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!

Hello! I'm Erik, a conversation corps member staying with a family in Chorillos, in Lima Peru! I just arrived on Friday and am having A BLAST already, and have now seriously begun my English tutoring with the two children in the family. I don't have any specific questions, but would love love love to get any advice you have!

Hi Jodi, Sorry for taking so long to reply. The time has been flying by since I returned home. I had an amazing experience in Thailand. I think that it was half luck. I got placed at a really amazing school in an English program where I was able to work the same ten kids all day every day. It was really rewarding. The kids learned a lot, and the other teachers and administrators at my school were very kind and helpful despite the language barrier. OEG was also helpful throughout the semester. They were available to answer questions and provide support and even made a trip to Chanthaburi to check out my school since it was the first time that they had placed anyone there. I really enjoyed working with you and Chris. You were both very professional and helpful. I hope that the program will continue to grow in the future. Sincerely, Shari Lefler