Testimonials
What Readers Like You Really Think: Testimonials From Past International Living Events
Help us to do even better! We welcome your feedback on our past events.
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Kathleen’s presentation reassured me I was in the right place. I appreciated her wholistic view of choosing a place to live. Jessica’s presentation style is uplifting and engaging. Very pleasant to listen to. Glynna packs in the info, almost too much, good thing there's the print out, but she keeps it moving and is very very comprehensive. Lee Harrison – Sold me, good to have a laugh. Paul Reynolds – Fabulous slides. Mukti Scott, Australia
[What did you enjoy most about the program?] Broadening my perspective. Meeting like-minded people (adventurous). Learning more about places to visit, potentially move to. Brad Britton, Edmond, OK
[What did you enjoy most about the program?] Remarkable amount of very interesting and helpful information presented in an excellent manner. Days were long but the content was sufficiently stimulating that it held my attention. Most of the speakers were very good and the number of those who I would rate as excellent were greater than those I would rate as poor. Many topics were new for me and often eye-opening. Alex Masianka, Boulder, CO
Very good content; lots of great people who were looking at life beyond US borders. Varied investment opportunities were very interesting. Karen S Mills, Henderson, NV
"I enjoyed the happy and upbeat attitude of the presenters as well as those in attendance. There were many creative ideas exchanged and it was wisely presented along with the pitfalls, hard work, and dedication needed to succeed. Loved the entertainment and the luncheon--experiencing the culture and food of the area added to the trip. I have never experienced so many people of like mindset. What a pleasure to spend three days with others who have the same passion for adventure in travel, shopping, dining, and instant comrade. The wealth of shared information is amazing." Peggy Jones, Altamonte Springs, FL
"The speakers were informative and entertaining. The field trip was great--some sights, some business." Carol Greenwood, Pueblo, CO
"I am very grateful for the experience and certainly leave the conference with the feeling that International Living is a well-run company. While my husband and I have enjoyed years and extensive travel, I have never heard of International Living until knowing Carol Greenwood. I consider this to be a most worthwhile experience. Would have liked more writing tips and suggestions from Steenie; all topics were well covered, though." Nancy Aguilera, Pueblo, CO
"Every speaker has been informative, enjoyable, and accessible during breaks. Congratulations!" Patrick Vallaux, Papeete, French Polynesia
"This conference exceeded my expectations as I was looking for specific migration information and the speakers provided it. As well, they spoke of topics that were relevant to the entire group. The program was very well organized and very efficiently run (thanks, Grant and Martina). I thought the variety of speakers was very good, covering many aspects of migration and a lot about property investing." Elizabeth Schuff, San Francisco, CA
"Staff was well prepared and in control for all three days. Excellent job!!" Veron Ellis, Castle Rock, CO
"Overall, a great seminar packed with details and first-hand experiences with strong references and recommendations. This is a fantastic service worldwide. Well done! And many thanks." Paul Hughes
"I thought the most beneficial part for me was the people IL puts you in touch with. It seemed everyone was very knowledgeable and also extremely helpful! I was hesitant to spend $5,000 at first for a Roundtable membership, but I feel the product, the services, and, most importantly, the people have turned it into one of my better investments!!" Don Fulton, Longview, WA
"This was exactly what I was looking for! I met wonderful fellow attendees and learned much more than I expected. Cannot wait for next seminar. You guys rule!" Kevin Kelly, Carson City, NV
"This was my first seminar in Nicaragua and the country, people, and conference far and away exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the hospitality of the great Nicaraguan people, the diverse conference attendance, and the outstanding staff--highlighted by Dan, Suzan, Stephanie, and Delia. I have been to several IL conferences, and I believe this was the best group of speakers, attendees, and most well tour conference I have attended!!! Thumbs way up!" Scott Taylor, Carlsbad, CA
"First class! You covered all the fundamental bases of reinventing one's self, financial freedom, where to enjoy life, etc. The presenters were excellent and professional. This seminar is for anyone who wants to bring some jazz into their life. Kudos to the IL staff. Great job. This seminar is the perfect balm for those who need assistance figuring out the next stage of their life--a life that's bound to be more invigorating than their past life (virtual reincarnation, so to speak)." Jim Thomas, Portland, OR
