Summer can be a time for relaxation, reading, recreating, swimming, sunbathing, right? What if you could soak up the sun while also making a distinct difference in a small village in the Dominican Republic? VISIONS Service Adventures offers teens the opportunity to spend their summers doing service in communities abroad and in the U.S. If you are looking for something challenging and different to do this summer, consider one of our volunteer abroad programs for teens or one of the unique VISIONS location within the U.S. Here are the top 3 reasons for spending a summer doing a service program abroad:

Opportunity to spend time abroad. This is the number one reason that most teens consider a VISIONS summer program. We offer programs in 12 locations abroad as well as three sites in the U.S. Each one is unique, totally different from anywhere you’ve ever been. During your time in the program, you will live and work with members of your host community and with your fellow program participants. There is absolutely no better way to discover and learn about another culture than by being immersed in the daily life. You will leave your VISIONS experience more mature, self-confident, and with a serious itch to travel again to new place.

Opportunity to spend time abroad. This is the number one reason that most teens consider a VISIONS summer program. We offer programs in 12 locations abroad as well as three sites in the U.S. Each one is unique, totally different from anywhere you’ve ever been. During your time in the program, you will live and work with members of your host community and with your fellow program participants. There is absolutely no better way to discover and learn about another culture than by being immersed in the daily life. You will leave your VISIONS experience more mature, self-confident, and with a serious itch to travel again to new place.

Chance to make a difference. VISIONS teen summer service programs are unique. Above all, we offer a chance to do ambitious service in a community less fortunate than most. Spending a summer helping others, getting to know the people you are assisting, changes your outlook on life and your own perception of yourself more than can you can possibly imagine.

3. Make new friends. You will meet other teens your age from all over the country and abroad. VISIONS programs generally consist of 18 to 25 students, fairly balanced between males and females, who live and work and play together in the heart of the host community. Experiencing new and amazing things, learning and working together, forges friendships that last a lifetime.

Ultimately, VISIONS Service Adventures encourages teens to change their own lives. We give teens the tools, means and support to make a difference. It is up to each individual to make the most of his or her experiences. Consider spending a summer working to improve resources in an entire community and also, inevitably, to improve yourself.