Program Reviews

This trip was an exercise in adaptability. The living conditions were hard to adjust to, the work was often difficult, and we were asked to go out of our comfort zones in many ways. However, in the end, everyone on the trip was sad to leave, and we built truly strong bonds with the community. Personally, my French improved a lot over the three weeks, and language immersion is definitely one of the programs strongest suits. As expected, I made a lot of close friends. But, more importantly, I came away from the experience having felt like I was part of a community during my time in Guadeloupe. I strongly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an adventure and a chance to live a totally different life for three weeks.

I went with VISIONS down to Peru two years ago, and the experience was better than I ever thought it could have been. The staff was amazing, the community was loving and friendly, and we were able to do some fantastic, community-led service. I highly, highly recommend this program. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to return last year due to other circumstances, but I definitely would have if I was able to.

I am the parent of a boy who spent 2 weeks in Peru with Visions Service Adventures during the summer between 10th and 11th grade. He was young for his grade and only 15 at the time. He is now a confident, worldly tri-lingual 18 year old on a gap year, studying Japanese for 3 months in Tokyo. He will head to college in the Fall, with a wealth of experiences under his belt and the resilience, independence, resourcefulness and wisdom that such experiences help develop in an 18 year old. This Gap year that we carefully prepared with him started last fall with an amazing program in Latin America with Where There Be Dragons : A 3-month rugged experience in Peru and Bolivia. Not every teenager graduating from high school is a good candidate for this kind of experience, but for those who are, it is fabulous. But what really developed this sense of independence, what really triggered maturing and self-reliance and confidence, and a curiosity for the world can be traced back to that summer between 10th and 11th grade and his experience in Peru with Visions. He was very hesitant and apprehensive to leave home and go abroad without his family, be with strangers and work at projects he didn't know much about. This initial step outside his comfort zone was an eye opener and even more - a life opener - for him. As parents, our comfort zone was seriously expanded too but Visions' staff, experience and reputation were very reassuring and we knew he was in good hand. He came back from his 2 weeks in Peru with Visions with a new found confidence. Confidence in his ability to be his own person and resist bad influences or temptation (the zero tolerance policies on alcohol are very much enforced and there will always be kids who try and bend the rules. Knowing that you are strong enough to stand your ground to peer pressure is a real confidence builder and so precious in the high school and college years), confidence gained from being given tools and service goals, confidence gained by achieving those goals and being helpful in a community environment, be it the community that welcomed him or the community of the other participants by participating in chores, and finally confidence gained from stepping outside of his comfort zone and prevailing. This, in addition to all the wonderful, fun, new experiences of traveling abroad and being with a caring and trusted organization that really knows teenagers, is really what made it the first and most important step in who he is now. And as parents, we couldn't be prouder, and more grateful to organizations such as Visions.

Hello prospective Visions participants. My name is Sierra O'Brien and I am a sophomore from Lexington, Kentucky. I am writing this because I want to do my part in making everyone understand just how amazing a Visions summer is. I went to the month long Peru trip, which was the second, and hopefully not the last, Visions trip I go on. Throughout my time in Peru I made some truly life long friends, people that I still talk to daily. All of the participants are so talented and, I believe, will change the world. Aside from the people that I had the pleasure of living with, I had such amazing and immersive interaction with the locals we worked along side. They have impacted me in ways that I only hope I could give them a fraction of. Visions excursions and daily life taught me to look outside of myself and severely adjusted by priorities. If it wasn't for my time in Peru, I have no doubt, I wouldn't be the same person or be working to solve problems internationally and nationally. I highly recommend Visions as a way to spend your summer. I promise it will change your life forever.

Leading up to the trip, I was very nervous. Visions was great about responding to all of our emails and questions immediately and their travel agent was very easy to work with to book flights. All of the information about the trip was easy to access and very clear. After being met by leaders and the rest of the group in the Lima airport, we were soon on our way to Cusco and then on to home base. Everyone was shy at first but after warming up we couldn't stop talking. Everyone became so close over the next two weeks and the friendships I made on this trip are some of the most impactful of my life. We are all still in touch. Everything about the trip was great, but there are so many similar organizations that I had trouble choosing before the trip. But what sets Visions apart is the full immersion you are able to experience. They keep your phones and devices for you. This was my first break from technology--and it felt great. It seemed daunting, but I'm so glad they did. Without any distractions you really learn to appreciate all the little moments. This isn't a tour, there is lots of service with the same consistent projects. You really get to see the impact you've made. And the food--many travel groups offer Western foods to students, but Visions really encourages you to try the local cuisine. Peruvian food is delicious and there is always a wide spread of dishes for dinner, even for the picky eaters. In addition to the service, you get to see quite a few ruins and hikes, not to mention the fun weekend at Machu Picchu. Somehow we did so much without ever feeling over-booked. The workshops were fun, and the pick-up soccer we played was a highlight. The time exploring the town was so fun and the independence was perfect. The leaders were all great. Fun, good-natured, and took everything in stride. But my favorite part of the trip was by far spending time with the other students on the trip. We made everything fun. I think there's something about being sore, tired, bug-bitten, covered in cement, and so much more that really brings you together. I absolutely recommend this trip to anyone looking for the experience of a lifetime.

