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

This trip has changed my life. I feel like I am going to leave NZ as a better person. I feel like I really made a difference on the project portion. The friends I made are like my family. I'm just in awe from this experience.
Emma Shipalesky, University of Alberta

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

The work we accomplished in New Zealand has served as a model of environmental conservation which we can bring back to the United States and apply in our everyday life. New Zealand was an awesome experience and I would go back in an instant.
Brian MacElvaine, UC Davis

Hands down the best way to travel abroad in college. Don't study abroad, this is way better than any trip you could take.
Nicholas Adams, University of Georgia

My one-month voyage was completely visceral. I never expected to gain a perspective of myself by going to the other side of the world. Through blood, sweat, and tears we overcame the obstacles of planting half a forest, jumping out of planes, and simply surviving one another. All in all, this was the experience of a lifetime, and I only hope for the opportunity to return to New Zealand in the future, both to see its reforestation progress and to re-experience the rush of life on this phenomenal country.
Lisa Frausto, University of Michigan

Looking back on the entire trip and thinking about what we accomplished over a one-month period makes me very proud to have been a part of such an organization. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, organized, patient and willing to help us in any area of our life. I would recommend this program to just about anyone that has a willingness to learn and care for the environment.
Jamie Stewart, Penn State

There has been so much to see and do in such a small area it's like traveling the 50 States in less than a month. I will never forget the friends and people I've met, it's been sweet!
Rick Fleeman, University of Nebraska

I've done and seen things I never thought I'd do or see. We've covered so much in a short amount of time. Absolutely amazing, breath taking, adrenaline packed.
Carolyn Chan, New York University

This program is awesome and brings joy to the many volunteers who choose to make a difference in the world to make a brighter future.
Andre Matau, Evergreen Valley College

Unbelievable. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Excellent!!! I want to share this opportunity with anyone who's willing to listen.
Erin Bestrom, University of Washington

Spectacular, everything I was hoping for and more. I can't say enough about how great it's been. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Kate Cormier, University of Massachusetts

I had the most amazing time. This experience completely fulfilled my expectations and more. I feel like I know this country more than I would have if I were to travel it alone. The project gave me a better appreciation for nature and I feel like I've experienced more on the adventure tour than I have in 6 years of my life. I'll miss the people and this country sooo much!
Emily Strauss, University of Guelph

Definitely worth every penny. We have done so many amazing things in such a short space of time, and met so many fantastic people. Kathryn Tyler, Leeds University
"Non-Stop adrenaline rush!! When else do you jump out of a plane at 12,000 ft, scale waterfalls in caves, bungee jump 440ft, trek through crevales and sky the southern Alps in two weeks?"
Betsy LaCroix, Washington State

Thanks for the amazing experience. I learned so much and experience so many firsts. I was able to do more in one month than most will experience in a lifetime!
Kim Beyer, Purdue University

My experience in New Zealand went high and above my expectations for the trip. My eyes are now open. I have an appreciation for different cultures and a new pride in myself. Thank You ISV for providing me with a life changing adventure and experience.
Meredith Imlay, University of Central Florida

This trip has been one, if not the best experiences I've ever had. If I was only able to experience 1 of the 4 weeks, it still would be worth it.
Kristine Pedersen, UCLA

This is the AwesomestEST trip ever in the world. Party when you can, take in the scenery, & get all you can out of it. You'll love it, I promise you.
Jessica Stapp, University of Oregon

Coming to New Zealand with ISV has been a fabulous experience. I've seen some awesome sights and have done things I never would have dreamed of. It's been more than worth it.
Ailsa Smith, Strathclyde University

Don't pass the chance at having this adventure.
Brandon Birckbichler, University of Texas

This was the best experience I have ever had! The leaders were outstanding, the activities were thrilling, and the scenery was breathtaking! Thank you for everything!
Chrissy Stavig, San Diego State University

