— Bentley University

I travelled with Wisdom Study Abroad in May 2011 to India and Bhutan and it was one of the best experiences of my undergraduate stay in the US. Luckily for me, Wisdom Study Abroad took me to my home country of India on an educational program which really helped me see some different aspects of my country. Also Bhutan is a neighboring country of India that I had never visited before. Wisdom Study Abroad gave me an opportunity to see a beautiful country Bhutan and study Buddhism and its culture. The program was really fascinating for me. I made amazing new friends and we all were really happy with the entire arrangements of the program. The hotels were majestic and our guides were really helpful. Of course most important of all, Professor Jim was outstanding. He was really friendly and made sure that all the special and specific needs of the students were fulfilled. I have never seen a person who would have more knowledge about Buddhism than Jim. He knows much more about Indian history than one would imagine. Some of the topics he covered in his classes are no longer taught in India. Thank you Jim and Wisdom tours for an unforgettable and magnificent experience.

— University of Vermont

I am writing to tell you that I am applying to Naropa University for admission next fall. I am applying for a masters in Contemplative Psychotherapy. The major is a three year program that combines Western Psychology with Buddhist Psychology and will prepare me to get a license as a therapist. I’m excited about the opportunity to combine western and eastern approaches to mental health and development as this has been the focus of my reading lately. Because of my study abroad program to Bhutan with Wisdom Study Abroad was so influential on me and also your huge help planning my trip to Kopan Monastery in Nepal, I just wanted to thank you. If I had not gone to Bhutan with Wisdom Study Abroad and studied Buddhist philosophy with you, I’m not sure that I would be applying to Naropa University! Thank you Jim.

— St. Michael’s College

This trip to South India has opened so many doors in my life in ways that I would have never guessed. I love learning about Eastern Religion and Philosophy and when I returned to college I changed my major to Religious Studies so I could further my religious understanding. This trip is a wonderful introduction to Indian culture. The whole time when I was there I felt safe and was very comfortable — the hotels we stayed at were beautiful, the food was plentiful and delicious, the temples we visited were stunning and full of good energies. This trip was a great time and it has resulted in some great friendships and experiences I am thankful for. If you have any interest in India or Eastern Philosophy/Religion I highly recommend going on a Wisdom Tours Study Abroad Program. You will grow in many ways and it may change the way you see the world and go about your life.

Just wanted to say thank you. My daughter, Alessandra Caldwell, just returned from your recent Cambodia trip. AWESOME would be the only words to describe the experience. Her photos tell the story of a unique and graceful people and of a history surrounded by deeply spiritual traditions and beliefs. She returned with eyes wide open and a love for the children who touched her deeply with their ever present smiles. Looking forward to many more experiences with Wisdom Study Abroad. I think she mentioned India during the winter break and I hear the words Tibet flying around as well. Your enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks again for keeping Alessandra and all the students safe while giving them the chance to broaden the minds and open their hearts. Be safe and well. Until next time…Steffanie

— San Diego State University

“Namaste! Tashi Deleg and Yassou Professor!

I have been thinking about how I would write an email to you and truly describe how my life has changed in just three short weeks abroad in the land of India. Words cannot conceptualize nor do justice to the part of me that now has a desire to learn so much more about Mahayana Buddhism and Hinduism. What a trip! I cannot stop thinking about it and wishing I was still there. I thank you for your continued guidance and support in opening our minds and hearts to the words of the Buddha and great Indian philosophers and masters in an endeavor to reach our own enlightenment. While many will stray from the path, I hope to continue on in my studies and I am looking at graduate degrees in Indian religions and Buddhism (emphasis on Tibetan/Mahayana). Thank you again professor and you will be a lifelong friend and mentor on the road to understanding both the outer and inner beauty of that entire region of India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Respectfully and Sincerely, Chris”

— Champlain College

“The one thing that I realized about traveling throughout India is that, no matter how hard I tried, the only thing that I could directly compare back to life in the United States were the french fries. It was like being in another world. Lead by the passionate expertise of Jim Hagan, the experience was not only educationally rewarding, but spiritually enlightening and anthropologically eye-opening. Diving head first into all things anti-tourism, being a student on one of Jim’s tours puts you in the heart of the culture, whether it’s picking tea leaves in the foothills of the Himalayas, kneeling front row in a Buddhist monastery in Darjeeling, or doing finger painting with a group of Indian children in Kolkata. The overall experience puts your body on sensory overload, and you love every single minute of it — any one of Jim’s tours should be a must-do for anyone who wants to experience another part of the world in the most effective way possible. Thanks Jim!”

— Saint Michael’s College

“This past summer I traveled to Greece with Wisdom Tours and earned academic credit while experiencing one of the most amazing places on earth. I’ve taken a semester abroad before and I really enjoyed my program with Wisdom Tours even more than my experience in Italy. Our group was most amazing and informative and taking sculpture and art history in the country where these things were basically invented was mind blowing. The island we traveled to and the places we visited both in Athens and on Samos were things I would have never found on my own and are truthfully remarkable places that are not to be missed! With the small size of the group we all bonded and were taken wonderful care of. I had the most fantastic experience with seventeen fantastic students and learned more than I ever could have from in a desk in a classroom in Vermont. I highly recommend this program! “

“My daughter Kiley had an unforgettable experience studying abroad in Greece, July 2010. As a parent I felt assured of my daughter’s safety and relished in her excitement that her trip brought. Wisdom Tours has sparked a fire in my daughter to study abroad and she will join Wisdom Tours in India during Christmas break. Jim Hagan is personable and reachable and most enthusiastic. I thank Wisdom Tours for giving my daughter such an unbelievable opportunity that will create experiences that will last her a lifetime.”

“Hi Jim, I want to thank you for your care and guidance during this trip and for the wonderful exposure to a very different culture. It was eye opening for Jackie…a trip that she will always remember. She learned so much and I suspect that she will visit India again someday. She spoke about an orphanage that you have a connection with. Your daughter spent a few months working there? I would love to hear more about that. We really enjoyed Jackie’s pictures, treasures and stories. All and all, it was a fantastic adventure and learning experience for her. Again, thank you for delivering her back to VT. If you are ever in need of a parent reference about Wisdom Tours (and yourself) please don’t hesitate to ask me. Namaste — Cindy”