Testimonies

“Everything about this project, from the kids to construction work, was such a valuable experience. These last few weeks have taught me innumerable lessons. I will be more appreciative now and know more about world development for my future career.“
Chi Nguyen
University of California, Los Angeles
USA

“My experience in the Dominican Republic was life changing. The word “starving” has a changed meaning in my mind. I have taken it out of my vocabulary and often openly question others of its validity in their life when they use it. Through my pictures, I am able to re-focus on my goal whenever I lose sight of it. The people in the pictures are real, the experience is real, it is not a commercial on TV. I lived it, and it will forever live in me.“
Christina Del Tatto
University of Michigan
USA

“By actually immersing myself in the culture, through language, people and environment, I was able to really learn a lot about the DR. This is definitely something I would recommend to friends, and hopefully I will get a chance to do again someday.“
Rebecca Adler
Carleton University
Canada

“The adventure tour showed us a little bit of everything this country has to offer. Each location was so different from the next and allowed us the opportunities to experience Dominican culture. All the activities were so fun and challenging at the same time. I was so touched by every person I got to know.“
Vanessa Almerico
University of Washington
USA

“This trip was the best thing I have ever done for myself. ISV is so different than going on a vacation in a tourist community. With ISV, we are immersed in the culture of the country. This whole trip has been an eye-opening experience and I recommend traveling with ISV to everyone! Thank you so much!!!“
Amanda Dugan
Purdue University
USA

“The people are so willing to share their culture and the kids are so willing to share their hearts. It’s a life-changing experience that I will never forget; it opens your heart and mind to other places and people and you learn so much about yourself in the process.“
Claudia Gohn
California State University, Northridge
USA

“From watching several boys play invisible basketball on our half finished court, to seeing a little boy stay in at lunch so he could color more, I learned about the true power I have to help others in need. Find love and enjoyment through volunteering! Great time!“
Sheila McGraw
Oregon University
USA

“The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country filled with the most friendly, hospitable and community-oriented people I have encountered in my entire life. This experience allowed me to see aspects of my own personality that I have never noticed before. While I can’t change overnight, I am thankful for the awareness. The adventure tour made me feel like I could do anything I wanted but working in the village is what changed my life.“
Alicia Travis
University of Oregon
USA

“The children in the Dominican Republic were so excited to see us each morning they would chase our truck and they were overjoyed to have our individual attention. Being able to provide a family with a new house was very rewarding. The trip was an amazing learning experience.“
Susan Landgraff
University of California Santa Barabara
USA

“It was the greatest experience of my life. There was so much I learned and so much I will take with me for the rest of my life. Absolutely amazing!“
Marta Kosteiny
University of Colorado
USA

My experience in the Dominican Republic was life-changing. The word “starving” has a changed meaning in my mind. I have taken it out of my vocabulary and openly question others what it means to them when they use it. Through my pictures I am reminded, the people in the pictures are real, the experience was real, it’s not a commercial on TV. I lived it, and this trip will forever live in me.“
Christina Del Tatto
University of Michigan
USA

“I felt we made a difference in the lives of the Dominicans either through construction, our songs, skits, smiles, bringing them food or just taking the time to talk with them. The truth is, these amazing people did us an equally valuable service. They opened our eyes to the blessed life we have been given and have inspired me to keep giving as much of my time as possible. It’s only through giving that we fully appreciate what we have. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to go on this project.“
Johnna Booth
University of Central Flroida
USA

“I feel extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic and learn something that could never be taught in a classroom or book. My life has forever changed. The following quote from Helen Keller sums up my entire journey, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”“
Chelsey Clugston
Michigan State University
USA

“Travelling to the Dominican Republic with ISV was one of the most meaningful experiences in my life. I grew as a person and realized the endless world travel opportunities available to me.“
Caitlin Henderson
University of California Los Angeles
USA

“I was really touched by the connections I made with the people and children of the Dominican Republic.“
Brooke Moore
University of California San Diego
USA

“It is very hard to sum up my feelings into a few sentences. You have to live it to understand. I never thought I would go on a trip like this and am very glad I have. It’s been the best experience of my life. I definitely recommend it to everyone. I hope I helped the people of the Dominican Republic as much as they helped me.“
Evelina Dolesjova
Charles University Prague
Czech Republic

“This was my first out-of-the country volunteering project and it was an experience I will never forget. Sitting down with a child for no more than fifteen minutes alone together, and seeing the impact you made on that child’s life is priceless. Making a difference is a once in a lifetime experience…I will be back next summer.“
Ja’Lisa Hunter
University of Texas, Austin
USA

