Program Reviews

I had such an amazing time in Belize. Ana and Amina were so welcoming and caring. They made us feel like we were at home. Martin was also great. We would not be able to get where we needed to go without him! I got to experience so much while I was there such as visiting the villages, setting up clinics, going snorkeling and working with amazing doctors. It was definitely an eye opening experience and I highly recommend it. I would love to do another study abroad trip through ISL one day!

I experienced the trip of a lifetime. It was everything I was expecting and more. The schedule provided all the experiences I was hoping for. What made the trip as amazing as it was, was the passion and enthusiasm of our Team Leader. His enthusiasm made every experience very exciting and his interpersonal skills were exceptional. We cared for the underserved population of Costa Rica that provided an eye opening experience, and allowed me to expand my assessment skills. We experienced the Costa Rican culture engaging with locals and indulging in cuisine. I couldn't have had a better trip and I would go back in a heart beat.

Serving in impoverished communities in small remote villages near Chinchiná, Colombia opened my eyes towards the privileged life that I live. In one of our usual door to door check in’s we met a family in which the son and the daughter had a chest bone deformity. They have been to several doctors who have concluded that as long as this condition doesn't affect their internal organs and their breathing they will have to live with it. The mother told us that her daughter started having some difficulty breathing due to the deformity and so the specialist that they saw suggested a surgery. We chatted with them about their life and their hobbies and school. The girl was highly praised by the teachers at school and aspired to become a doctor some day. The boy was saying that he doesn't mind his bone deformity because it allows him to have an advantage when playing soccer. We all had a laugh and realized that this family is truly living by enjoying life the best they can despite difficulties. Over and over again I had the privilege of hearing similar stories in which I realized that possessions, money, or any other material thing is nothing compared to living a joyful life surrounded by your family and friends. The many Colombians that I have met have strong family values and do things that make them happy even if they are struggling financially and living a difficult life. They always gave thanks for what they had and stated that they're doing the best they can. Being part of this experience broadened my view on humanity, on life and brought new joy and purpose.

Amazing trip, met some lifelong friends. I loved going into the communities and getting hands on medical education experience. On off days, we had many options such as playing with monkeys in the jungle or eating on a floating restaurant on the Amazon River. All in all, such a great value and I would love to go back. I never felt unsafe or unsure of my surroundings, our tour guide felt like a sister by the end of the trip. She was so knowledgeable and even hung out with us during the night.

Costa Rica was my first ISL trip, and it was so eye opening that it led to me going on a second trip to Belize! I went on the public health trip which was an excellent trip for anyone going into the medical field and actually convinced me to get my master of public health degree. We got to treat and educate individuals in the community as well as explore the beauty country! I got to go zip lining and visit hot springs! Definitely an opportunity of a lifetime!

My ISL experience in Belize was amazing. Our guides and staff were amazing. Ms. Ana and Fidelio made it so special and we got to experience so much from cave tubing to Mayan ruins all in between holding free medical clinics in the community. It was so humbling and an excellent adventure. I got to immerse myself in the community and the wildlife, too. I would absolutely recommend it and would love to go back!

I've been on 4 medical mission trips and the one I took to Colombia was by far the best. The staff that was involved is the main reason the trip was so successful. Glen and his staff made it clear that they were as dedicated to helping our patients as we were. It was one of the best learning experiences I have ever been through. Nothing will compare to the experience this trip gave me.

This trip has changed my life by experiencing a different culture and giving medical cares to the poor and disabled. I thought our Team leader Marta and abdi where excellent and took great care of us. This trip had made me think about doing something similar in the future.

ISL is such an amazing organization that helps bring helpful hands to a country and people in need and fills the hearts of both the giver and receiver. Thank you for an amazing experience! ISL helps coordinate the housing, transportation, areas to visit, most of the food and connect those in need with those of us with medical skills. The house visits were my favorite as you get to be inside the humble homes and really see how the people live. The clinic days are wonderful and busy and we learned so much about common and tropical diseases. We learned more things you could never learn in a textbook. Thank you ISL!

I have gone on several medical mission trips in my life and this is by far the best. The doctors and staff took excellent care of all the students that attended. Not once did I ever feel unsafe or scared, I only felt welcomed to a country that I had never been to before. I would love to participate with this team again! This truly was an experience of a lifetime that I wish everyone could enjoy.