Program Reviews

The trip has taught me a lot about Hawai’i but also the relationship between the land and people. I found the work that we were doing to be helpful to our project partners and was glad to help. I learned so many new things about the Hawaiian culture that I would not have learned without GIVE volunteers. I am thankful for meeting new people and working with them to help our project partners with what they need. I enjoyed the guides and project partners energy and explanations during the trip. They made the trip enjoyable and comfortable. I am thankful to have met so many people and learn from them this trip was very special.

Had the most amazing experience! So many guides available at all times for support and genuinely just the coolest itinerary. You get to see the difference you make in real time! We taught English in the mornings to local women and the Maasai Tribe. Then, in the afternoons we would work on constructing the school. Mixing cement, carrying bricks, wheeling wheelbarrows. We would have the evenings to ourselved to explore and relax at the most beautiful beaches. But the program also gave us opportunities for Swahili classes and weaving classes with locals for our downtime.

When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were shocked that I chose such a far and unfamiliar place with people I had never even met. Little did I know what these people and this place would mean to me when I left.

Throughout these 14 days, I had the privilege of traveling, learning, and volunteering throughout northern Thailand. I experienced its rich culture, beautiful views, and the “Sabai Sabai” way.

There are no words that can truly do this experience justice. Nonetheless, I met the most amazing and inspirational people, from the locals to the guides to my fellow travelers. These individuals showed me what life looks like when we’re fully present, focused on each other and our actions rather than materialistic ideologies and unrealistic standards for the world around us. I was shown how resilient we are both mentally and physically, and how essential it is to put aside our worries in order to feed our wellbeing. During my time here, I was reminded how much I value the outdoors and hard work, and shown the level of possibility that can be reached in the span of 24 hours.

This trip is amazing and filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. Come in with no expectations and an open mind, and you will leave so incredibly fulfilled and changed. Say YES!!

My experience with GIVE Volunteers in Laos was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the GIVE staff and the local community. The trip was thoughtfully organized and balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural immersion and adventure. The GIVE staff created a supportive, encouraging environment that made it easy to step outside my comfort zone while feeling safe and included. They were knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely cared about both the volunteers and the communities they partner with. This experience gave me a new appreciation for different cultures and reminded me of the importance of human connection. I left Laos with lifelong memories, incredible friendships, and a perspective that will stay with me for years to come. I would highly recommend GIVE Volunteers to anyone looking for a meaningful travel experience that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to be a part of it.

I never knew that 2 weeks could make such an impact on my life and change my perspective of life. This trip has shown me what true love, community, family, and happiness looks like. Being in rural communities that have nothing and being immersed in their world and seeing how happy, welcoming, kind, and generous they were was truly a privilege to witness, I want to thank all the wonderful people I met during this trip who made me feel like I had a family here in Nicaragua I will forever carry you in my heart. To my students your presence, personality’s , and character have left everlasting memories and joy on me and I will never forget you or our memories together. I want to encourage everyone to take a step out of your comfort zone, no matter what it may be because it may reveal something within you heart you never knew was there before. I am extremely proud of myself for deciding to take the risk and do this trip because it enabled me to witness rich culture and the most beautiful places I have ever seen

The best trip ever!!! I met amazing people, made new friends and the best of it all I got to travel to a new country and learn so much. I loved being to step out of my comfort zone because now I know I can do it!! I was so nervous at first but Give provides you everything you need all you need to do is show up and everything is covered. Food, water, adventure, transportation, sleep. This is the best program to travel alone with because you still have support. Best part is I got to see elephants in real life in three different ways and parts of Thailand.

What made this experience so great wasn't just the cool things we got to do or see but the connections and impact we were able to make. As someone who had never been outside the United States, I had many preconceived assumptions and fears about where I was going would be like. However, as each day went by throughout the trip, I got more and more comfortable about where I was, grateful for everything I had, and above all, excited about the fact that all of my fears and worries couldn't have been farther from the truth. Every Single Person throughout the trip was kind, compassionate, helpful, and thankful for us being there, despite any language barriers there might have been. Throughout the trip, we were able to make positive changes in both ourselves and the communities we were in. From helping the community's environment, children, and families to even helping its infrastructure, we were able to make a difference for good. Additionally, getting to see life from such a drastically different perspective truly was life-changing in the best way. No matter how long your trip is, it will feel like a lifetime, it will change you and those around you for the better, and it will be worth every penny...

This experience changed my life. While we were there we stayed right on the beach for the first half of the trip and then a beautiful villa for the second. There was one night we did camp on an active volcano as well and it was such a cool experience. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I did feel nervous when first arriving. After one day though I felt so comfortable. The guides are so friendly and make you feel so safe. You get to teach English to the local children. You learn how to surf, you learn how to make tortilla and cheese from locals, go deep sea fishing, and so much more. I wouldn’t change a second of my experience.

The Thailand Elephant Experience was such a perfect trip. Right when I landed I was met by the local guides at the airport. The 3 main guides were amazing, wonderful, kind, helpful and organized. Right from day 1 they made sure we had the most perfect experience. Being up close with the elephants was truly a once in a life time experience. All of our meals were delicious and filling. The friends and connections I made throughout the week will stay with me forever. The hike through the jungle was truly a special experience, seeing the elephants in the wild, fresh fruit growing on the trees and views were spectacular. Getting to visit the local communities and learn from the residents about the Thai way of life was such a heart warming experience. If your on the fence about doing this trip, I will tell you, go ahead and book it!! You will truly love it and make wonderful connections! I have zero regrets after doing this!

Everything about Thailand with give was absolutely unforgettable! Every person that I met and place that I went exceeded every expectation that I could have had! This trip was so so excellent. And the guides made sure that I was not only always okay but that I was given the most immersive trip possible! They were so knowledgeable when asked any question and loved to share their culture and stories with us which made the trip even better! All of the local and international guides were so kind, caring and authentically themselves! Creating such a save space for each volunteer to do the same. The itinerary was packed with a great mix of all things Thailand, and on top of the wonderful volunteering we did, it provided a truly amazing opportunity to really experience the people of Thailand and it’s culture. It truly was such an incredible opportunity!