VISIONS Service Adventures Reviews

I visited Peru for the two week program with Visions the summer after my freshman year of high school, and despite being one of the youngest there it was an incredible experience. All counselors are welcoming and supportive, and the program has longstanding ties with the community. It balances service work with fun recreational activities and adventures letting you build a strong connection with the foreign country. I learned a ton and I would recommend it to anyone who wants an authentic and impactful cultural immersion program!

My experience with visions program was truly an honor, getting to learn a new culture and learn about their country was amazing, it opened my eyes to a different perspective on the world!! I loved the program and activities, especially my leaders were truly the best ones as well. It was sad to part with the community and my new friends, but good things must come to an end, sadly. I wish to one day participate in a program again!! Thank you for this beautiful opportunity I’ll never forget any of it!

Honestly, going into Visions trip was really scary for me because I’d be away from family and without a phone, but once I met the people, I saw the great opportunity of friendship and guidance from the counselors. My growth stemmed from being able to see the outdoors and appreciate it for one of the first times in my life. The friendships that I made were everlasting until this day I still speak to them. We grew together and bonded as a family. I am so grateful for this experience. I would 100% do it again without a doubt!

Our child had an amazing experience with VISIONS and came home with so many wonderful stories to share. Being immersed in the local culture and community, while also taking part in meaningful service projects, made the experience truly special. It was wonderful to see how much he learned from the people he met and the experiences he had. VISIONS gave our son the opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, grow, and see the world from a different perspective. It was so much more than a trip, it was an experience that he will remember for years to come.

Great experience - our daughter absolutely loved it and immediately wanted to turn around and go back when she came home at the end. She connected really well with her fellow participants and felt that the service work was really meaningful and fulfilling. She gained a lot of valuable perspective too. The whole program was thoughtfully managed; communication was great in advance and throughout, safety standards were high, and the program team is a great group of people. Couldn’t recommend it more highly!

This was an excellent service and adventure program and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to parents looking for the right program for their kids. Visions has been around a long time and is staffed by professionals who know what they're doing. We did this trip to satisfy the service requirements at our Catholic school, but my son got so much more out of it than checking a service box. He got to meet people from all over the country, work hard, and--most importantly--come to know and understand what life on the Blackfoot Reservation is like. It is worth noting that absolutely no devices are allowed for the entirety of the program and I think that is very necessary for the bonds to form between the kids and for them to have a truly immersive experience.

Amazing experience for our teenager! He did the one week Peru service program and enjoyed the community engagement, his peers from all over the country, and the touristy parts too! The tech free was not easy for us as parents or him, but he said it was worth it and ended up taking great fotos with a real camera. His home base was comfortable with great food. They definitely work, so be prepared for that. Our son said that the mentors and other counselors were wonderful. He felt safe, supported, and had a lot of fun!

My daughter had a rough time in 10th grade and this trip was like City Slickers--she got her smile back. She loved everything about it, from the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends to the chance to learn about Native culture. She volunteered at the spay and neuter clinic, rebuilt a fence, painted a house, helped with Food For Families and helped with the preparations for the Sundance. This expanded her outlook on the herself and the world and I couldn't be happier with the program.

At first, I was against the idea of going to the Dominican Republic. I wasn't excited about leaving home for two weeks, and I honestly didn't think it would be something I'd enjoy. Looking back now, I couldn't have been more wrong. Going on this trip ended up being the best decision I made all summer, and it's an experience I'll never forget.

My trip to the Dominican Republic was a 10/10 experience. Going into the trip, I expected to help others and experience a new culture. Still, I never expected to leave with so many amazing memories and friendships that felt like family. It was incredible how quickly everyone came together. In such a short amount of time, complete strangers became some of the closest people I've ever met, and that was easily the best part of the trip.

One thing that surprised me the most was getting to play soccer with everyone. Soccer is something I love, and I wasn't expecting to have the chance to play during the trip. Whether we were playing with each other or with local kids, it created unforgettable moments and brought everyone even closer together.

The work we did throughout the trip was also much more enjoyable than I expected. Instead of feeling like a job, it felt like a fun activity that everyone took part in together. Working side by side as a team made everything more enjoyable, and seeing everyone encourage each other made even the harder tasks feel rewarding. It was a great reminder of what people can accomplish when they work together with a positive attitude.

The counselors were another huge reason why this trip was so special. They were always supportive, approachable, and made sure everyone felt included. During the homestay, our counselor Alexis made the experience even better. He was an amazing leader who knew how to keep everyone laughing while also making sure we were comfortable and having a good time. My homestay group was filled with incredible people, and sharing that experience with them is something I'll always appreciate.

Outside of the service work, the activities were amazing. Going to the beach, swimming in the natural pools, and exploring places like Cotuí and Samaná gave us the chance to experience the beauty of the Dominican Republic while making even more memories together. The hotel stay was also a nice change of pace. It allowed everyone to relax and spend time together in a different environment after staying at the original house for most of the trip.

The food was decent overall. While it was good, I was expecting to have more traditional Dominican meals throughout the trip. The rooms were also just okay—not anything luxurious—but they were comfortable enough, and honestly, the people around me made the accommodations matter so much less.

The hardest part of the entire experience was saying goodbye. Since our group left in stages, it felt like we were slowly being separated from each other one by one. Watching everyone leave was emotional because it meant saying goodbye to people who had become like family in such a short amount of time. Even though the trip had to end, the friendships, memories, and lessons I gained will stay with me forever. I would recommend this trip to anyone because it was truly one of the best experiences of my life.

Participating in the visions program in the Dominican Republic as a teenager was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. From the moment we arrived, the people were incredibly kind and welcoming it truly felt like we became part of the community.

During the program, we got to explore many beautiful places, learn about the rich history and culture of the country, and of course, enjoy some fun time at the beach! What made the experience even more special was the opportunity to give back. we helped teach English to local kids and took part in a construction project at a school.

Beyond the service work, I grew so much as a person. Living and working alongside locals taught me the value of connection, teamwork, and cultural exchange. It was an unforgettable summer that I’ll always cherish, and I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a mix of adventure, service, and real personal growth.