Program Reviews

When I was looking for things to do over the summer I knew I wanted to something that would help people so I started looking at service trips. I had taken two years of spanish so I was interested in going to a spanish speaking country. The Costa Rica, Go Beyond Trip sounded perfect. In the time leading up to the trip the Go Beyond staff was extremely helpful and answered all of our questions. My parents had a lot of concerns but Go Beyond provided information for a few families who had kids who went on the trip previous years and they gave glowing recommendations. I arrived in Costa Rica and met the friendly staff. The next fourteen days were a blast. We painted houses, worked with the costa rican children in schools, learned how to wax floors, spent two nights with an indigenous tribe, and rafted! The community service we did was hard work but passed by so fast because it was so fun. All of our meals were excellent and the places we stayed beautiful. I made friends that will last a lifetime and can’t wait to hopefully go on another trip soon!

I had a blast on this service trip and it was very beneficial to my personal growth. I learned a lot about myself and got the chance to help others and see real life results. The atmosphere of the whole trip was positive and great for learning but also having fun. I loved having the chance to enjoy myself, learn more about Costa Rican culture, and make new friends all at the same time. On the trip I got to visit the beach, white water raft and jump off waterfalls. We worked in a slum city of the capital of Costa Rica and got to take kindergartners to a wildlife zoo and a children’s museum as well as teach them english and work in their school. In addition to that, we helped clean and renovate a family’s house in the same city. We also were able to live with indigenous people in the mountains, and make native crafts.

Originally, I signed up for this trip with a friend looking for a fun community service trip. Her sister came a previous year and raved about how life-changing it was. I was skeptical. I didn't believe two weeks could impact a person that much. I was so wrong. I went on this trip with no expectations and a limited idea of what we were actually doing. I left the trip with a new sense of confidence and a new understanding of myself. I met amazing people who I still keep in touch with. The staff was amazing and supportive every step of the way. Not only did I learn a lot about myself, but I learned a lot of valuable lessons. On the boat, we all had our own responsibilities including cooking, cleaning, or sailing. I had an amazing experience on this boat and left feeling like a better version of myself. I recommend this trip to anyone and everyone. I had never been on a boat before this trip and left feeling confident in my sailing techniques. This was truly a life-changing experience.

My experience with GoBeyond, Preserving Paradise was a remarkable one. I definitely grew as a person and had a lot of fun doing it! From doing service projects, which are actually more enjoyable and fun than you may think, to tagging turtles and swimming in the beautiful waters in the Caribbean, every day is a guaranteed day of fun. With living on a boat with a group of people comes responsibility, but with responsibility comes growth. I know from my personal experience, and from talking to my shipmates, we all felt that by the end of program, we had grown as people and become more independent and mature. You'll be surprised at how close 15 strangers can get in the short span of 21 days, but I know that I have defnitely made friends that will last a lifetime. I would recommend GoBeyond to anyone and everyone, and I loved it so much that I even decided to stay for a second session! If you are looking to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean islands while living on a sailboat, participate in rewarding service projects, make many new friends, and have a very memorable and unique experience than I would recommend that you participate in GoBeyond, Preserving Paradise!

Although I signed up for GoBeyond on a whim, it ended up being one of the best and most impactful experiences! Beyond all the really cool and once in a life time activities, you have the opportunity to learn so much about the environment around you and leave feeling inspired to work toward solutions to the threat of climate change. Additionally, GoBeyond emphasizes the trip as an opportunity to be the best version of yourself. Consequently, not only around you surrounded by others who are working to be their best but it was a great opportunity to reflect upon your priorities in life and all you have to appreciate. Finally, I made some amazing friendships with other students and with staff that even now, months later, I am in contact with.

My experience with GoBeyond was amazing. I went on the China program this past summer. It was so incredible to see places I thought I would never visit. Everyone was so friendly on the trip. It was my first time flying ever too, and they were there for me when I got homesick. I loved every minute of it and I hope on day I can go back! I miss everyone from the trip. I felt like I really made a family there too! The kids from the orphanage were all so very sweet. I remember the looks on their faces when we got to visit and play with them, I really mean it when I say I miss this trip. When I say everyone was so nice, I meant it; they made it so difficult to leave the trip. I wish I was able to stay longer than the 3 weeks we had. I miss everyone and all the exciting places I went too!

I thought it was a really cool experience, in a wonderful place! In terms of the basic program things, such as living conditions, safety, and social life on the trip, I would rate this program very highly. The boat that I lived on, a 50ft catamaran, was in tip-top condition, safe and provided everything we needed during the trip. It was a comfortable and fun way to travel through the BVIs. During the trip, I felt safe and secure under the guidance of the staff, who were very well trained, professional, and fun! Staff was very able to connect with students and become positive role models. As far as the social side, these trips are very social-interactive based. Of course, when you stick 17 teenagers ranging from 14-18 on a boat together there is sure to be some drama. However, there were no big issues and when stuff did come up, the staff were there to sort things out. Overall, it was fun to learn and grow with our other shipmates. As far as the actual program, I felt like it was a great way to get community service hours and learn about communities around the world. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: Some of the workdays honestly sucked. It was hot, we were sunburned and sweaty and the work was sometimes strenuous. However, it did make me grow as an individual and I'm sure the other students could attest to that. No matter how difficult the work, the staff were our biggest cheerleaders and helped us get through it. We as students also worked to cheer each other on. Overall, this trip provides students with a very positive experience that will help develop their individuality, self-awareness and open their eyes to how life is in other areas of the world.

Australia is such a unique place, so it is really hard to actually see it all, but we practically did. Go Beyond's 3 week trip (Reef to Rainforest) showed me both the aboriginal side (The Tjapukai) and the more modern side (things such as the Sydney Opera House), so it was nice and well rounded. The diving was also amazing, the reefs were quite vibrant in the places we went to and there were plenty of sea turtles and sharks. The staff were really nice and would share stories of their other trips and some of the cultures they have experienced. The food was a bit lacking though for the days on land, since we were traveling around all we could really have were sandwiches and other bread related foods. But overall, the food is my only complaint, we had unique activities every day, and that is exactly what I came for.

Go Beyond was an exceptional experience for my son, on an extremely organized and thoughtful trip. The small group size of 12 and wonderful counselors made this an unforgettable experience. The Icelandic locations were outstanding, so much to see and do. Taking turns grocery shopping and cooking provided a great bonding/learning experience for the group.

My son stretched himself in many ways: socially and in terms of responsibility, and truly got out of his comfort zone! Timing for him (age 15) to do this was perfect and he’s super excited to go back and try another adventure. We were happy to know he took the service seriously and felt it had a real impact on him, particularly the Ecovillage. Wonderful new friendships made the trip a 10/10.

Also, the office staff was extremely helpful and positive. I really appreciated the scheduled call where I could ask any questions, and the portal was easy to use.

The experiences I have had at Go Beyond are like no other. The staff are some of the nicest and most interesting people I have ever met. I have created so many different friendships that I know I will have forever. The British Virgin Islands feel like a second home to me. I have been to almost every island, getting to see the different activities and vibes of them. The trip is 21 days long and each day has a different objective. No matter what the task is, you have an amazing time. My favorite project that I have been able to do, is cleaning up a park on West End Tortola. I helped to clean it up on the first year I went to Go Beyond. Going back the second year, it was amazing to see the progress that the other Go Beyond groups had made. Another one of my favorite projects was catching turtles on Anagada. During the trip I made friends that I will have forever. The bonds that the students and staff members have are like no other. Go Beyond helped me have some of the best experiences I have ever had!