GeoVisions

I just returned from my GeoVisions volunteer vacation in Costa Rica. What an experience! I was excited to be able to work in the Jardin Botanico Lankester where they have more varieties of orchids than the rest of Costa Rica combined. Many of these are on the verge of extinction, but everyone at the garden is committed to conservation, and happy to teach me. Simply to be able to work in the beauty of the garden was a superb treat. However, the favorite part of this vacation was staying with my host family. They immersed me in Costa Rican culture for my 2 week stay as they taught me Spanish, took me on excursions, and introduced me to friends, relatives, and neighbors. I loved being with them. I cannot say enough about the terrific experience that GeoVisions arranged for me. I very much look forward to my next GeoVisions volunteer vacation.

I had the time of my life, and I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with GeoVisions. I spoke to other women who were doing the same program as I am only they went through other organizations. I could not believe the lack of support they received from their program. I just wanted to make sure I thank you and everyone involved who made my stay flawless. Also, I now have a friend who is signing up for the same program simply because I cannot say enough positive things about my experience and GeoVisions.

The whole Umkwali experience exceeded my expectations. I expected someone to show me a tame cheetah or maybe see a few animals I have dreamed of seeing from afar. What I got was hands-on tracking and game capture experience. My trip to South Africa started with GeoVisions. I am a single mom who has teenagers almost out of the house - a volunteer project abroad was a great way to travel to another country safely on my own and gave me the chance to meet interesting people from all over the world. Once I booked with GeoVisions, I took off for the 3 day orientation in Johannesburg I guess I expected orientation to be the boring part - a classroom setting or something similar. However, it was a very active and wonderful 3 days. We went all over Johannesburg and Soweto learning about the area and the people. Just walking around the streets of Soweto, we learned that our view of third world countries is often skewed by media and assumptions - the reality was warm, friendly people in a beautiful country simply seeking a happy life like every other person in the world. What can I say about my project at Umkwali other than it was the most amazing and adrenaline filled experience of my life. The people that run the camp and projects are all excellent teachers and very fun company. This is an 18,000 acre property with a decent size work staff all run by a few individuals. The most amazing moment was probably getting to fly in the helicopter during the gemsbok capture. Unlike the buffalo, wildebeest, and giraffe, the gemsbok don't really want to stay together if they are being chased - they will split off from each other and run in different directions. That is when Donny (our pilot during this capture) has to round them up and get them going in the direction he wants and he is amazing at it. I don't know even how to describe that kind of flying - spinning 180 degrees in midair, dropping fast and coming at the animals sideways - one second you are low enough to touch a giraffe and the next second, you are so high up it is hard to see anything on the ground. It felt like the best roller coaster ride in the world and I was hooked! The animals we were after were being stubborn and the wind was changing so I had a very fun and long ride. Seeing the curtains being pulled after the sirens are sounded is pretty cool from the air too - there is a lot of action happening to get those animals safely loaded onto a truck. I landed in the helicopter at sunset and I was floating on air for hours! The whole Umkwali experience exceeded my expectations. I expected someone to show me a tame cheetah or maybe see a few animals I have dreamed of seeing from afar. What I got was hands-on tracking and game capture experience. I was close enough to some very large animals to have to dodge a couple. I learned a volunteer trip like this was an affordable way to travel abroad, provided safe transportation and accommodations, and I made some great friends I will keep in touch with. The food was healthy and tasty (they even accommodate a vegetarian diet), the water was clean and safe, and everyone on the staff are friendly. The guides here will teach you as much as you want to learn and let you participate as much as you are willing and able to do. Just show up everyday with an open mind, ready for anything and you'll never be disappointed! I highly recommend this program and GeoVisions.

Hey GeoVisions, I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with the Conversation Corps in Jordan. I am thoroughly enjoying myself, and this is turning out to be a very beneficial experience.

If you have ever dreamed of spending time in France with a family and learning how the French really live, what life is really like away from the tourist places, this program is for you! If you are over the age of fifty and wonder if it is truly possible to immerse into another culture; the answer is yes! I have just returned after spending the month of October, 2008 in a small town outside Lille, France. A remarkable experience and it is due to the people behind GeoVision's program from the very first contact. The key person in France is Annie Labat. Not only is she your best resource while there, she is incredibly intuitive in matching candidates to the right family. My family was perfect in every way and we will stay in touch. I would highly recommend this program, and look forward to going again next year!