Travelers | Greece — India — Tibet — Nepal — China

Kyle Hutchins — Castleton State College

"Jim - I want to thank you for the opportunity to join you on your travels to India. Every day I wake up remembering the lessons you offered and I know my life will never be the same after what you opened my eyes to. The way you were able to indulge us in the culture and expose us to lessons of the people of India was truly amazing. By the end of the trip I was able to call Ladakh home, and the other travelers, family. This is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thanks again Jim."

Shelley Lippincott — Champlain College

"Jim — I cannot thank you enough for the India trip. It has changed my perspective on the world and made me think about SO many new ideas! You taught me so many awesome and challenging things and I am so grateful to have been able to do this trip under your guidance. It was a trip that I know I'll still be talking about many years from now! Thank you Jim."

Brent Troy — University of Iowa

"Jim — Just writing to keep in touch. I spoke with a few students who were on the Greece program with your wife and it seemed like another amazing trip. I wanted to let you know that my family and me have organized a book drive for the Tibetan children’s village in Leh. My mom is a teacher and was able to collect various textbooks for the kids. A lot of teachers collected books and incorporated Ladahk/Tibet into their curriculum, which was really neat. I have been in contact with the school and we plan on sending them over during the holiday season. India was truly a great experience and the children’s school really touched everyone on the trip. I want to thank you for such a great trip and getting all of us around India safe and sound! Take care — Brent"

Courtney Phillips — Bates College

"Dear Shelley - I just wanted to take the time to write to you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you did to get me on the Greece program this summer. I cannot even describe to you how much it helped me! I will always cherish my time in Greece with you and the rest of the group, creating lots of meaningful art. I never knew that deep down inside, I had this creative side to me and I really enjoyed expressing it. My experience with Wisdom Tours have been absolutely incredible, and I hope to join you and Jim on another adventure sometime in the future."

Dustin Littleton — Saint Michael's College

"My experience on the Wisdom Tours study abroad program to India was the most powerful learning experience that I have ever had. In fact, I learned more during this 18 day program than any other class that I attended so far in college. To learn about different philosophies and cultures in a traditional class is one thing, but to directly experience them in their natural setting is the ultimate way to learn. During this program I was always well taken care of and I always felt safe – thank you Jim for sharing India with me!"

Casey O'Reilly — University of Vermont

"Jullay Jim!
I cannot even express how much I loved the trip to India — there literally are no words. It was by far the most amazing thing I've ever done in my life and probably one of the most amazing things I will ever do. Sometimes I can't even believe it actually happened — the whole thing was so surreal. I loved every second of it and feel like Ladakh is the home I never had! I can only hope I am fortunate enough to go back. I wish there was some way I could really express how thankful I am for everything you did to help me get on this trip and make it so amazing. All I talk about is the trip and I can't stop looking at the pictures. Thank you so so SOOO much for everything — you are what made the trip so extraordinary. Thank you thank you thank you!!"

Elena Molokotos — University of Vermont

"I just wanted to thank you again for the most amazing experience of my life. You put so much work into the trip; making sure we got the best treatment and the best learning. I learned a lot about myself and the world around me. We often forget that there is more to the world than just "I" and the immediate environment that surrounds us. Now that I have re-kindled this awareness, I am able to see situations and people through a different light. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your knowledge, experiences, hard work, and compassion to the group and I."

Dan Wilf — University of Vermont

"Hey! Its Dan Wilf. Not sure if you remember me although I think you probably do ;)

It's been so long since the trip and those days are still some of my most fond memories. I'm glad to say that I learned so much from that experience and am consciously trying to implement some of the principles learned in my everyday life...and I owe it all to you! I just hope I can get back out there soon.

I'm writing you this evening to inquire about that 'Repaying the kindness of your mother' (I think that was the title) meditation that we did. Since graduating from UVM I have relocated to Philadelphia. Among other things, I am a Yoga teacher here and I am putting together a Mother's Day workshop with this as my intention. I remember this being such a powerful meditation for me while on the Wisdom tour, I was wondering if you had any resources, text, or more information about this meditation. I'm going to try to teach it to the class!

Thanks so much Jim, I really hope you and your loved ones are doing well..hopefully keeping warm in Vermont!

Kristopher Crown— University of Vermont
(now Grenada)

I know that is has been two years since we last spoke, and you most likely don't remember who I am. But I wanted to inform you of the significant impact that your trip to Tibet has had upon me. I still remember the first e-mail you sent me describing how the trip was "life changing," and indeed it was. Upon returning home I felt different, liberated, and confident.

