We all cried when we had to leave them.
Laura Douglas, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

I had a wonderful time! It went by to fast. I really hope to go to a different country next summer.
Jane Fisher, University of North Texas

Overall this was the greatest experience of my life. Not only because of what I did and what I saw, but because of what I learned about the environment, the culture, myself, and the knowledge I acquired that I will take with me wherever I go.
Christiana Centeno, Cal State Northridge

In my one-month work tour of Australia, I learned many environmental, cultural and personal lessons. I experienced life in the Daintree Rainforest and came in contact with its high diversity of animal and plant life. I feel like I made a difference in the Daintree, and that has inspired me to attempt the same back at home. I had a blast & loved that we saw so many places. Fun & learning were nicely balanced.
Erin Holl, University of Minnesota

On this one month trip I learned more about conservation and culture than I ever imagined. I know now that I have friends all over the U.S.A. and Australia that I will keep in contact with for the rest of my life. I can honestly say that there is nothing I would change about this trip. I can not even explain how much I have learned. I can use what I have learned and apply it to my life everyday. It was absolutely amazing.
Katherine Evans, University of Massachusetts

You get a sense of achievement that is hard to match and meet some amazing people
Tom Smith, University of East Anglia, UK

This trip has taught me many life lessons about the environment and the community that surrounds the various environments in which the group was given the opportunity to visit. The different lessons and interactions I have learned on this trip has made me a better person. I will keep all the lessons close to my heart and hopefully can try to pass them on to others that aren't as fortunate as I am in the opportunity to learn from another country.
Lisa Henderson, Sacramento State University

By far the most important aspect of the trip was the cultural experience. I attended the Sydney Opera and rappelled down a one hundred fifty-five foot cliff in the Blue Mountains. Going to the Wildlife Park was a valuable experience. I was able to feed wild kangaroos and teach the community of Renmark about my culture, and learn, myself, about the Australian culture.
Victoria Centorino, University of Nebraska

Australia is a land of spectacular landscape; it has enormous mountains, spectacular forests and some of the most amazing culture in the world. Given the chance to help conserve and help out this great country was a privilege I will never forget.
Matthew Roberts, Purdue University

I had so much fun. I did so much that I have never done before (or would have done on my own). Leaving Australia, I feel like I actually SAW Australia. I loved this trip!
Shelley Stevenson, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Learning to live a different life-style and understanding a different way of thinking was a great experience in sharing perspectives and values. The overall experience was very rewarding, fun and at the same time educational.
Nina Oestlien, UC Santa Barbara

I have taken many things away from Australia. These include the countless friendships that I made and the valuable lessons in Australian culture and environment, and how to be more nature-oriented and centered no matter where I am in the world. The month I spent in Australia was the most enjoyable and educational of my life, and if I would change anything I would have made the trip longer.
Terrence Kerwin, Penn State
Exciting, enjoyable, & eventful. Met great staff, friends & got to see more then I would ever be able to see alone.
Mira El Tal, CSU of Chico

This trip has changed my outlook not only on the environment but how I look at a lot of things. I am so grateful that I was able to experience this program. I have taken much back from my experience; more then I could have ever imagined and have used it in my daily life. There is nothing I would have done differently. I feel that I participated in every activity available while I was there and had a great experience in learning about the conservation and the Australian culture.
Lauren Shepard, University of Southern Florida


Working at Warrawong Earth Sanctuary certainly expanded my sense of conservation. We would eventually come to the conclusion that the actions of individuals make a difference.
Marcella Horii, USC

Through ISV I have learned what major issues that we are facing. This experience has given me the opportunity to grow and learn about other cultures and problems facing the environment. I don't think there is anything that could be changed about the program and what it teaches. Thank you for the opportunity to experience this.
Chad Pfeif, University of Northern Colorado

Overall it was amazing. I had the time of my life.
Katie Roark, University of Colorado-Boulder

It was an experience of a life time! The time and memories made here were amazing and I'm so glad that I came. I wish students could see how great of an opportunity this is because this is something that everyone would enjoy. Thanks again for everything!
Maura McGarrity, University of Mass-Amherst

It was the most fun I have ever had in my life thus far. My group was amazing-it was amazing!
Kimberly Shultz, UC San Diego

Tons of Fun! Overall, the best experience I've had with a tour group.
Teresa Yang, University of Texas-Austin

This trip has changed my outlook not only on the environment but how I look at a lot of things. I am so grateful that I was able to experience this program. I have taken much back from my experience; more then I could have ever imagined and have used it in my daily life. There is nothing I would have done differently. I feel that I participated in every activity available while I was there and had a great experience in learning about the conservation and the Australian culture.
Lauren Shepard, University of Southern Florida

 

Updated on May 12, 2008

 

 


 
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