International Doorways! - Exceptional Adventure

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International Doorways

“ This past summer I traveled to five countries in Southern Africa for 39 days with International Doorways. During my trip I took advantage of the most unusual experiences-hitting a jump with a snowboard in the Namibian desert, slaughtering a donkey for cheetah feedings, playing soccer with a Malawian toddler on my back, bartering my vocal chords sore, and coming face to face with a 10 foot whale shark in the Indian Ocean. For the first time I felt I was away from home and felt an intimidating and yet relieving sense of independence.” I. Jor, Massachusetts

“Jamie loved everything! Thanks for a great summer! “C. Tredwell Riverside, Connecticut

“I highly recommend International Doorways for teens. It’s a transformative experience not only for travel, but for life. “B. Nichols San Francisco, California

“ I initially signed Emily up for these trips so that she could practice her Spanish language. She did take classes and had some practice but she really received much more from the trip. Not only did she get to see some amazing things (Machu Picchu) and do some fun things (white water rafting, sand boarding, dune buggies, horseback riding, hiking, etc) she really learned about the culture of those countries first hand.” E. McGinnis Middletown, Rhode Island

“Dearest Kathleen,
    “Can I tell you what an influence you are on my daughter? She talked nonstop for 12 hrs. (yes, I am very tired) about her experiences in Bali. First and foremost she shared what an amazing woman you are! You are her (well deserved) idol!
     I could never thank You, Joe and Scott for all that you did for Miranda. Each of you played an integral part in making this adventure the time of her life. She absolutely loved being with the children from the orphanage so beside all of the fun that she had, she came home with an even stronger desire to give something back to society.
     Keep an eye out for this young lady. She may very well be the next Kathleen Vivas! Thank-you again and keep up the good work. If you ever find yourself in Massachusetts please give us a call. We do have a guest room   : o )
                                 Sincerely, Judie” Massachusetts

“Hi Kathleen,
Chelsea has arrived home safe and sound.
Sounds like a fabulous trip, which has changed the direction of her life.
Thanks,
Kelley” Mexico

“Ariel is having a great time! Thank you to International Doorways for a wonderful summer experience.

Best regards,

G. Butters” North Carolina

Jason’s having the time of his life on this trip. Thanks to you and your staff. M. Kaufman” New York

“We spoke with Jules last Sunday after he left the Embera village, and he said that his experience... changed his life.” P. Auger, Costa Rica

“ I just wanted to show my appreciation for your vision and effort. First I would have never touched African soil if it was not for your program. At first I was super siked! I was like heck yes I am in Africa. And then as I got into the groove of things and started to field comfortable it was like home! I felt a part of the landscape therefore enriching my experience.” T. Harper, Seattle, Washington

“ Through International Doorways in the Dominican Republic, I stayed in an impoverished town called Bayaguana. However poor, Bayaguana has the most hospitable people I have ever come across. I love and miss the hospitality of my host family and their neighbors, the beautiful landscape, the Merengue and Bachata dance moves I learned and danced, and the food. Those are only some of the many things I miss about the Dominican culture.” B. Tammru, California

“Although I was scared at first, I went on the trip and it was an unbelievable experience. I was in Namibia for three weeks with International Doorways and my leader, Kathleen was more than great. She was always there for us!” L. Copara, New York

“ I went to the Dominican Republic with International Doorways. I had never left the country before and this was my chance. The most eye opening part of my trip was going to a town called Paraiso. In this town, we helped build a house for a family. I learned that I wasn’t just building a house, I was helping change lives.” A. Wellman Seattle, Washington

“ I have changed from a person that took a “back seat” to life into a leader that is actively involved. I became proud of myself and my changes when my mom told me when I just got back from Africa “you’re still the same Matthew, but, something is different about you”. Matthew, California

“ I was able to experience a completely different culture and explore the natural life with the constant interruptions of beautiful sceneries, from staying overnight in the cloud forest to hearing the natural sounds of howler and the colorful toucans. The most amazing experience occurred in Panama where I got to live with a family in a village. Here I got to see how life was without the city life intruders like cars, TV and cell phones.” F. Breton, Massachusetts

“Arriving in Peru was an experience in itself. In seeing the country I felt my perception of the world change. In traveling the streets I found that the people are so humble and happy. No matter their situation they were smiling. I took a risk in going to another country and trusting people I hardly knew. I came to bumps in the road, but through it all I kept moving forward. Thank you to International Doorways who pushed me to take the risk to trust and find my own light.” T. Johnson, Massachusetts

“I went to Peru and Bolivia with International Doorways. Oh, my God! What an experience! Coming back from this trip, I notice how I take a lot of things for granted. Even more, I realized how significant it is that I have the opportunity to make something of myself. By being open and taking risks, that shy and quiet girl is long gone. Thank you for helping me learn that nothing in life can keep me from doing what I want to do and being what I want to be.” F. Wagnac, Massachusetts

“Everyone has heard the saying,” Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” But to me, “What happened in Peru will always remain in my heart forever.” They are the moments that made me who I am today. I was not a risk taker before this trip. But now, no one can stop me from doing anything. Anything can happen if you let it happen.” G. Ha. California

“I found a challenge for every single part of my mind, spirit and body. My mind challenged when we were hiking on the Secondi Trail, and my spirit was deciding to be happy or angry. I have come home ready to be an adult I have come back ready to face the next stage of my life: Independence. I would like to thank International Doorways for this opportunity to grow and myself for not giving up.” Ryan, Napa-Sonoma

“ I spent four weeks working together with a my group to help the indigenous villagers. We built a dam, began installing a new septic tank in the town and taught English. The village was isolated from modern society and at first I was scared to live somewhere so far outside of what I’m used to. But each day I learned something new by trying my best to communicate and cooperate with the villagers to achieve our shared goal of improving the community. What’s more, I learned to accept people for who they are instead of judging them by how they live.” J.Ramalho, Massachusetts

“This summer I went back to the Dominican Republic with International Doorways and I felt that I came back a complete different person. I came back full of life and with motivation that I hadn’t felt in a long time. I spent three weeks building a home for a woman that had six kids and lived in a cardboard house. In addition, I taught kids how to write, do math, English & Spanish. Being with those kids was a magnificent feeling. Every moment that I spent with them was like experiencing a sensation of love that I had never felt before.” C.Rodriguez. California

“My Summer trip through International Doorways sent me to Bali, Indonesia where my whole outlook on life changed. I did many things but above all I valued my time at the orphanage the most. Those kids changed the way I see the world in more ways than they know. They taught me to love again, they taught me what love was…they taught me that I was loved and that I could really love with all my heart. Leaving Bali was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but it was just the next step in my journey.” B. Benson. Seattle, Washington

“ I went to Costa Rica & Panama with International Doorways. Weeks later I came home and thought about the trip and how have I changed. At first I couldn’t think of anything, then I realized I was no longer that girl who couldn’t speak up for herself, I was a leader and a girl who knows she has a voice; who isn’t afraid to use it.” L. Troung, California

“ This summer I went to Bali, Indonesia with International Doorways. I traveled to Bali with the promise that I would be nothing more or less than myself. Over the course of twenty-seven days the group bonded in ways only we could understand. Together with three phenomenal group leaders, we truly became a part of this tiny island. I was able to have an experience, which will stay with me for the rest of my life. For once I was not an outsider.” M.Muise, Massachusetts