And I can earnestly say that my life has changed dramatically since my participation in Wisdom Tours and seeing and understanding the Buddhist Culture. Thus far on my journey, I became more active in school functions and activities at the University of Vermont; I added another minor to my college curriculum, Asian Studies, to which I also studied the Mandarin language; I was recognized on the Dean's list in the School of Business; I graduated; and I joined the Peace Corps. I'm now stationed in the Eastern Caribbean in Grenada teaching information technology, and working with small and local businesses to increase revenues through tourism. There hasn't been a day since I've returned from the trip which I have not thought about Tibet and my experiences there. It is because of my experience in Tibet that I have become the person I am today.

Therefore, I would simply like to express my gratitude for providing such an amazing tour. Thank you again!

Om mani padme hum

Max MacDonald — Saint Michael’s College

"People always talk about going abroad, but you never hear anyone mention Tibet. Tibet was a place I never thought I would go to. Our trip included and unforgettable visit to Mount Everest where we visited the world’s highest monastery. On this program we learned about Buddhist philosophy and art through lectures at the monasteries we visited each day. We met many monks who explained their beliefs to us. This was an experience that I would never trade because it was so foreign and different to me."

Jay Hayden — University of Vermont

"I would like to thank you for the incredible trip that you led to India. I had high hopes before setting out and all were surpassed. It was a testament to your leadership that all of us were always safe and happy because you always put our comfort first and that is why it was such a positive experience for everyone. I had such a great time on your program that I am now planning to return to India to study next semester!"

Hallie Boas — University of Vermont

"I would like to thank you for leading and creating such a wonderful trip to India. Not only was it a life changing experience for me, but you really made the trip what it was. Your knowledge and dedication of the Indian and Tibetan cultures and religions really provided a wide spectrum of knowledge and experience for all of us. This study abroad experience has really changed my outlook on life."

Erin Huckabee — Castleton State College

"I just wanted to write a quick thanks for such an amazing trip. I had a great time and probably will never get to experience anything like it again, unless I go on the India study abroad program! I had so much fun and met tons of unique people, some of whom I still talk to today. I felt so relaxed on the trip since everything was planned out and that allowed me to have a great time. Thanks Jim for taking me on a trip of a lifetime!"

Tim Shea — University of Vermont

"Traveling with Jim to India, China and Tibet were priceless experiences in every way. I can't even describe how healthy it was to get out of the world I was so accustomed to for a chance to experience some of the most amazing cultures, religions, and people of the world. It is amazing to see how much can be learned about a place by being completely immersed in its way of life and getting to know the people who live and practice there. It was impressive on both trips to see how well planned and organized these distant experiences could be; we were frequently greeted and taken care of by distinguished locals who made us feel at home and taught us so much about their way of life by including us in it. I really can't think of a thing I would change about these trips and I am so happy that I have learned so much about these unique cultures, hopefully someday I will do it again."

Kari Jana Iverson — University of Vermont

"In October of my senior year at UVM, I was a bit regretful I hadn't spent a semester abroad somewhere. I saw a flyer for a winter study abroad to India, hosted by Wisdom Tours (through Castleton). I was a bit skeptical - I knew I wouldn't know anyone, and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I signed up in a matter of days, and all I really had to go by was the packet I got from Jim. All of the pictures looked amazing. We left at the end of December and looking back, it was such a unique experience that will never be forgotten. Jim and Pema knew India like the back of their hand, which helped in making us feel comfortable in our unfamiliar surroundings. It was not only an academic trip, but a cultural and adventuresome trip as well. You cannot get a more hands-on learning experience. You learn about yourself, religion, other worlds and their cultures...and everything in between! The India Wisdom Tours trip is certainly something I'll be talking about for a long time - all good things of course!"

Betsy Sayer — University of Vermont

"I really want to thank you for everything that you did for us on our amazing trip to India and for making it such an incredible experience. I feel so lucky to have been able to see everything that we did and I know I will be digesting and processing it all for a long time to come. This trip was certainly something I will never forget and I hope I will be able to return to again in the future. Thank you so much for everything."

Matthew Tedeschi — Saint Michael's College

"I can honestly say that I am a new person. Enlightened is too strong a word but educated is too weak. This experience has changed my life and I will forever be affected from the time I spent in Tibet. There are many pleasures in life, but nothing can compare to experience. I have always believed that experience is the greatest, most powerful and effective way of learning. Nothing can compare to the reality of real life experiences. Since I have been home I have not stopped talking about how amazing this experience has been for me. No matter how much I explain and through my photos there is no way that anyone can understand the depth and realization of what I experienced in this study abroad program to Tibet. I thank you Jim for this incredible learning experience."