"My first event. I was very impressed with the entire process. Meetings were on time. Presenters were excellent. Breaks were excellent, hotel was excellent. I'm glad I came." George Short, Wichita, KS
"The staff of IL is like one big happy family. It has been a wonderful experience. Thank you for providing so much information and for compiling such a wonderful staff to make the experience all the better." Cheryl Acropolis, Ocean, NJ
"The thought of moving was very scary. After the conference, I am actually excited about the possibility of living somewhere else now. The people we met and heard were very knowledgeable and make the 'trust issue' go away. It is possible. We were concerned that coming here would be a waste of a lot of money, but I think now it's a fabulous idea!" Ann Marie Lee, New Milford, CT
"This was my first IL conference and I am overloaded with information--good information. Very impressive speakers. I would recommend to anyone buying overseas to attend an IL conference." Colette Eldridge Smith, Pendleton, OR
"This conference was a winner on all counts. Thank you, IL staff. The topics were all relevant and most presenters were good to very good! Again, excellent agenda and great hands-on info." Joan Bennett, Niantic, CT
"I most enjoyed Croatian sun presentations combined with Lief Simon's presentations, experience, knowledge, communication skills, wit, and credibility. Great job! I would highly recommend such a seminar to others who are considering investing overseas." Holly Suhi, Murrieta, CA
"Thank you for a very good experience! Hvala lepo!" Steve Suhi, Murrieta, CA
I came here totally committed to moving to Mexico. Now I’m more interested in Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras. I’m so glad I came!! This seminar was outstanding and I’ll gladly attend another one, as I get closer to my move date. Alice C. Davis
This was my first IL Conference. I’ve been reading the newsletter for 2-3 years. I recently made the decision to sell my dental practice and make a “life change”. Retirement is not a word I choose to use, ever in my life. I had no idea of how valuable and pertinent every single topic would be to me at this crossroads in my life. All of the speakers were well informed, up to date and very personable in their deliveries. I really benefited from the “coffee breaks” and found the accessibility of all the presenters and exhibitions most valuable. Carl Peffley, Camphill, PA
After attending this conference I am even more impressed with IL than before. At first I would have said that you should have had Lee and do all the presenting- I thought he was really easy to listen to and learn from and is quite comfortable speaking. But then I heard Steenie and boy, what a joy of a human being she’s. She could really do stand up comedy. Needless to say, I’m thrilled that we went. Need to do more due diligence, but hope to more overseas within the next 5-7 years. Katy Cates
"A broad range of speakers and topics. Very informative. Included information on a wide range of properties--something for everyone interested in buying properties in Nicaragua." Margaret Griffin, Gainesville, GA
"The seminar was above my expectations. I thought it would be more of a 'sales' seminar; however, the mix of speakers and topics was excellent. Good split between available properties and information on Nicaragua. IL staff was very accommodating. I enjoyed the cocktails the most. A great opportunity to meet all the randoms participating in the conference in a social setting." T. Scott Gemmell
"IL did great job of organizing the conference. The coffee breaks were great and fine food.The sponsors of cocktails parties did wonderful job of entertaining." Bristol and Phyllis Conklin, Sanford, FL
"I attended an International Living Real Estate Tour around 1992-1994, and comparing the two, this one was a complete first class operation from the organizers, to the speakers, to the exhibitions, to the hotel, etc." Frederick Ted Crowley, Cumberland, RI
"I knew nothing about Panama before I came, I now feel as if I know a great deal. What I enjoyed most was the (apparent) relaxation of the speakers and organizers.I also enjoyed the diversity of the talks. The talk lengths weren't long enough to get boring, therefore keeping our interest. I'm now leading towards brain overload, but I know next week the important point will come back to me. And if I need to refresh my memory about anything, I love the emails of the speakers, thanks to the IL information pack. I would like to thank IL for a very informative seminar." Elma Stillion, Richmond, United Kingdom
"I had considered buying property in Panama before I came.I made a brief trip to Panama City in December-January of last year to scout on the scene.However, it wasn't until this conference that I felt confident enough to buy. I think I will be purchasing an apartment or condo in the next couple of days!" Patricia Kurowski, West Lafayette, IN