“Volunteering with ISV is simply an awe-inspiring experience. I got to work with other amazing volunteers and help build a community center. I was completely immersed in the culture of the Dominican Republic, and had my heart melted by the children of the community. Experience of a lifetime would be an understatement.“
Guenevieve Del Mundo
University of California Davis
USA

“Seeing a child’s reaction to a simple task they learned is a must see. It is crazy how the smallest things in life brings so much joy to the children and community. Their reaction can change the way we look at life- I know now that I will look at life differently when I get home.“
Trey Wright
Northern Arizona University
USA

“By actually immersing myself in the culture, through language, people and environment, I was able to really learn a lot about the DR. This is definitely something I would recommend to friends, and hopefully I will get a chance to do again someday.“
Rebecca Adler
Carleton University
Canada
This was definitely the best trip of my life. I had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people, learn so much about my host country and the history involved. It is a humbling experience, which was much needed within our secular society. Money was most definitely well spent!“
Jennifer Duffy
Queens University Belfast
UK

“My ISV project absolutely changed my life in so many ways. I recommend this organization to anyone as it will open your eyes to our world and its people.“
Ashley Buchly
Texas A & M University
USA

“Out of all my volunteer experiences, this was the best. I have grown as a person, an individual, and feel I have more knowledge about poverty, experience with working with children and community members, and recognizing the importance of working with a team. I realize that change is possible and in just two weeks our mission has become a huge success.“
Samantha Clarke
University of Houston
USA

“I love that I got to work both in construction and in education. The community welcomed us with open arms, which really enriched the experience. ISV is truly one of the greatest opportunities I’ve ever had- actually, it is the greatest. I got to grow in a very personal way along side fourteen others who have the same values and goals as me. It made hard work a very rewarding and enriching experience.“
Kaitlin Ullrich
University of Wisconsin Madison
USA

“The spark in a child’s eye when they finally understand a difficult word or concept is unbelievably fulfilling. Building an atmosphere for future generations to begin their learning experience is worth more than words can say.“
Sara Patterson-Robert
University of Alberta
Canada

“I was apprehensive about traveling with ISV again since I held such high expectations from traveling with ISV last summer but ISV has blown me away yet again with a phenomenal summer of new experiences and opportunities to grow. It is life-changing and very rewarding.“
Amanda Ruppert
University of Iowa
USA

“Anyone who does not participate in the ISV trip is missing out on learning, experiencing, and understanding something that was foreign to you before.“
Amber Sumpter
University of Arizona
USA

“Working with the kids really broadened my horizons and made me so much more confident working with others, especially with the language barrier. Construction made me develop as an individual and showed what I can do if I set my mind to it.“
Alison Henretty
University of Strathclyde
UK

“Having joined several volunteer trips with other organizations in the past, ISV did not fail my expectations. I had an amazing experience and would recommend this trip to everyone out there who wants to have fun whilst making an impact on other communities.“
Iris Chung
University of Colorado Boulder
USA

“It changed my life and the way I look at things. I came here hoping to change their lives and they in turn changed mine. I had an amazing time and could not have asked for a more rewarding five weeks of my life. I will go home a better person because of the things I saw, heard and did while on this trip. The people have changed the way I value family, friends and the way I fall in love towards other human beings. I am forever changed and grateful.“
Mandy Daniels
Eastern Michigan University
USA

An unforgettable experience that should be done at least once in your lifetime.“
Sonia Gera
McMaster University
Canada

“It’s well organized and really submerses you in the culture while helping those that truly need it. It was truly a life-changing experience that I will never forget. I touched lives and mine was changed for good in return.“
Cayla Iske
University of Nebraska
USA

“This experience has forever changed my life in so many ways. I could not imagine living my life without this experience. It has not only touched other people’s lives but has forever touched mine.“
Chelsea Dempsey
East Carolina University
USA

“It was amazing to spend my summer doing something worthwhile. The Dominican Republic people are so friendly and it was very rewarding to be helping them.“
Myriam Tirr
University of Leicester
UK

“I never could have anticipated the gratitude I received from the children I had worked with at the end of the two weeks. They were so sad to see us leave and so was I. There is something profound to be learned from the Dominican People and their culture and I will never forget their relentless love of life or ability to smile no matter what the circumstances.“
Meghan Newton
University of Colorado Boulder
USA

“This project helped me find my place in the world and have a clearer understanding of where I am headed. I have gone to university for four and a half years…I learned more here in two weeks.“
Jade Ivan
University of Regina
Canada

“This has been one of the most challenging, emotional, and life-altering trips I could have ever taken. Every minute will be an everlasting memory in my mind.“
Aoife O’Neill
University of Ulster
Ireland

