Program Reviews

This experience had so many great memories. With Isv there are two parts volunteer and adventure pack. They are offered as two separate packages or you can do both. I highly recommend doing both. I would say the best memories from the volunteer part was while patrolling the beach when we did see leatherback sea turtles. I was lucky enough to catch eggs from a mother, as well as log information on her. Altogether I saw about fourteen turtles. My group was also lucky enough to see a whole bunch of babies hatching and making their way into the shore line. Another great memory was the stars while on the beach at night. That is something I will never forget. The adventure pack had so much fun stuff that was bundled together. From that portion you get to really go around the country and see the different areas. My favorite part was definitely the zip lining/waterfall repel. Another great one was all the natural hot springs that we walked too. Costa Rica has so many beautiful spots

Traveling with ISV to South Africa was the most amazing experience. I positively impacted the community, I met amazing people in my group and throughout our tour, and had so many unforgettable moments. I can't wait to do more traveling abroad.

New Zealand is honestly the most beautiful place with the kindest people I've ever encountered. No matter how big your expectations are of this place, they will always be surpassed and you will be floored by the majesty of the landscape and the variety of species that are unique to New Zealand. I would highly recommend seeing the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The vast number of glow worms will make you feel so small under a blanket of a million blue stars.

If you have the chance and the means to volunteer abroad, New Zealand will not make you regret doing so. It's really the best thing you can do for yourself.

If anyone is debating whether or not to they should go on this trip, I would highly recommend that they should definitely take the opportunity and do it!!! This truly is the experience of a life time and it will change how you view everything. Volunteering in a third world country is a real eye-opener and it really makes you appreciate life a lot more. The best part of the program is that you're completely immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the country in which you're volunteering. You get tointeract with the locals and see what it's really like for them. ISV makes the experience even better because you're with a group of like-minded students who all share similar interests. I've met some amazing new people and made some lifelong friendships on this trip. Other than the volunteer work, you also get to do and see a bunch of other cool things on your free time. The adventure tour gives you a nice break from all the work and allows you to have fun and travel the country. Overall, this has to be the best experience of my life, and I'm so glad I got to participate in one of ISV's volunteer programs!

I loved this trip so much. Definitely recommend it to anyone. The only problem I had was with the staff on the additional 2 week excursion part. I had an allergic reaction to something, but she did not want me going to the clinic because I would miss an activity (even though it was necessary) and she did not keep it private. Otherwise it was an increible trip.

I had the most amazing experience with the most amazing people. The volunteering portion will melt your heart and open your eyes while also getting to learn about different cultures. The adventure tour portion is nonstop fun and exploring the whole time.

While all that is great, what made my trip was the staff and the other members of the group. They were all amazing people from all over and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I went to South Africa to help out people who are less fortunate and I left there a different person. I learned so much from the people there and I left with a whole new group of friends from around the world.
This was my first travel experience. I still remember the day a ISV recruiter walked into my math class and started telling me about the program. Right then I knee that I was going to go to Africa. My life hasn't been perfect and I knew the people I'd be helping have had their struggles.
It wasnt until I was there and I saw a little girl eat the core of an apple. It was gross. We grow up thinking you can't eat it, but in Africa food is scarce and wasting any part of it is nonexistent. You eat what you can get and you don't complain.
Africa was truly amazing and even though it cost a lot of money...every penny was worth it!

Besides meeting all of the other students, meeting the Project Leaders and the Adventure tour leader were AMAZING! We all grew so close to each other and it felt like each of the two weeks we spent with them was a life time. Each and every one of the students there felt we could reach out to the leaders if we ever needed to talk. All the hiccups in the road felt like nothing because they handled everything so smoothly and always kept us informed. They showed us how to have a good time with any experience, from cold rides to the work sites to jumping off cliffs! They taught us how this is the time to become the person we want to be, because this is a once in a life time thing, maybe not traveling or volunteering, but that specific moment. It was unique, and we knew we could conquer our fears with the support of everyone around us because we were a team that became a family. Everyone there helped me grow as a person.
The volunteer work was just as memorable! I can never look at birds the same, now that I have seen how beautiful, peaceful and unique they are! Another thing I can't look at the same? Trees. I've gotten up, close and personal with some of the coolest, but pokiest trees ever! I've got scars from all the trees that were a pain to measure, but at least I've got every day reminders of the truly amazing, hard working time I had in South Africa.

My trip with ISV to South Africa was incredible. Not only did I meet some amazing people but I was able to give back to the country I was visiting while traveling. the first two weeks were spent on a nature reserve going on habitat assessments, game drives and stargazing. We were even able to spend time at a local school with children who were genuinely excited to learn.

The second two weeks were the adventure tour and there was never a dull moment. Between surfing, elephant encounters,game drives in Kruger,horseback riding, caving and swimming with dolphins you were gauranteed the trip of a lifetime. We were also given time to shop at local markets and experience the culture.

The best part of the trip for me was in Swaziland where we bought gifts for a local orphanage and spent the afternoon playing with the children. Nothing felt better than seeing the smiles on their faces.

It was a great experience, especially for who have not traveled on their own before. As the trip is quite expensive, I would definitely recommend fundraising a lot for it, but it was worth it in the end. It was such a humbling experience learning their culture and providing sustainable kitchens for the community to use. I bonded with people all over North America with the same goals and passion for adventure. Great trip!