"Highlights of the trip were going to the clinic and providing health screenings as well as vaccinations to the local population in the bateys with doctor Garcia. The experience at Dajabon was also really great. I was able to see how other people less fortunate were living their lives."
Glenn Abastillas, Rutgers University

"This trip was the best experience of my life. It really taught me to appreciate life and the love the children gave me made the whole trip worthwhile. After all, we are the world, we are the children, we are the ones to make a better day, so lets start giving."
Christen Abrams, Providence College

"It is really a loving community and I guarantee you will get something out of it."
Jessica Abreu, St. Mark's School

"Orphanage Outreach was such a worthwhile experience. Being able to get to know some amazing children is something I will NEVER forget. I definitely believe we got the students excited about English, and taught them many new words. I will never forget their beautiful smiles and am sad to leave."
Valerie Acre, University of Virginia

"I am so glad that I didn't listen to my parents doubts about this trip. I never felt any threat to my safety during the trip, either coming, going, or while in Esperanza."
Meghan Adams, University of Massachesetts-Amherst

"Definitely go! Think about your experience before, during and after. Take advantage of your time here."
Taylor Adams, University of Maryland

"This is a wonderful program that stretches your boundaries and improves your Spanish while giving you a tangible experience within the context of Dominican culture. Those who want to be challenged and desire to see with new eyes, this program is for you."
Michael Adelman, North Carolina State University

"It is without doubt that my experience in Esperanza has had a mind-altering effect on the way at which I perceive the exquisite world we live in. Before the trip, I was extremely enthusiastic to assist the children; yet; I never envisioned the immense effect the warm hearts of the orphans, volunteers, and the townspeople would consequently have over my life. Each child has marked a vital place on my spirit which will perpetually allow me to remember and appreciate the significant values of life!"
Diana Marie Afonso, Providence College

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime. It was so much more than just an eye-opening experience. The children in Esperanza have so much to offer, more than anyone would ever imagine. After a few days, you will realize that you don't want to leave them. I know that's how it was for me."
Lesley Ahearn, UCLA

"Go with an open mind."
Peg Ahern, Manchester Community College

"The children of Monte Cristi truly showed me how we as humans should love: with full trust, frank openness, and complete sincerity."
Tom Ahn, Pepperdine University

"Orphanage Outreach served as the most profound reality check for me and really generated within me a strong understanding of the most concrete and sincere form of love."
Tom Ahn, Pepperdine University

"A time of a life-time, memories never forgotten , and loving friends to hold in your heart forever."
Maysa Al-Hadidi, Academy of the Sacred Heart

"It is an amazing trip, almost indescribable - it was hard at first but an experience I will never forget no matter what."
Jamie Albert, The Taft School

"It changed my life and I loved every minute of it."
Danie Alberts, First Church Nashua

"This is the most fantastic and most memorable experience you might ever have.  You can’t go wrong with Orphanage Outreach."
Nicholas Alberts, First Church Nashua

"The trip to the Orphanage was awesome, not only could we help in a country of poverty, but we also got so much out of it individually.  I know no one came back quite the same."
Sharon Alderman, Huntington University

"I loved teaching in the schools! These children are happy that we are there, and we are facilitating, not helping, so our service is more useful to everyone who lives in the area. I think that that is why Orphanage Outreach is so great."
Elizabeth Aldrich, His House Christian Fellowship

"It was a lot of fun. I learned how to remove my own personal feelings and just go with the flow. Also less is more. Since I don’t speak Spanish, I still could communicate with the kids. You really don’t need to know Spanish to enjoy the trip. The trip is what you make it."
Fay Alexander, Agnes Irwin School

"Volunteering at the Good Samaritan Home in Esperanza changed my life forever. I was able to leave my busy life behind to do nothing but care for others, the children of the orphanage. My life changed through serving these wonderful children because I learned so much from them. I would definitely do it again!!!"
Amber Alford, University of North Carolina

"Definitely go! I'm someone who only stays in 5 star hotels but has been to many, many countries. I would have never gotten to do this in my life. Grasp the opportunity or you'll regret it!"
Alexandra Alizadeh, North Country School

"Everyone says this, but my trip to El Buen Samaritano Orphanage in Esperanza changed my life. The boys were fun, loving, smart and basically just amazing. They taught me more than most adults I know ever could."
Lindsay Allanbrook, Oberlin College

"It is the little things that will make the trip amazing. Helping a first grader write six English words and watching his eyes light up after he finished each word was the most rewarding experience of my life. Reading Jorge Curioso (Curious George), playing Frisbee, teaching a new word in English, those are the things that matter to the kids, and that is why this opportunity is so amazing."
Renee Alleman, University of Minnesota

"My experience with Orphanage Outreach really made me look at life in whole new way. To be able to go down there and work with these orphans and local children who have virtually nothing and yet are the happiest people I've ever met was an incredible eye opener. I realized how much we as Americans take for granted and how much we have in excess material goods that we don't need and some how with all this stuff we still are not happy. And these people (the Dominicans) have so little and yet are so happy and relaxed. It was an amazing trip"
Lindsay Allen, Waldorf Schools

"This trip, fortunately, has changed my life. I went on this trip at a time in my life when I was struggling to find my purpose in life. The children and community helped me realize what is really important in life and showed me a real understanding of how to live each day to its fullest. It was amazing to see the children have nothing and yet they were the most happiest and energetic children I have ever seen. I went on this trip to help the children, however, in the end they helped me and showed me how to love one another and cherish life."
Christina Allevan, University of Minnesota