ISV (International Student Volunteers) Reviews

I really enjoyed my time in Thailand because not only did I get a taste of Asian culture during my two weeks of travel but I got tons of hands on work with elephants at elephants world during my two weeks volunteering. We drew blood, cleaned wounds, bathed, fed, made blood smears and helped teach the mahouts how to clean the wounds properly for faster healing. We were welcomed with open arms by the staff at elephants world and I really felt like we helped make everything in their day to day operations easier. Adjusting to the intense heat and rough accommodations took some time but if you pack based on ISVs list you will have everything you need and more to be comfortable. It satiated my longing for adventure, exotic animals, and change of scene. The activities were well worth the little bit of extra money but I was content without the optional Cambodia package because after a long four weeks I was ready to sleep in my own bed. I met some great friends on the trip that I still keep in touch with and our tour leader Dr. Erika ward was a great asset to have since she had been living in Thailand and working will elephants for the past few years.

I enjoyed my volunteering trip to South Africa. I am excited about working with animals and it is something that I will remember forever. The staff were helpful and we worked hard. Next time I would like to go for the adventure as well. Thank you.

The volunteers I met in my three weeks where some of the most amazing and kindest people I have ever met or had the pleasure of getting to know. The country was absolutely amazing! The host family I stayed with was extremely welcoming and accommodating, and the Spanish immersion program was a perfect way to learn about and appreciate the culture. My project was hard at times but extremely rewarding, and the coolest thing I have ever done. Further, working with the leaders and the sea turtles has opened up educational and professional opportunities I otherwise would never have. This experience has helped me grow both as a Biologist/student and as a person, as well as make amazing friends! I strongly recommend this program to anyone regardless of your background or major.

This experience was so amazing and was one I will never forget. Boarding the plane, I knew I would be making a difference but never knew how much this trip would shape me and change my perspective on life. This trip made me realize so much. Coming out of this experience with a new perspective, a better understanding for new cultures, amazing stories and new friends that I will cherish for a lifetime are all things I have ISV to thank for. Watching the children run to the finished playground for the first time is a moment I will never forget. Their faces lit up and they all ran so fast. It was finally the first time they had a playground big enough for them to all play on. The children at the daycare and the village of Chinsta East have taken a piece of my heart. I made some of my best friends along my journey and wouldn't change my experience for anything. Walking down before volunteering one morning to see the sunrise was one of my favorite memories, along with all the fun activities we got to do the second two weeks! I definitely went out of my comfort zone but it was all worth it. I recommend this trip to everyone. I can definitely say I left a part of me in Africa and I cannot wait to go back one day!

If you are having doubts - STOP.
ISV is the best thing that will happen to you. It is safe, fun and completely worth every penny you save. Yes its pricy but for what you get, its worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat! I did the Spanish Week and 2 weeks of volunteer. If you don't plan on doing the adventure, definitely do the Spanish week! Leaders are amazing. ISV is smart and makes sure you help the community but also makes it fun and safe. DO IT. 2-5 weeks isnt a long time, take a leap of faith and do this for yourself and the people of the DR :)

My ISV program to Costa Rica was everything I wanted it to be and more. I learned so much about the culture, the history, and the ecosystems that make Costa Rica truly unique. I met incredible people, had delicious food (rice and beans!), and completed meaningful and measurable volunteer work. The adventure aspect is well balanced with the volunteering, and offers you a chance to see a large amount of the country while also participating in really awesome activities. I loved every minute of my time with ISV!

Being in the United States, it is very easy to move about life without thing of our impact in the world. This program really opens the eyes of the participants about the "real world" and focuses on a learning perspective instead of just a "vacation" in which you can also impact the world. Coming from different majors of Engineering to Biology to English, everyone on the journey learn the true value in protecting this world and having sustainable fun. When I returned home, I have seen the impacts of this journey in practically everything I do, from buying groceries, to enjoying entertainment. ISV impacts the student and volunteers in a great way, supplying both knowledge and fun.

I spent four weeks over the summer in New Zealand traveling the North and South islands with 27 of my peers. While the second half of the trip (adventure tour) was more exciting and fun, the first two weeks spent volunteering on Motuihe Island with only 8 of us had a much stronger impact on me. The volunteer portion of my ISV experience gave me new perspectives on many environmental topics including ecosystem restoration and sustainable living. My project leader was also very knowledgeable; he taught us all about contemporary world problems and gave us different point of views through deep debate and discussion.

With little to no cell phone coverage, the 8 of us got to know each other very quickly. Through the volunteer work and free time spent on the island, within days, we all became so closely-knit as a group of friends. I am so happy I decided to go to New Zealand. If it wasn't for ISV, I would have never met these 7 kids which I can now call some of my best friends.

The adventure tour was incredible. Wether you're a thrill seeker or you just want to relax, New Zealand has it all. The country is filled with countless beautiful landscapes from mountains to beaches and everything in between. The blackwater caves of Waitamo (glow worm caves) might be the most interesting place I have ever visited.

I highly recommend New Zealand as the site of your volunteering and adventure. I made lifelong friendships while exploring some of the most beautiful cities in the world. And the drinks taste great!

Thailand was the most beautiful place I have ever visited. In the coarse of to weeks I met life long friends while helping others. One of the silliest stories from my trip was an adventure on the school bust with the children from DEDPC. Everyday we got to take the bus home with the kids, and the views were incredible. At the last stop one day the bus driver stopped and at first we thought it was odd, but then we got off and the views of the mountains were breath taking, and life just seemed simple.

I absolutely loved Thailand. I feel in love with the people, the culture and most of all the experience. I instantly felt at home during my project and during my adventure tour. My only complaint is to update the travel manual to include an updated version of what to pack and what not to. I was aware of how conservative Thailand was, but not to the extent I should have been. Other than that, I would not change a thing. If I had the time left, I would go on another trip. I know I will be back to Thailand, the question is: When?