"For me the seminar was a great help pulling together the whole picture. Thank you for all your efforts. The conference has been a remarkable overview of the excitement and challenges facing someone who plans to invest or live in this country. Seats us on the fast track. Most informative and most enjoyable. Muchas Gracias! Appreciate all the hard work that went into this thoughtful introduction." Lissa de Loja, Amagansett, NY
"This seminar has provided an abundance of information, which was necessary for any plans of moving part-time/full-time to Mexico. We made a lot of friends and exchanged a lot of e-mail addresses. I enjoyed being right in the heart of the Mexican culture… near the center of town. We were introduced to the best restaurants. We fell in love with L'Invito Restaurant. Life is beautiful in San Miguel." Pat Lynch, Maumee, OH
"I feel that the information received was more than valuable. So many of my questions and concerns were answered 100%. Thanks!" Beverly Marshio, Fulton, TX
I was impressed by the excellent organization and the quality of the speakers. Exceed my expectations. James Tasker, Lakewood, OH
Provide great overview of all the relevant topics. With all the suggested areas and the field trip, it is amazing that it was all covered in three days. Lee did an exceptional job having the program moving and on schedule-David also! I enjoyed the relaxed environment of the seminar, together with the presentations of the speakers. All were knowledgeable, motivated and informative, but in a practical and relevant way. I would recommend this seminar to others of my friends and neighbours who are thinking of living or investing in Ecuador. Enjoyed it immensely. Juanita Ruth One, Baltimore, MD
"Janine Goben did a fantastic job! She made the conference informative and valuable in a relaxed island style that made the entire event comfortable and enjoyable. She, her husband Ron, and the other speakers were credible and told their real-life stories based on personal experience. As expats living in Honduras, they provided a unique perspective and insight on the wonders of this special country and why it is attracting so much attention. It was a concentrated delivery of very pertinent information that would have otherwise taken months to gather. Also, Sandra from Tropical Rez did a simply outstanding job arranging an outside trip for me to Guanaja. Very professional. I would like to hire her for my company!" John Easterling, Jupiter, FL
"The seminar exceeded my expectations. The availability of so many obviously capable people in such a variety of specialties is truly unusual. Very valuable time investment." Charles E. Davis, Coldwater, MI
"The seminar helped us to focus on what country to live in. Overall, I enjoyed all of it. Your staff is most helpful and expansive to what I'm sure (based on myself) is a demanding group of attendees." Karen Mezouane, Reston, VA
"We got a lot of diverse information in one place at one time. I would recommend this same program to others." Jim Myers, Minot, ND
"Extremely courteous and helpful staff. Great speakers. Great personal stories and experiences. Very inspiring." Tom Prevost, Elk Grove, CA
"I enjoyed networking with so many interesting and knowledgeable people. The speakers are very well informed and friendly. What a great way to learn about the world and its varied cultures. I'd like to attend all of IL's seminars! I loved the conference, the speakers were all very informative, professional, some had marvelous senses of humor and I am very glad to be part of this global network! Thank you one and all! P.S. I look forward to reviewing all the wonderful information packets and brochures when I get home!" Kari Develasco, Nevada City, CA
"It was one of the best decisions we have ever made. The synergy created by all involved has allowed us to now pursue our dreams with a speed, confidence, and efficiency that borders on shocking. We have also forged dozens of new friendships with like-minded out-of-the-box thinkers that share our thoughts, dreams, and values." Brad Geffen, Thiodosia, MO
"Lots of info. Huge amounts of interaction with IL folks and presenters. I enjoyed the openness and availability of the IL staff." Robert Antonelli, Mechanicsville, VA
"Good subjects, excellent speakers, important information for all who want to retire in one of these paradises. Taxes, properties, buying advice, health insurance, step-by-step info are all discussed in detail! Kudos to IL management on a great conference!" Michael Hanyecz, Calabasas, CA
"Great show. Good group of readers. It would take months to find and acquire the interviews and information we received at this meeting." Robert McGee, Tampa, FL
"Dan and Jose were exceptional… Mary's take on Panama was very good… Peter is one of the best speakers at IL conferences… Derek gave a great presentation… Absolutely excellent presentation by Brendan. I think Club Panama will be great once it is up and running…"
What did you enjoy most about the program? "The real estate prospects as well as the great people at IL." Scott Taylor, Carlsbad, CA
"Worth the cost of the seminar: IL saved me 1.5% of $250,000." Byron Enroth, Plymouth, MN
