Testimonials
Misbah
Among many things, I consider my trip last summer an educational experience that exceeded my formal education. I learned from the most random experiences; trying to buy lunch in the markets, catching a ride on a bus, asking for directions or help from strangers. I sat with subsistence farmers, young guys hustling for a living and many others that presented a juxtaposition to my own life in Canada
My personality and perspective grew as I saw more things and reflected on them. I can say that I came back home a more critical thinker, more confident in my personal abilities, and more culturally versatile. The people on the trip became great travel partners, dependable friends, and they always helped to make everything more interesting. It’s one thing to read a textbook, a newspaper or travel guide, and another thing to be on the road learning it all for yourself.
The great thing about being on the road is that you never know who you’ll meet, what you’ll see or what will happen, but all of it manages to change your life in one way or the other.
- Operation Groundswell ‘08
Keegan 
My trip with Operation Groundswell was exactly the sort of adventure I was hoping it would be. It was tough, challenging, exciting, rewarding and absolutely foreign to me. The type of people that go on the trip are interesting and unique and are sure to teach you a lot. Also, the people that you meet and experiences that you have while abroad will undoubtedly be some of the most memorable of your life.
I am so glad to have gone on this trip because it was an opportunity to see a part of the world that is changing very rapidly, to experience some adventure and excitement, all while making a difference. I would definitely recommend Operation Groundswell to anyone who wants to learn more than they can imagine and have a lot of fun.
- Operation Groundswell ‘07
Jo
When I went abroad to travel and volunteer, I was ready for adventure. I was looking for direction in my studies and inspiration to keep me on the right track. What I was not ready for was to fall in love, reinvent who I thought I could be and to change the course of my future.
Sometimes it was hard, especially at the beginning, to adjust to the weather, attitudes and way of life. It was overcoming and learning from these personal obstacles that strengthened me. With a new outlook, I became more persistent and determined in everything that I undertook. It was the push towards betterment on every level, a healthier community, a stronger group and a wiser traveler, that made the Operation Groundswell experience extraordinary. One year ago, I was just another freshman in university. Now, I am a world traveler, activist and one of the trip leaders!
- Operation Groundswell ‘07
Matt
My Operation Groundswell trip was an amazing growing experience. I will hold the experience of many strangers taking me into their homes and treating me as if I were family very dear to my heart. This trip has taught me the value of patience, to trust in loving kindness and to find beauty in day to day being.
- Operation Groundswell ‘08
Taha
Traveling truly is the best way not only to learn about the world, but about yourself. I found lessons in activities even as mundane as bargaining for the price of cloth. I met people, I made friends and through all this, I grew as a person. If you’ve been thinking about doing something like this, but aren’t quite sure: I say take the plunge and just do it. No matter what you think the experience will be like, I can promise you it will be a million times better. And who knows, you may even end up in Timbuktu.
