Where There Be Dragons Reviews

This program was extremely impactful to me because not only was it a fun way to strengthen my mandarin skills, but I made new friends along the way, got to explore and see new places I otherwise probably would have never visited, and I got to learn independence from my family. Being in a homestay also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the mandarin learning experience, and taking public transportation myself also felt like I was learning a lot, since at home my main mode of transportation is just through car.

I had an amazing experience on this program! I spent four weeks traveling through the Andes of Peru, gaining experience with new foods and cultures, city exploration, backpacking and camping, Spanish, and independent travel in South America.
From the beginning, our incredible instructors outlined the stages of our trip: orientation, skill-building, application, X-Phase, and transference. As we learned safety skills and strategies, we were given more and more independence to explore cities and navigate challenges on our own.
During X-Phase, a three-day camping trek on Ausangate Mountain, the students were responsible for planning the route, transportation, and food, preparing meals, packing, and looking out for one another. That experience taught me a lot about independence and leadership, especially while being completely without my phone. Many of these skills have stayed with me and transferred into my everyday life.
Beyond the practical skills, our group frequently discussed ideas that came from our experiences. I came home with new perspectives on consumerism, where our food comes from, and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Overall, this program pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me skills and perspectives that I will carry with me long after the trip.

The Guatemala trip through Where There Be Dragons was life-changing. We traveled across the country and had so many special experiences. We started the trip in Antigua, then did homestays + Spanish lessons in both Xela and San Juan La Laguna.
After that, we spent time in an ex-guerilla community in Petén, hiked to Tikal, and finished the trip on the Carribbean. My Spanish improved so much, and I had an amazing time on the program. The instructors were incredible, I always felt safe and cared for. At times it could be difficult, but in the best way possible. I am so happy I chose to go on the trip.

Amazing program! The instructors were amazing, and always super responsive to any problems I may have had, as well as being supportive and fun! The program really allowed me to go see things and places that I wouldn’t have otherwise seen as just a tourist, and let me really connect with Indonesia, the culture, and the different communities at a very deep level. I experienced so many cool things throughout this program, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PROGRAM!!!

As anyone would be, I was initially nervous for my 2-week Guatemala summer program. However, it turned to out to be the best summer program I have ever done in my life. The instructors were so warm and experienced. My fellow "Dragoncitos," as an instructor would lovingly refer to us as, were ready to learn and create a long lasting community. Throughout my time in the program, I learned what it means to travel slowly and thoroughly and the value of doing that. I had an amazing time and would recommend this to anyone who wants to travel in a new and exciting and amazing way!

There is this one moment from the trip I keep returning to.
It isn't standing in front of the infamous Tiger's Nest or watching the mountains disappear into the clouds. It isn't even one of the many postcard-worthy views Bhutan effortlessly offers.
It's sitting on the floor of a monastery after a long day, listening to the synchronised chants and bells, surrounded by a kind of silence that felt comforting. Back home, silence usually felt uncomfortable. But in Bhutan, I learned to exist within it.

I thought I'd come home with a camera roll full of Bhutan's mountains. I did:) But more than that, I came home thinking about conversations over shared meals, soccer games with monks, reflections on long hikes, mornings in dzongs and the grand dance for each hit in the darts game with the local students. Those moments became the best part of the trip. Not the postcard photos of Bhutan's mountains, but the overweight baggage of memories I'll keep carrying and the people I experienced them with.

Months from now, I'll probably forget the exact number of steps we climbed or the names of every place we visited. But I don't think I'll ever forget how differently I started looking at the world by the end of those ten days.

This trip was a really fun way to explore the world in a fun way. The schedule was always very busy; we were constantly doing something (unless you consider the free time boring). We met with locals, ate local people's food, stayed in local people's homes in Thies- all of which made the experience feel more real. We were often reminded that we were not tourists, but travelers. It gives you a sense of accomplishment to go a place and see the love and happiness of the people there and share that with them instead of going to a place to feel happiness for yourself. It takes a specific kind of person to enjoy this experience, but everyone has it in them. If you can find it in you, you will have a trip that will change not only the way you see the world, but the way you see yourself.

Dragons set me up with life-long skills for compassionate travel and cultural immersion, which I have carried since my gap year into university life. Despite being an extremely thoughtfully designed travel experience for my age group, which it was, it would be an understatement to cast it among other gap year/ summer programs out there. I did this program in the summer before my university and it positively transformed how I connected with the world around me. This certainly grounded me and massively helped in my transition to university. The group felt like its own community and the instructors tremendously helped facilitate moments of intentionality which we might have gone past amidst the chaos of travel. All in all, I couldn't recommend this program enough as it was deeply rooted in contextual knowledge of Nepalese culture and local traditions which provided an authentic travel experience which I will cherish for life.

My Dragons experience was absolutely life changing! From seeing new places to creating lifelong friendships and memories the time will be held close to my heart for the rest of my life. My favorite part of my trip was a group hike in Parque de las papas. The scenery was breathtaking. My family that welcomed me into their home were very friendly and welcoming and fed me some DELICIOUS meals. For people that are looking to do this all I have to say is. DO IT! You won’t regret it :) Drink lots of water and try every food you can!

Summer with Dragons was easily the best summer I have ever had. Travelling so far from home was completely new to me, but the people around me made it feel like I belonged from the very beginning.

Looking back, the experience was truly life-changing. It taught me to appreciate the small moments – watching sunsets with friends, sharing meals, and enjoying simple experiences that somehow meant the most. It reminded me that the little things are often what stay with you.

The programme also connected closely with my future goal of studying medicine. I had the chance to explore a project focused on alternative medicine, which opened my eyes to new perspectives on health and care. One of the best parts was that no matter your interests, there is an ISP tailored to you, giving everyone the chance to explore what they’re passionate about and grow from it.

For me, Dragons was about personal growth – stepping outside my comfort zone, broadening my horizons, and seeing the world differently. I didn’t expect to change as much as I did, but I left more confident, open-minded, and curious than when I arrived.

What truly made it unforgettable was the incredible group of students and instructors who supported and inspired me throughout. It wasn’t just a summer programme – it was an experience that will stay with me for life.