What Others Say

Here are some comments from previous articipants, and parents of participants, if you would like to speak to any of them personally, please contact us and we can provide you with the personal contact details of those that have given their permission to be contactable:

[viaFriends participant] "All of this changed me, its given me a new confidence and changed the way I perceive things to be - for the better! It’s taught me a lot about myself, how I best work with people and what makes me feel safe or happy, so now I have a better idea of how to achieve what I want!”

[via participant] "Just thought I should tell you that on my University application, which is sent to five great British Universities, I wrote in my 300 word personal statement that I had been on the via programme, which had equipped me with the leadership, presentation and public speaking skills necessary for a life in politics. We basically have to sum up ourselves in that space and I consider via that much a part of me now."

[via participant] "It is scary to think how much via has changed my life. Even though before I thought I was in total control of life and myself; via has actually been put into action since I have been home. I have been exercising more and trying to eat less sugar. I also haven't been answering back nearly as much! So much has changed as to how I look at things. I think I am less erratic as well; I know you probably won't believe that but it is true!
Ps: thanks for everything Sue !
Give my thanks and love to everyone.”

[viaFriends participant] "I am so in love with my experience at via. Am so proud with what I did and learnt!! I went for a walk at the beach and was also at the gym today remembering to realign my posture!! A lot of what I learnt is really ingrained in me... I really really miss everyone still!"

[via participant] "I am surprisingly really into my work at school a lot more than before. Admittedly I am actually doing something rather than just spending the day lazing! Since via my head has been spinning with all sorts of new energetic thoughts. It is great, I feel like I have had a brush clean all the old stuff out of my head so that there is space for new ideas! That is the 'plant' characteristics of my brain I have decided!"

[viaFriends participant] "I now feel I can cut through all the stress and the things that affected me before and learn something from everything. I truly believe that things happen to all of us for a reason and now I have the tools to try and work out what they are!“

[via participant] "The most exhilarating experience was staying on a Marai which is a traditional Maori welcome house. We actually stayed in one which is a great honour and not something tourists can do, which is why Via works so well - we do the commercial things but we also see things that not even all people in New Zealand do!”

[via participant] "The other girls on the course were brilliant, from very different backgrounds and with different personalities. When you live with people all day every day for 5 weeks you get really close. I have friends for life now!”

[via participant] "In Pauanui we did community service to raise money for the Harulai Trust which takes care of men with special educational needs. We then organised a day out for 6 of them. I had the most amazing day, they really make you appreciate life and the small things that make people happy.”

[parent] "A short note to say how very much Amelia enjoyed and derived benefit from the wonderful via retreat. It could not have been more interesting and exciting for her in every way and has enabled her to look at her life and its possibilities in a different way."

[via participant] "When I arrived I was met at the airport by a security guard who whisked me through all the immigration control - like a real VIP! … we drove to Brooklands Country Estate … from then on we had a chef who cooked our meals, and visiting tutors from the height if their profession - for example there was Ed Timings, a prominent Chiropracter who taught us nutrition, Dr Richard Moat who taught us communication skills and stayed with us for the whole trip, an onsite masseuse named Shane Burrell, two public speaking coaches, all sorts of amazing people.

[viaFriends participant] "Now that I've had several weeks to integrate the via experience into my everyday life, I'm absolutely shocked at the impact it's made. I've been a lifelong nail biter and have tried everything - from hypnosis to medication to acrylic nails - to stop the nasty habit. And I've always had a bit of the angel and devil on my back in regards to food and exercise - a sort of eat-the-chocolate-cake-now-and-feel-guilted-into-the-two-hour-workout afterwards. Yet for the moment, for the first time in my life, I'm not engaging in either of these destructive habits - even though I didn't go to VIA to work on them. Still, reminding me how important it is to be good to myself gave me the perspective to start applying that in places I couldn't before. And per Ed Timings' instructions, I'm meditating almost every day, which has made the time adjustment and cultural reintegration that much easier. Adjusting to doing my own laundry, buying my own food, carrying my own bags, and not being able to work the fact that I have security guards into a casual sentence - well, that may take a little more time."

[parent] "The via programme is the perfect 'gap' experience between high school and university. It is a time when young girls can sit back, relax, enjoy themselves, go on adventures, learn, create and really focus on the future and do some soul searching, with the help of these wonderful mentors."

[parent] "I'm writing to extend my heartfelt support for your innovative efforts in establishing via. The 'gap' period between High School and University can be a stressful and confusing time. via provides a way to focus on one's personal development while pursuing fabulous adventures. How wonderful to enter into the University years with a sense of self and direction. My younger one will definitely be taking advantage of this opportunity when that time comes."

To ensure our clients of the absolute best, via recruit and consult with people who are internationally respected in the realms of personal development, business, education, arts and adventure, here is what some of them have to say:

“I think via is a fantastic idea. I have decided to commit my life to try to make the world a better place through business and I try to do that by inspiring youth. Because the future is youth… and the idea of bringing these talented people, who want to make the most of themselves, to New Zealand and inspire them and then send them out to make the world a better place, is the most inspirational and real idea I have heard.”

Kevin Roberts, Worldwide CEO Saatchi & Saatchi – New York, USA

“A pressure cooker 12 weeks such as this will give young women a rich experience where they will make life long friends… it will take them out of their comfort zone… into a new experience which will stretch them and really extend them… it will make them more independent, stronger… they will really know themselves… which I think is one of the key qualities a human being has to have. This programme will ensure this occurs.”

John Graham, Chancellor of the University of Auckland - New Zealand

"First of all, I wish you good luck in this undertaking. It seems quite comprehensive and has as its basic thesis superior service and personal growth and development for any guest who attends. New Zealand is a perfect place for this….you offer many diversions, developmental efforts and attractive considerations for any potential guest…"

Dick Brown: (business leader - former CEO and Chairman of EDS Worldwide)