"Flexibility, patience, and an open mind are critical to a successful and enjoyable volunteer experience. You really do only get out of the experience what you put in."

Amanda Foster, University of Florida

"I can't help but think that I'm taking more away from this experience than the children, as working with them has taught me so much about myself and what I'm looking to get out of life."

Amanda Foster, University of Florida

"The kids taught me how to open my heart and to just love and be loved without reservation. Being on the receiving end of such unconditional, genuine love has been an incredible experience."

Amanda Foster, University of Florida

" I was able to have an inside look on the culture of volunteering in Argentina which is absolutely an invaluable experience. Although I have frequently been involved with volunteer programs on an administrative level, this time I was a volunteer on the ground level. It reminded me of how essential programs such as FundaCor are to strengthening and maintaining the social fabric of our communities. "

Drew Frederick, Princeton

"Personally, I will leave happy knowing I've impacted positively the lives of the children. Professionally, I feel as if I am better prepared to become a teacher."

Jessica Ibarra, University of Pittsburgh

"Studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina was one of best experiences I've ever had. I would recommend anyone considering studying abroad to do it. I can guarantee you will not regret it. I still keep in touch with my host family and I became close with my friends I met there, most of whom I still communicate with. I also would recommend anyone interested in volunteering through the ELAP program to also do it. I learned several things from my trip- about myself and the Argentine culture, among other things. Having made this trip makes me want to study abroad again and travel."

Jessica Ibarra, University of Pittsburgh

"I have loved my volunteer experience. It has been both a personal and work challenge, which has been great and the people at the organization are wonderful."

Kassidee Fisher, University of Oregon

"I have become a more flexible, patient, and self-reliant person."

Kathleen Cullather, Texas A&M University

"I feel like my Spanish has improved immensely, and I felt like I really connected with the kids. I have enjoyed getting to know the children and learning about Argentine culture.""

Rachel Feuerstein-Simon, University of Nevada

"The best part of the experience for me was simply having the opportunity to reach out and lend a hand to someone less fortunate than myself. It was and still is very satisfying to know that I was able to make a connection with these children and positively influence their lives."

Sallie Milam, Sewanee University

"Go into it with a very open mind because you never know what sort of job you may be assigned. And if it turns out that it is a completely unexpected job, just get in there and do it. Realize that whatever job you are doing for these people, it is something that will help them improve their quality of life in some way or another. Embrace the experience and enjoy yourself."

Seth Plattner, NYU

"I don't think I could have had a better experience with ELAP and the TAC Library. I not only got all the language experience I could have wanted..., but also got to partake in something completely unique that allowed me to leave my mark in Chile. Having the opportunity to personally design a mural that reflected the history of Cerro Cordillera and oversee its creation was truly amazing and rewarding. Unlike anything I've ever done."

Seth Plattner, NYU

"I have learned more than I ever thought I would. Now I feel confident with my Spanish as well!"

Amanda Schwartz, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

"Do it. You will meet some awesome people and get to see how things work in another country and another culture, the behind-the-scenes look."

Andrew Luckett, University of Kentucky

"I got to interact with a lot of patients, doctors, and nurses from whom I learned a lot about hospitals, medicine, and patient interaction."

Andrew Luckett, University of Kentucky

"Enjoy it, and know that you are making an impact no matter how small it might be."

Caroline Hagedorn, Emory University

"I have enjoyed working with the kids and observing how a Latin American school is run. I enjoy spending time with the teachers too. I like that the volunteer hours / schedules are very flexible."

Ellen Noyes, UC Davis

"My Spanish improved, almost entirely due to my status as an ELAP student since I had daily interaction with native speakers."

Erin Haber, Yale University

"ELAP in San José has motivated me even more to perfect my Spanish and given me more confidence that I can become a doctor!"

Glenna Martin, Skidmore College

"Go for it! Volunteering here is one of the best experiences I have had in my life. To have another language is to have another soul."

Glenna Martin, Skidmore College

"I learned to adapt to [volunteer]work in a completely new environment."

Helen Schimke, University of Georgia

"Go with the flow. In volunteering, there is usually no set agenda so try to treat the experience as an adventure."

Jacqueline Gray, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

"I feel I was useful and able to make a difference to some children."

Jennifer Tiller, Howard University

"I gave ISA a 10 because CAP was the perfect place for me. I got a first hand look on what was going on with Costa Rican politics without having to dress up everyday!"

Jessica Hanes, Texas A&M University

"I would definitely recommend volunteering abroad. It is an experience that will stretch and reward you, bringing you to a much better understanding of yourself and the world around you."

Jessica Whisenant, Berry College

"I have enjoyed the feeling of independence in another country as well as the opportunity to experience the culture, daily life, and people of another country."

Julie Hetcko, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

"I love doing both (ISA and ELAP) and would suggest it to anyone!"