Kelsey Ballard — University of Vermont

"I cannot begin to describe the amazement and gratitude at what I was able to experience on my trip to India, whether it was walking through a Hindu temple or watching the sun rise over the Himalayas. Jim let me in on the secrets of a deep culture that not many people have the opportunity to experience, in a way that put me right there next to people practicing traditions that are unchanging. Jim's interesting and extensive first-hand knowledge of Buddhism and compassion, have changed my life!"

Corrina Dobson — Castleton State College

"I am very appreciative of the experience that you and Shelley guided me on during our trip to Nepal. It had a profound affect on my life. I am a continually changing person and I think that I have changed for the better because of my experience in Nepal. It has given me a wonderful perspective on life and I cannot thank you enough."

Adelaide Surette — The University of Vermont

"Up in the Himalayas the monasteries became our classrooms where we received lectures on Buddhism from lamas, monks and locals who gave their personal view on the culture and Buddhism itself. Learning about Buddhism on a "hands-on-basis" is the best way to learn about a religion or philosophy. Thank you Jim for everything that you have taught me on this study abroad program in India."

Justin Dewey — Castleton State College

"Those looking to seriously emmerge themselves in a distant culture and reemerge with a new way of seeing things will be right at home in a Wisdom Tours program. I've had nothing but good experiences and they've been the sort of experiences that come once in a lifetime."

Noelaine Ritchie — Johnson State College

"Our travel study program to Nepal & Tibet is extremely difficult to put into a few words. It was an incredible journey that touched the core of my being and beckons me to return."

Rebecca Jason — Saint Michael's College

"The trip to Tibet was the most amazing experience of my life and I am so grateful that you allowed me the opportunity to be a part of the trip. I hope someday to return to Tibet and if you are still leading tours, I hope to return with you."

Renee Santana — Champlain College

"Our Study Abroad Program to India was the most intellectually stimulating as well as the most beneficial event in my entire life and I am extremely grateful."

Bryan Toy — Castleton State College of Vermont

"My study abroad experience in Greece was a trip of a lifetime. The things that I saw and learned were integrated into my personality and I feel have made me a better person. Jim and Shelley took care of every detail making everything completely stress free for everyone on the trip. I am already looking forward to enrolling in this program again next summer!"

Nikki Muir — University of Vermont

"The highlight of my study abroad program to Greece with Wisdom Tours was our time on Samos. The island of Samos was more beautiful than I ever imagined and was a perfect place to create sculpture. Through Shelley's class I was able to create work that has had a tremendous effect on my artwork and will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life!"

Emily Simmonds — University of Vermont

"Thank you so much for the most amazing trip through Greece. It was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to reflect on life. I cannot wait to go back to see more of this paradise!"

Jake Sassaman — Champlain College

"True to it's name, Wisdom Tours provided me with a phenomenal tour of Tibet. Safety, health issues and political and social differences were not a concern in the least as our group of students traveled around this gorgeous and diverse landscape as we visited the ancient and holy monasteries of Tibet. The accommodations, food, and travel expenses were not only all inclusive but of a remarkable value. After earning 6 credits on a trip that I had previously only dreamed of, I now recommend Wisdom Tours to any student who wants to learn about diverse cultures first hand. This trip LITERALLY paid for itself. Thanks Jim for the best experience of my life."

Amy Sweetser — Saint Michael's College

"Wisdom Tours provided me with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to travel and study in a country I have always wanted to visit. It was an amazing experience; there was a perfect balance of work and leisure."

Amanda Kissell — The University of Vermont

"Our study abroad program to Greece was amazing. We learned all aspects of the culture, whether eating the food, meeting the people or touring museums and ruins. Shelley and Jim exposed us to many aspects of Greek culture and way of life. I also thoroughly enjoyed sculpting on the beach everyday - inspiration is not hard to come by on the island of Samos. It was by far the most beautiful place I have ever been and I am glad that I was given the chance to enroll in this program."

Phillip Seeley — Sayre, PA USA

"My trip to Tibet was awesome! It was my first time traveling abroad and I could not have been in better hands. Experiencing Nepal and Tibet in our small group of seven allowed us the opportunity to explore these fantastic cultures and also enjoy our new friendships with the other travelers on this tour."

Jennifer Anderson
Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada

"I cannot thank you enough for the trip you took us on. It was a life changing journey and one I will treasure always. Thank you for treating us like family and being so patient with all our questions. Thank you also for all the new friendships."