Best summer camp ever! I had so much fun. The counselors are the best part, I will remember them forever. I was 17 when I went on the trip going into my senior year of high school. Super interesting culture shock for me, loved the community involvement. Best food, loved the adventures, so much fun and also good social and emotional learning. My group was too small, but I still had so much fun and bonded with everyone there.

My trip to Nicaragua was incredible. I can't think of a better word to describe this life changing experience. My group bonded so closely together, and we all still regularly talk, despite being a very diverse group. That's one of my favorite things about this trip. You not only get culture shock from your roommates and close friends but are totally immersed into the life of a Nicaraguan citizen. The leaders trust the participants so much and it really makes the experience because they allow you to have large boundaries that only add to your adventure. Speaking of adventures, embrace everything during the weekend excursions. Whether it be relaxing at a beautiful coffee finca or jumping off a huge rock into a natural spring take it in and appreciate your life for a month. Aside from the activities the not having activities all the time is so vital to your time. When you get up and go to work in the morning and get to comeback in the afternoon and enjoy a cold fresca and a chat in Spanish with your new local friends is the best.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my July. I loved the wire beds sticking into my side and the kind plumbers always having to fix our rooms plumbing. I don't say this sarcastically either, the living conditions reflect the town and the town of Jinotega is one of the most amazing i have had the pleasure of staying in. I recommend this trip if you want to get the most out of your summer and work hard with the best people.

I've done the three week program to the British Virgin Islands, and it is a lifetime accomplishment that i will always look back at to admire. At first I was hesitant about going and stepping out of my comfort zone, but my parents pushed me and I left there thankful they did so. You experience a new culture of living, food and friends. To me the biggest one was friends, because you develop such a strong bond. Leaving the place broke my heart because we came so far from strangers to best friends, and it was a challenge letting go. This program is most definitely worth it, but be prepared to say goodbye because its difficult. If your worried about safety, the leaders they have there are some of the most trained and profound individuals i've ever met. They're some of the finest role models I've ever worked with. All in all, this is the best summer program out there!

Two of my daughters, in different years, have traveled with Visions Volunteer Program in Nicaragua as when they were starting High School. This program is unique because service is the primary focus and the group lives within the village and becomes very close with the warm and friendly residents and families of the village. There are fun weekend excursions as well, but the goal is immersion within this village. My daughters spent memorable time with the residents, playing with the village kids, learning how to cook the local food favorites and learning everything about the challenges of daily life and the gracious ways of these residents. Visions creates a safe, comfortable environment for these unique trips and the Group Leaders are well equipped to handle the challenges that arise in the group. The personal growth that takes place through a Visions Trip surpasses any other program because of the rewarding close knit relationships that develop between villagers and teens. They still stay in touch years later! Highly recommended if you want to change your entire perspective for the better!

My daughter went to Montana the Summer of 2011 (summer of her freshman year in HS) -- and though she was pretty well traveled by that point -- she was not ever a solo traveler (or someone who liked 'camp' for that matter ) -- So i have to say i was wondering how this experience would go..... There were some minor blips getting TO Montana (flights got cancelled/weather delays/ the kids were split up -- )but the Visions staff handled it admirably (in spite of the airlines ) -- keeping me (and the other parents) in the loop at all times -- and even going so far as to say they would drive to Salt Lake City and pick up the kids if they didn't make it to Montana-- Once they got to Montana...and they did... I am not entirely sure what precisely happened on a day to day basis -- i know there was a lot of work in the local community, a lot of work with in the group, some fabulous hiking and camping, rodeos and a sweat lodge -- but the Girl who came home.... well lets just say that she was sobbing at the airport as she wasn't ready for it all to end (this is a girl who is a real home body )-- the bonds forged, the lessons learned, the growth experienced-- it was a life changing experience for her and those friendships have endured-- and she honestly felt she had made a difference and learned something on the way -- We chose Visions because of their commitment to a true community service program--truly it is what they do (not a travel program with a small community service component), their reputation as a stellar program and their deep roots in many of the communities they work in. Our daughter went back the next year (to Cambodia-- will review that later- but FABULOUS) and i do not hesitate to recommend Visions to anyone who is looking for a summer service adventure that is so much more...