"This is my first IL conference and the wealth of information presented will, I'm sure, prove invaluable…I appreciate the time spent to field all questions, even the controversial areas and the ones that were unfamiliar to the presenters, because they were honest to say they were not sure, but would be willing to find out the appropriate information later. The amount of information and written literature exceeded my expectations, and it was easy to approach all of the speakers and the other seminar attendees for networking. The program's content allowed me to realize that I can live and prosper in Panama." Dr. Pamela Dentler, Brooklyn, NY
"This is my first seminar, and first time in Panama (I am looking to invest). I found the proceedings to be exceptionally well run with a good variety of speakers." What did you enjoy most about the program? "The wide variety of high-quality speakers. This was my first conference, and I found that it provided an exceptional variety of speakers and information. I am looking to invest in Panama and this conference was well worth the time and money spent." Shaun Dolan, Miami, FL
"For me, no matter how thoroughly or often I read something, hearing the same information always makes it more real to me. In many cases throughout the conference hearing the information, getting my questions answered, hearing other questions and answers, and having the opportunity for one-on-one conversations with the presenters was well worth my time and investment in attending. The IL staff is muy amable, and very hard-working. The new Club Panama is a valuable addition to your services to us. Thank you! The conference was well organized and amazingly on schedule. Overall, I would not have missed this conference--for those who prefer to discover how to 'conquer' Panama on their own, I only hope they get as thorough and honest advice and counsel as we did in the conference. It will take me a while to digest all that I heard here. And thank you for the great parties." Katharine Cotrell, Portland, OR
"We came to see the country and get a feel for Panama and we were not disappointed. Meeting people from all over the world and finding out their goals and lifestyle was very interesting." Tom Kitchen, Irvine, Alberta, Canada
"Eye-opening, to say the least. It's doubtful I could have gathered some of the information on my own. In fact, I question how long it would have taken me to learn on my own even a fraction of what you've presented. Thank you so much for putting on such an informative, interesting meeting. I was impressed!" S.Lee Tignor, Hot Springs, AR
"These conferences are incredible--always exposed to valuable information that the average person may not have even considered to learn about." Richard Staufer, Superior, CO
"Extremely knowledgeable speakers. Good presentations. Highly educational." Ron McGee, Williamstown, NJ
"It was a complete education on living and investing overseas. The topics were diverse and the majority of the speakers were finest rate. I can't think of anything you didn't cover. I'm exausted!" Rise Staufer, Superior, CO
"The seminar exceeded my expectations. It was a great event. Excellent. I enjoyed the accessibility of everyone involved. There were no 'superstars' who were 'too good' to rub elbows with everyone." Robert Antonelli, Mechanicsville, VA
"I'm so glad Ron and Janine have been here and will continue to be here for us. The seminar exceeded my expectations. The presenters and participants all seemed to click well together. I already feel I have a community here." Pamela Eslinger, Minneapolis, MN
"We think the speakers were top-notch and look forward to working with some of them again! We definitely got our money's worth!" Teri and Chuck Oberman, Iowa City, IA
"This was my first IL conference after having been a life member for more than two years. I am more than impressed in the way you have run it. Janine and Ron were excellent in how friendly they are to everyone, coordinated the speakers, and generally oversaw everything. All speakers were readily available for individual discussion both during the conference and in the restaurant/bar afterward. I would certainly join another International Living conference as I feel the sourcing of the information and quality of the introduction will save a lot of groundwork and provide reliable professionals who will be invaluable for those considering a future life and/or investment in a foreign land." David H.M. Walker, Gassin, France
"We were at your February seminar and enjoyed it very much. It was beyond our expectations in content and contacts. You covered all aspects of living in Mexico and, of course, Puerto Vallarta. The excursions to various projects and areas were extremely informative and allowed us to quickly become familiar with all of the communities and areas of Puerto Vallarta. Because of your seminar we decided to purchase a second home in Conchas Chinas, just south of the Zona Romantica. It has been a great experience shopping for furniture in Guadalajara. As you have said, the people are great and they excuse our poor Spanish, which will improve as we spend more time in Mexico." John and Dianne Arguelles, Santa Barbara, CA