Program Reviews

If you love elephants, this is the trip for you! We visited many different elephant sanctuaries over the length of this trip with the goal of learning what different approaches there are to elephant conservation and care. We were able to experience hands-on sanctuaries as well as hands-off, and even an elephant retirement home. Even though the approaches may be different, the one thing that was constant was the love and care that these sanctuaries gave to the elephants. This trip was extremely educational, and was an amazing add-on to my two other Thailand programs I participated in!

Wow this trip changed my life! From the amazing people that I met, the beautiful towns and villages we visited, the delicious food, and to the connection forged between mind, body, soul, and nature; Thailand made me feel alive again. Days were filled with laughter, learning, and exploring. The itinerary is perfectly balanced between volunteering and going on adventures. I didn't think that I was going to be very good at teaching English, but our guides Chelsea and Hailey gave us all the resources we needed to be successful! Spending time with the students was one of my favorite parts. I also loved getting to connect with and learn about the nature around us. P'Krit and P'Daves' expertise in plants and permaculture was astounding. I would do this trip over and over if I had the chance!!

Going into my trip with GIVE, I was nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect, I kept an open mind though, and was ready to experience the culture of Tanzania, see what the other side of the world was like. After leaving Tanzania, my perspective of the world was completely changed. I learned what being a community really meant, I learned so much about the culture of the Muslim community in Tanzania as well as some Swahili, I especially learned that living life pole pole (slowly) is so important. Through this trip I was put into a completely different culture and living style, saw how amazing people can be. Everyone I met along the way was so kind and appreciative of everything and just happy to be alive with each other. With all of that being said, I now have life long friends with the people I met along the way and I’m still in touch with people in Zanzibar, Tanzania. If you’re considering traveling with GIVE, do it! You will not regret it, you’ll want to go back asap, life is short and this experience will change your perspective on a lot of things!

I adored my trip to Thailand in the winter of 24-25. The volunteers that I went with were some of the most hilarious, intelligent, and kindhearted people ever, who I will never forget and most definitely stay friends with for a long time. The guides were equally amazing and I will miss them for as long as it takes for me to make it back to Thailand someday! I was able to learn so much about myself, Thai culture, and the Thai natives on my trip that I will never forget. I had so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on this trip including getting to spend a day with an elephant and getting to feed it, going bungee jumping, and having access to small close-knit communities in northern Thailand that I otherwise may never have gotten the chance to go to without the amazing local guides. More importantly, however, I got to form close relationships with the kids that we taught and get real experience in the classroom while learning how much of a relationship you can build with someone without necessarily even speaking the same language. It was challenging and exciting and I desperately wish I could go back and see those kids again now that I’m home. GIVE taught me a lot about sustainable tourism and the importance of behaving as a respectful guest in a foreign country. Rather than walk all over someone else’s culture and take advantage of it, GIVE taught me the importance of learning the culture and respecting it through dressing culturally appropriately, attempting to learn some of the language and customs, and entering the country with an open mind and a non-judgemental attitude. I am counting down the seconds until I can be fortunate enough to go on another GIVE trip!

This is totally worth the money! Every penny you pay goes towards making your trip an amazing experience, and it gives back to the local community! It may seem expensive, but it is much better than spending your money at an all-inclusive resort somewhere that doesn't pay their workers a fair wage. The people you meet are truly one of a kind, and GIVE does its best to make everyone feel included and happy. Even if you are not the most adventurous person, you'll want to be on this trip. They make you comfortable with being uncomfortable. During your time on the trip, you'll see how fun it is to try new things and help people out! It's truly an unforgettable experience that you don't want to miss out on. Money comes back, but missed opportunities don't. They literally take care of everything, even getting flights is easy through their partners. there is not any travel anxiety going into it because they plan everything out for you, and you just gotta bring your energy! Do it you won't regret it.

Such a great and memorable trip! The local guides were amazing and we did the best activities such as caving, tubing, elephants, pad thai cooking class, and more. We spent two days teaching at an English Camp and two days in the classroom. Chelsey did a great job preparing us for the lessons and making us feel comfortable. We got to feed an elephant and observe her in her natural habitat. We rafted to our accommodations in the jungle and spent time with the local Lahu tribe. We celebrated in the city on New Year's Eve and watched local performances and fireworks. We visited a beautiful temple and museum. I would 100% do another GIVE trip if possible!

Volunteering with GIVE was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Everything about my experience in Nicaragua was amazing and truly something everyone should do. The guides welcomed us with open arms (literally) and made you feel apart of a family. In Jiquilillo, the locals are always so happy to see us and cannot wait to welcome us to their community and teach us various skills! I cannot recommend going on a GIVE trip more. If you are looking for a sign to take the risk, this is it. You’ll never regret it!!

Wow, GIVE Volunteer is special!

This company provided a safe, positive, welcoming, and motivating environment for my month-long adventure in Southeast Asia! Words can't describe how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to travel to both Thailand and Laos! The trips included inspiring guides with endless knowledge and welcoming energy, unforgettable endeavors in caves, rivers, villages, and more, and a packed yet organized itinerary! I truly felt safe the entire trip which helped me be present in the culture and activities! I learned so much more than I even imagined about permaculture, teaching English, Buddhism, and more. Not only were the guides amazing but all of the participants and I became family! This program is set up to encourage like-minded people to come together to make the world a better place. I encourage anyone considering taking a leap of faith to attend a Give trip, you will not regret it:)

This was my second trip with GIVE and it did not disappoint in the slightest! Each day of the trip I was challenged to seek discomfort and map my own journey, all while having the support from EVERYONE around me. The balance between volunteering and adventure was perfect. Zip lining through the jungle and white water rafting down the Pacuare River were absolutely exhilarating. Volunteering at Finca las Hormigas and in the local town of Gandoca expanded my perspective and fueled a deep desire to make a meaningful impact.

I went on my first trip with Give Volunteers over the summer and went to Costa Rica and it was the best experience I have ever had. I chose to go for 2 weeks but wish I had added on the Nicaragua option. This organization provides you to learn all about the world and experience different places. It is extremely organized and is so simple to figure out. This organization answered every time I called and answered all of my questions with no problem! When I tell you this experience changed my life I am being 100% honest. I had such an amazing time I’m going to Tanzania over the summer for my 2nd give trip and can’t wait!! I highly recommend going for it if you are thinking about it!!!