“ 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

I have enjoyed the simultaneous freedom and support ISA provides. The staff is always ready to help out with any question or problem, but the program itself very much allows a student to explore the city and country on their own terms. The help with the volunteer aspect has been very instructive as well…I couldn’t have found this [volunteer]work on my own.

Henry Freedland, Brown University

I had a lot of trouble at first adjusting to a different work styles with different kids in a different language… However, now things are working out well and the challenges I’ve faced have helped me in the long run.

Jena Orr, St. Edwards University

My favorite part has been getting to know all the kids and the people who work at Fundacion Cor. I also like being able to see a part of Buenos Aires that I wouldn’t see otherwise, and it gives me a chance to practice my Spanish. Hanging out with the kids is really really, fun, and one of my favorite parts of the week is when I walk in the door and all the kids yell my name and want to hug me.

Katy Miller, College of St. Katherine

“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

"It is extremely challenging, but in the end you’ll be happy you did it."

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, Sewannee University

"I really didn’t have any specific goals other than to have a different experience than school. I have definitely loved my experience though so far."

Jessica Gonzales, Texas A&M University

“It definitely was a good learning experience both personally and professionally.”

Jessica Meininger, University of Minnesota, Morris

"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 enjoyed my time and had many goals met. The biggest goal: being able to make a difference & help through a language & culture barrier.”

Jewels Rhodes, Minnesota State University-Moorhead

"Being flexible and patient is key when volunteering for such a short amount of time and you can’t expect to accomplish these extraordinary goals within 5 weeks, but try your best and keep your spirits high and it will be a rewarding experience."

Amy Yi, UCLA

"Because you are not in a familiar environment, you are constantly learning. If you are an adventurous person and want to get to know new cultures, this experience is perfect. You need to allow time to acclimate yourself, but after that, you are part of a community and have a role in helping your new family."

Annie Alcid, Smith College

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

Caroline Hagedorn, Emory University

“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

“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 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

“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

"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 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

“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 think the program is great I feel like everything is well-organized and I like how supportive everyone is to endure that volunteers are happy in their placement.”

Suzanne Nucete, Southern Illinois 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

“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 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

“The experience of a lifetime!”

Laura Ellington, Austin College

“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 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

“What a rewarding experience this has been!”

David Antonson, Texas Christian University

“Go for it, be patient, and it will be a great experience.”

Hisham Abdelwahab, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown

“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

“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

I got to make some original contributions to the food bank, which is what I wanted to do. I feel like my participation gave something that no one is paid to do and which the food bank would not have otherwise, and am happy with that.

Malgorzata Grabowski, University of Chicago

“I enjoy the warm welcomes we receive from the communities, and seeing parts of this country nobody else sees. I love knowing that the work we do is to better the lives of this community”

Ross Mele, California State University, Sacramento

“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)

“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