Program Reviews

Every day, I had new experiences, some new and unordinary but all extremely fun and worthwhile! From dancing with locals to trekking mountains up to 14,00 feet to building the eco-waste bins. We helped our global community by encouraging proper waste management in Tibet, one of the most beautiful places in the world. This trip has helped me grow not only as a student but a leader but taught me that I have the potential to make a difference. I learned so many profound lessons on teamwork, collaboration, and embracing different cultures. One of my favorite memories was when we visited the monasteries. I couldn't believe it, here I was on the other side of the world embracing these awe-inspiring buildings, I was speechless. If you ever have the chance to embark on this breathtaking journey... take it!

My experience in Peru through Students Shoulder to Shoulder was truly incredible. Our journey took us high into the Andean Mountains and into indigenous communities where we were able to work and connect with the locals of all ages. Though the language barrier made communication difficult, I felt I was able to bond with the locals on a deeper level through working, laughing, and simply spending time together. I am forever grateful for the experiences I shared and the connections I made. Even as my time in Peru grows further away, the memories are fresh in my mind as I continue to reflect and learn from my experience. As my journey through life and growth continues, my experience in Peru will forever remain near and dear to my heart.

This summer I was given the opportunity to go on the Cambodia course with shoulder to shoulder and it was incredible. I learned so much about Cambodia and myself that I don’t even know where to begin. The countryside was gorgeous and the people were so nice. The group was also amazing and so were our instructors. As for me, I was able to learn so much about myself and how I could better appreciate the things that I do have instead of wanting the things that I don’t.

I loved my trip to Cambodia! I got to try a ton of new foods and experience a completely different culture than my everyday life. My group's guide, Phiya, was super fun and helped us communicate with people. Living in the homestays on the island Koh Preah was such a cool experience. The families were so nice and welcoming. This trip made me think a lot about how people don't need a lot to be happy. It also made me aware of how much our society wastes precious resources like water by taking super long showers and leaving faucets on. My favorite memory from the trip was the volleyball game we played with some of the kids on the island. It was super fun and brought everyone together.

Something you won't find in the media is how genuine Kenyans are to one another. Everywhere you go, you're asked, "Umeshindaje? Habari ya nyumbani?" (How is your day? How is home?) This isn't just a formality. People want to see you through your own eyes, and create contact with you simply because you're both human beings with real feelings and lives.
At Kithoka Amani Children's Home, the impact of the way Dr. Karambu is raising these kids is clear. They are all independent, loving, and deeply understanding kids, even the little ones. I greatly miss Kelvin, Blessy, Caway, Tush, Favour, Evans, Edwin, Centi, Stacy, Nelly, Come, Hilda, Millie, Jen, and everyone else, but I am so thankful I got to have them in my life to show me what truly makes good people.

This trip was a fantastic experience! I traveled to places that I never thought I would see. I knew people lived without clean water, but truly seeing it was shocking. I was happy to help- and after we were done with the water filters, we spent the remaining time traveling Bolivia. I met some really great people on this trip- making water filters together was amazing, and I loved traveling with my group to new places and having new experiences with them. Our group leaders, Olivia and Sarah, were incredible, and I would not have chosen different group leaders if I ever had the choice.

My trip to Kenya this past summer was absolutely lovely. SStS did an amazing job integrating us into such a foreign place. I felt right at home the whole time! The people in Kenya were so bright and welcoming, making the African experience so much more. It was one of the coolest trips I've ever taken. By the end of the trip everyone was like family! We all grew so much as people. I was exposed to so much I didn't know and I'm so grateful for this worldly knowledge I have obtained. Thank you thank you thank you!

I loved everything about the SStS trip to Nicaragua. From the 5-lens curriculum leading up to the trip to the very last minute of being on the island, the trip taught me so much. Not only did it allow for personal growth and broaden my perspective on ethical leadership, but it also introduced me to a number of incredible people I was able to build great relationships with. Everyone I interacted with - whether it was the people in my group or the people on the island - made my trip that much better and more enjoyable.

To anyone that's thinking about signing up for this trip, 100% take advantage of this amazing opportunity!! You will meet amazing kids and people, learn immensely important lessons that will remain with you long after your trip, and enjoy every second on the beautiful island of Ometepe.

This trip to Nicaragua with Students Shoulder to Shoulder was one of the best trips I have ever been on! On the Ometepe island, we spent 2 weeks with kids who taught us more than we were able to teach them. I remember the very first day of classes at the Bilingual School. I walked in with my fellow teacher and we were both greeted with big hugs and high-fives from energetic and friendly first graders. Their curiosity was electric and it was a sign that our next few weeks would be an amazing time.

To future participants: I am so excited for you! This program is really a meaningful experience that I recommend. I suggest that you journal during your stay because in addition to my photos and memories I have so many little fun details about the trip that I can look back on.

Throughout the entirety of the trip I went on, I kept a journal detailing the events of my time there. I brought this journal solely because I did not want to forget, but even if I tried I will never ever forget my 20 days in Nicaragua with so many amazing people.

I loved my trip to Nicaragua and the bonds I formed there with the kids, my peers, and the island. My favorite memory would have to be going to the local circus and the beach with the kids. When we bonded with them outside of being their teachers it was really something. That’s why I also loved walking them home after class each day. I’d give anything to go back in time and experience it all again.