ISV (International Student Volunteers) Reviews

I loved every second about this program, from farming to teaching to painting even if it was tiring, the energy and atmosphere that you are in is incredible! its very rewarding that you can make a difference in someone's life.

When I decided I wanted to volunteer it had been one year since I graduated from college. I had been working at an accounting office. I did not find joy in my work, but I was at a loss as to where I wanted my life and career, post-college, to go. I researched ISV and chose to go to the Dominican Republic. Although I didn't know it at the time, this was the best decision I could have ever made. The trip was amazing and powerful. I knew I was a part of something BIG. I loved experiencing new things, like making concrete by hand and using a pickax! I met so many amazing individuals (locals and other volunteers from the US and Canada) and got an opportunity to practice my rusty high school Spanish. When I got back my career path began to change - I quit my job and searched for something that would bring me joy like being in the DR did. I landed a job at a non-profit organization helping my local community and I love it. The trip brought me some much needed clarity, along with some lifelong friends. I would recommend this trip to all of my friends.

I can honestly say that doing a volunteer program with ISV was life-changing! I learned so much and all of the staff and volunteers were extremely welcoming and accepting. I did a lot of research and chose ISV because of the credentials and from what I heard from others who volunteered with ISV previously. ISV really helped me grow as an individual while helping others at the same time. I would not change my experience for anything and I am so thankful to have had the chance to volunteer with such an amazing organization. I would highly recommend ISV to anyone looking for a great, safe opportunity in a foreign country.

I can only speak about the 2-week volunteering experience, but I feel as though I cannot say enough positive about ISV. The staff were very informative, helpful, and genuinely nice. I was worried about opting for 2-week only volunteering, but our leader helped us make every day count with several extra activities and cultural experiences. Our project leader went well above and beyond what I could have imagined from a leader in terms of helping us acclimate to the culture, bond with our group members, and experience Australia off the beaten path.

It is not every day an undergraduate student has the opportunity to spend their days hiking through the rain forest searching for poison dart frogs or boating around a gulf observing dolphins and humpback whales. As a pre-vet student, I discovered my passion for wildlife and the drive I have to protect it and hope to take the knowledge and experiences I gained from my volunteer trip and apply them to not only my career, but also my mentality. I went into ISV's program looking for an experience. I came out with a new life plan and the experience I needed to make that happen.

This experience was very hands on and was an amazing vet experience. A variety of animals were available to get experience such as elephants, swamp buffalo, rabbits, dogs and cats. It was awesome to be able to work alongside the local veterinarians.

Spending time in New Zealand with ISV wasn't just impactful, it has left a lifelong imprint on my life. Not only did we get to help out the environmental scene in NZ, but we were also inducted into a Maori tribe after spending two days with them.

I learned so much from my instructors and peers and was immersed fully into thie rich culture for four weeks. I wouldn't trade the experiences I had in NZ with ISV for anything in the world.

Getting to be up close and personal with rescued elephants was something I will never forget. Thailand with ISV was a life-changing experience in the best possible way and the trip exceeded my expectations. The staff was absolutely amazing and I made a lot of new friends from all over the world which was really fun.

ISV gave my the best trip of my life. I loved that we got to pick a project that we were interested in and they paired me perfectly. We were able to embrace the culture and were thrown into the day to day routines of the locals. I made so many friends from the states and there at Glen Afric, we still talk. The process getting there was so smooth, ISV gave so many great resources for raising money and the transition to South Africa. I hope to go back one day but for longer!!

This was by far the best experience I have ever had. The one week Spanish classes were a great refresher. It was also great being able to use what we learned/reviewed during our volunteer experience. Helping with the kids camp was the most rewarding thing I could think to do. They were all so loving and appreciative of the work we did with them and in their camp.The adventure tour was also a blast. Everyday brought something new and exciting; we got to see everywhere on the island!