Program Reviews

This trip was truly one of the best experiences of my life. It allowed me to learn so much about the culture of hawaii and gain a new perspective of tourism. I got to learn how to be global citizen with 21 other young adults who were very much like me.The people I met along the way each impacted me in a different way that was amazing. I think everyone should take a trip like this and GIVE is such a good place to do it through. The guides that led us through the native parts of hawaii were incredible and never failed to teach us new things and make it a fun time as well. I am already looking into doing another trip and I strongly encourage you to go on one as well!

It's truly hard to put into words how incredible my experience with GIVE was. From day 1 we were all welcomed into the vibrant culture of Tanzania with open arms. I fell in love with teaching each and every student. Seeing their level of hard work and dedication was truly inspiring. Days working on construction were so rewarding and the guides did a fabulous job of keeping group energy up with so much dancing and fun! Of course aside from the volunteer projects there was so much adventure involved, swimming with dolphins and the safari felt so surreal. It can definitely be intimidating to take the leap but it is 100% worth it. This was my second trip with GIVE and I would do it all again in a heartbeat!

I truly found this experience to be life-changing. From the people to the food to the volunteer activities, every aspect of my trip was immersive and beautifully different. The locals were also extremely welcoming, and I never felt unsafe or unwelcome at any point of the trip. GIVE also ensured that all components of volunteering abroad were accounted for, leaving myself and my fellow volunteers the ability to focus on giving back worry-free. I am already planning and fundraising for my next GIVE trip!

My trip to Zanzibar, Tanzania with GIVE was nothing short of life-changing. From the moment my guides, Sophi and MC, picked me up at the airport to the day I left, I felt safe, loved, and had the time of my life. Although I grew up traveling the world with my family, I had never been as immersed in a different culture as I was in Kairo village. The locals welcomed us with open arms and were eager to share their stories and lifestyles with us.

Days at the construction site were filled with laughter, dancing, and hard work. Seeing the progress we made at the school by the end of the trip was incredibly rewarding and exciting. Teaching the vibrant, kind, and dedicated local women exceeded all my expectations. Their fun energy and strong work ethic truly changed me for the better.

Additionally, my fellow volunteers are now people I can call best friends. There were 26 volunteers in my group, and I can confidently say I got to know each and every one of them on an individual level. I have never laughed and cried as hard as I did with this group. The love, kindness, and acceptance I felt were unlike anything I had ever experienced before.

I am beyond grateful to GIVE for this experience, and I highly recommend this trip to everyone. Take the leap; I promise you won’t regret it.

The experiences I had on my GIVE trip gave me a new perspective of travel and everyday life. I felt confident traveling with like minded individuals and leaving a net-positive impact on the communities surrounding us. We connected with community members and locals who welcomed our group in with open arms. Along with volunteering at school and construction projects, we swam with wild dolphins, visited a spice farm, learned about the extensive and rich history of the island, and went on a two day safari.

My time during WILD was an incredible experience. I learned SO much about leadership, first aid safety, and emergency preparedness. This was my 3rd GIVE trip and it did not disappoint once again. I met the most amazing friends through this one week, and brought back so many life skills and connections. I got out of my comfort zone by being in the snow and going on a snowshoe hike! Whether you are looking to be in the snow for a week, meet likeminded people, or learn how to save someone in an avalanche. WILD is your program! Thank you to all of the incredible leaders Carly Jo, John, Mike, & Meany Lodge for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you. So grateful for GIVE💚💚💚💚

After going to Hawaii, Thailand, and Elephants, I highly recommend GIVE to anyone who wants to grow personally, open their minds, experience community, see the world, and fill their spirit <3. All of the trips have been extremely well-organized with wonderful, sweet, amazing guides that I have learned so much from. It’s so cool to actually be able to see how the money you pay for your trip genuinely impacts the local communities. It’s important that GIVE does establish longstanding relationship with communities so that the empowerment is sustainable. I will admit that maybe it’s scary or uncomfortable at first, but it’s so so worth it to open yourself up to new things, people and experiences. Every day is an adventure that is truly heartwarming.

The most incredible week. You will learn so so much about not only Wilderness First Aid, but yourself! We spent our trip completely unplugged which allowed for such meaningful connections to form with such amazing people. During this time we hung out in the cutest little lodge with such a sweet staff who made us amazing meals the whole trip. I was nervous going into the course knowing practically nothing about medicine or first aid, but all of the instructors were so helpful and welcoming. They truly hope to see you learn and grow to be the best you can be. I highly encourage anyone contemplating signing up to take the leap and do it!!!

My trip to Tanzania changed my outlook on life. For the longest time, I was yearning for an experience that would truly show me what I am meant to do in life and where my passions lie. The community of Cairo was so loving, hospitable, and kind. I felt more at home on this island than I do in my own house! I learned so much that still continues to build my character, and I am so thankful I went despite the stereotypes and misinformation I heard about the continent of Africa prior to my trip. If you are looking for an experience to change the way you look at the world, open your mind to a higher cultural understanding, and actually put money into something that benefits more than just yourself- go on a GIVE trip! Not only were the locals so amazing, but the other volunteers and GIVE staff will never fail to uplift you, support you, and validate your life goals even after your trip ends. Additional shout out to Green Paw Adventures- the phenomenal partner group that leads you on the most amazing safari and guides the Kili climbers to success!

If the cost is what worries you, keep in mind everything your money is going towards. Whether towards local businesses, the sustainable projects, or the fun excursions on your off days, all of the money you pay aside from your flights directly benefit the local communities. What a way to vote with your dollar!

Also, if you have the opportunity to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro...DO IT. I have learned so much about myself from this experience, and I came home with the most confidence- knowing I can do anything I put my mind to! I will forever be grateful for my first GIVE trip to Tanzania, I can't wait to join GIVE for more!

My GIVE trip to Hawai’i was unforgettable. I loved getting to meet new and like-minded people who have the same interests as me. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer with local nonprofit organizations while also getting to experience a new culture. I am thankful for the opportunity I got to learn about the unique Hawaiian agriculture while also being able to help out at local nonprofit farms. The GIVE guides made sure everyone had what they needed and let us all know what to do to make sure we acted in a respectful manner when introduced to different cultural experiences. 💚