Julie Mueller, Miami University of Ohio

"Great experience and opportunity for personal growth. Thank you!"

Karla Ippolito, Arizona State University

"It is a good experience to work [volunteer] in another culture, to learn how they do things. When you are put into a situation like that with a new language, you are forced to grow."

Katie Van Manen, Grand Valley State University

"The experience of a lifetime!"

Laura Ellington, Austin College

"ISA/ELAP has all the resources to comfort you with home while encouraging you to step out of the program and immerse yourself in another culture."

Laura Franzwa, Texas A & M University

"I had a really fulfilling experience, and I think I will bring a lot back to the US."

Leah Matheson, Luther College

"I learned a lot about the culture, the medical system and was able to learn a lot of Spanish while working and observing things in the health clinic."

Mattan Rojstaczer, University of Pittsburgh

"Yay ELAP! I am so glad I found a program that not only filled my major's requirements, but provided me with an experience I won't forget."

Melissa Stone, Texas A&M University

"I now know that I can live and interact in another culture and I am personally stronger [for it]."

Michael Munoz, University of Tennessee

"This is my 2nd study abroad with ISA. It has always been an excellent program that gives the students a good combination of structure, flexibility, play, and learning."

Sarah Gamble, University of Maine

I am learning a lot about research, the organization, non-profit management and myself. I am definitely accomplishing what I feel is important. I was able to "test-drive" how it is to work for an NGO abroad - which is what I want to do for a career.

Stephanie Perreault, Northeastern University

"Throw away your expectations because they are likely to be very different from those of the organization you are working for. Take your experience for what it is, and take as much that is positive as you can."

Stephanie Stubbs, San Diego State University

"I am most certainly accomplishing exactly what I hoped to accomplish and more. Not only am I learning more Spanish, more medical techniques, and more medical technology, but I am making friends, having fun, and I feel I am really helping people."

Theresa Diroff, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

I have enjoyed every minute of my study abroad experience. I believe everyone should go on a study abroad at least once in their life. It gives you a chance to grow as a person and learn about other cultures in an extremely fun way!! I highly recommend Costa Rica too!!

Amanda Schwartz, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

"I strongly recommend ELAP over studying because it provides the perfect mixture of work and free time. We really feel that we made a difference in these kids' lives, as well as traveled and had a lot of fun."

Katie Almand, Samford University

"I enjoyed ELAP very much. I loved my kids and they gave me a reason to get up early everyday. They inspired me with their innocence, eagerness to learn, their cooperation, honesty, good manners, and work habits."

Lucinda Perez, Cal State, Los Angeles

"Teaching at the school has been a great experience! I feel it will help a lot with my future teaching career."

Robin Dykema, Grand Valley State University

"Personally I feel as though not only have I gained a new perspective of the world I live in, I also feel as though I have learned a lot about myself in the process. ELAP was an amazing experience that I will treasure for a lifetime. My program directors, Alma, Gaby, and Rosy helped me with so much and made everything go very smoothly!"

Amanda Nevarez, Boston College

"[Best part about ELAP]Being kept busy helping a cause I believe in and still having a bit of time to dance salsa and get to know Mexican culture and a new city."

Lila Holzman, Rice University

"I had a wonderful experience here. I hope that I helped them at least in a small way, and that they accept more volunteers so that others can have this experience."

Lindsay Conklin, Western Michigan University

"It was an amazing experience working with those children, and I wouldn't have given it up for anything."

Amanda Powers, University of Minnesota, Duluth

"The on-site staff is some of the most remarkable people I have ever met. I felt like I had a mom, a sister, and friend in all of them. They were there for me when things were chaotic and made my trip amazing. Without them, I would have truly been lost."

Amanda Powers, University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

"Choosing to do ELAP was a great decision!"

Anna Toombs, Bethel University

"Thanks ISA for such a life-changing experience; I want to do this every summer now!"

April Scott, Georgia State University

"Approach the situation with an open mind and heart, equipped with patience, compassion, and perseverance. Prepare yourself to return home changed."

Mandy Rother, Concordia College

"By volunteering in Peru, I believe even more that sincere effort and compassion for what you are doing opens up worlds of possibility and make even the biggest challenges feasible."

Mandy Rother, Concordia College

"I feel more prepared to enter the work force and confident of the skills I have acquired throughout my education and during this study abroad program."

Mandy Rother, Concordia College

"One thing that I will take more than anything from this experience is humility. I have learned what strength is from an 8 year old and what youth and life means from an 80 year old."

Thomas Hill, Minnesota State University, Moorhead

"This experience has opened my eyes to a beautiful culture and country. I will forever remember this experience! It has shaped the way in which I view volunteering and how even a small contribution can be a big help. I would encourage anyone who wants to experience a culture in an intimate form to participate in ELAP!"

Thomas Hill, Minnesota State University, Moorhead