Awesome, the best month of my life! Have made a lot of new friends, been skydiving and bungy jumping as well as learning a lot about NZ. Sweet As!
Andrew Mullen, University of Birmingham

I had some very intense experiences with the Maori. The night spent at the marae was one of the best experiences I've ever had, and I cannot even fully express how that touched me. I was discovering new things about myself: my capabilities, my opinions and the way I think. For that fresh insight alone, I would say this trip was the best of my life. Add the rest of my experiences in with that, and I have a most incredible, unforgettable summer trip.
Christine Behringer, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This has been one of the best and certainly most fulfilling experiences of my life. I am extremely appreciative to have gotten this opportunity to do the things I have and see the things I have. Absolutely unforgettable.
Ben Kleimen, University of Arizona

In retrospect, this marvelous trip has provided me with numerous stories, life experiences, and of course, friends for life. If anything could have been done differently, I wouldn't have allowed for it, because every aspect, good or bad, contributed a valuable life learning experience.
Brian Ugurlu, University of Washington

Between all of the amazing things I saw, the feeling of satisfaction knowing that in some small way, I helped contribute to the environment of New Zealand, and all of the amazing people I met, I feel I have come back to the states a better-rounded individual. It was such a fantastic learning experience, and I had such a blast that I don't feel it needed to be done any differently. All I do know is that I want to go back again.
Jennifer Callahan, University of Massachusetts

You get out of the volunteer work what you put in, if you remember this it will be the most rewarding time of your life.
Jonathan Timmons, Leads University

I had the time of my life. The only problem is I have had such a great time &so much adrenaline, I will always be wanting more & I might go crazy trying to beat that amazing time I have had with ISV.
Heather Peters, University of Colorado

The most fun and valuable experience of my life, made great friends, learned a lot, and did things I'd never thought I'd do.
Emily Fosburgh, San Diego State University

The month long experience was priceless. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Andrea Young, Washington State University

My overall experience in New Zealand with the guidance of this program exceeded my expectations. I feel I have learned far more from this experience than any other because I was able to observe both visually and tactilely the environment, culture, and natural beauty that are New Zealand. I am grateful for the opportunities this experience leant me.
Michelle Anderson, UC Santa Barbara

Incredible trip piled with sites we wouldn't have been able to catch on our own. Well planned with lots to do and experience.  Simply incredible.
Joni Lane, Radford University

A life experience - unforgettable. I’m so glad that I participated.
Jana Kerschbaumsteiner, University of Vienna

There were numerous times when I was at a loss for words. It was all incredible and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Patrick Schuette, University of Wisconsin-Madison

This is one of the best things I have ever done. I learned a lot about others, the environment, and myself.
Jenny Draper, University of Central Florida

I had an absolute blast. It was everything I expected and more. Amazing
Erica Antill, University of Massachusetts

Action Stations was Fantastic. It was such an unforgettable experience working with local New Zealanders to really make a difference.
Sarah Timm, Washington State

I came on this trip expecting the adventure tour to be most rewarding but found the volunteer portion to be amazing and more memorable than I ever imagined. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. Love ISV New Zealand.
Tess Vaessen, University of Central Florida

Absolutely phenomenal, the most amazing thing I've had the privilege of doing. Everything I did was a new experience and I've learnt so much from the first two weeks doing Kuaka. I'm also a converted adrenaline junkie thanks to the adventure tour. It’s just been awesome! Sweet As! Sarah Kerridge, Bristol University

Thank you for allowing this opportunity to come here and expand my knowledge. I am emotionally connected with New Zealand now & I am deeply indebted to you for this.
Brianne Rosenthal, UC Santa Barbara

I definitely would recommend ISV to other University students. I've gain much knowledge in an area that was foreign to me. The staff's positive attitude has allowed us to enjoy New Zealand to its fullest. Thanks you for all that you've done for us.
Quynh-Nhu Vu, University of Michigan