“Incredible does not even begin to describe my experience. I made deep connections with the locals at my volunteer project that I would never have thought possible. ISV provided me with a completely unique and phenomenal experience.“
Mariah Mahlendorf
Shippensburg University
USA

“An amazing trip of a lifetime. Definitely an emotional journey and an extreme eye-opener to the poverty in the communities. I’ve built up so many amazing relationships with the local people, especially the children, and it’s an extreme privilege to spend two weeks with them and know the huge impact you’re having on their lives. Extremely rewarding.“
Jessica Kayes
Liverpool John Moores
UK

“The knowledge and experience I gained on project was invaluable, educational and inspirational. Construction provided me with a physical challenge, pushing myself beyond my own limitations, while the education component provided me with the opportunity to engage and learn things about the culture, community and children.“
Mary Joy Pascua
University of Toronto
Canada

My project experience was by far the most amazing life experience ever. At this time of my life, I now truly appreciate not only the life provided at home but appreciate the environment and people beyond my hometown/country and culture. I loved every second of it!“
Rowena Tabilas
University of North Carolina Wilmington
USA

“It provides an opportunity to make simple changes and huge impacts and to get firsthand experience of major issues. I had an amazing time and met many incredible people. The volunteer project provided firsthand experience of issues in the DR and gave me the tools to help solve these issues and deal with others at home, in the DR, and also around the world.“
Amanda Smith
University of Lethbridge
Canada

“This was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever had. For just as much hard work as I put in, I felt I got it all back. The children here are so grateful and the construction work was tons of fun. I would recommend this to everyone and wouldn’t change a thing.“
Shakira Collymore
University of Western Ontario
Canada

“This trip has taught me so much as well as enforced what I already believed. Having spent already three weeks with my Spanish program group, we have become the best of friends. People that will be part of your life after the trip are just amazing. Not only that, but for me, I personally enjoyed that I changed/impacted a child’s life just enough for them to get the courage and get braver- this is something I won’t ever forget. This trip has opened many doors that I don’t regret experiencing. I will definitely be coming back- that is a promise I made to three children specifically. It’s simply a life-changing experience. It’s up to you whether you want that for your life.“
Geraldine Toner
University of Ulster
UK

“I was nervous to come, but I’m so glad I did, this was a life-changing experience that I will never forget. I am so grateful for what I have and now I want to help others have the same opportunities as me.“
Kristin Lynem
University of Kentucky
USA

“I have never experienced anything like this before. Bringing my area of expertise (Nutrition) and bringing that knowledge to a region of the world that I was unfamiliar with has been life-changing. The connection I was able to make with the people in these communities was irreplaceable; the openness to learning new things that the people of the DR have is so refreshing and inspiring.“
Michele Christopher
Cal State North Ridge
USA

“I have learnt through this adventure how to love strangers, give a hand to those in need, and to appreciate every moment in life.“
Genevieve Auray
University of Ottawa
Canada

“We officially concluded our volunteer project today and I could not be more proud of what we accomplished. I came to the Dominican two weeks ago timid and afraid to meet new people. I can confidently say now that not only have I connected with the people I have met, but I have become part of a family. This experience is positive in every regard: we are walking away as better global citizens and as more refined young adults. The project leaders are incredible people. They are highly invested in our experience as volunteers and in us as individuals. I could not be more grateful for their support and dedication to our project. Leaving the people that I have met and grown with at Rancho Campeche has been incredibly rewarding and only makes leaving that much harder. I am overjoyed knowing how much good has come from our efforts. The result of our hard work over 8 days were 3 floors, 3 latrines, and a community centre. We didn´t just mix concrete — we established foundations for healthier lifestyles and sustainable futures. I cannot emphasize how overwhelmed I am with pride. I would definitely recommend this program. Thank you ISV. You have truly made an impact.“
Kiersten Schwan
Queens University
USA

“ISV is amazing. From the first time I was able to make a little girls smile, from simply playing a game with her, I felt I made an impact. ISV is really great about serving rather than just helping a community. We could’ve just given people food or money, but instead we worked with locals to improve a community from the base. Each thing I contributed to, I felt as though it truly meant something.“
Alicia Dunajcik
University of Missouri Columbia
USA

“My experience with ISV in the Dominican Republic was one that will stay with me forever. It was so rewarding to contribute my efforts to such a gracious community and to really see a different part of the world in such a unique way. It was extremely rewarding to be part of such a program and is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and make a difference“
Cristina Mattia
Australian Catholic University
USA

ISV is an experience that everyone should have. The people I’ve met here share so many similarities to me and I know I have made like long friendships. Our interactions within the community have been invaluable. I would 10/10 recommend ISV to any student who desires completely new experiences, is willing to learn, and has an unlimited amount of compassion“
Emma Brockway
Texas State University
USA