GIVE Volunteers

Program Reviews

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Italo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More than I could expect

Originally, I thought it would be just a scuba diving trip. However, I discovered a very committed travel agency that prioritized our well-being, safety, and health throughout the experience. They ensured we learned about the local culture, environment, oceans, and coral reefs.

Their island partners were fantastic as well. We learned a lot every day with Kohala Divers.

I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves. It will add so much to your life experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
For sure the immersion in the Hawaiian culture.
Pros
  • Scuba Diving
  • Getting to know like-minded people
  • Culture exchange
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Jasmine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable experience

This trip has taught me so much about life, it has introduced me to a new way of life that seemed unattainable for me. You are immersed in a beautiful community and culture. The projects were not easy, at times they were a bit challenging but they always felt meaningful and were fun. The guides were incredible and made every moment fun, they never offered any judgement towards any questions asked and they always made sure everyone was taken care of. Every project brought something new, whether it be learning about a new plant or farming style or about what this project means to their community and the history behind the places we enter.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make sure you come with an open minded and heart, any problems you have leave on the plane. The work you will do during the projects will not be easy and you won’t spend a lot of time at the beach. Most of your time will be spent getting your hands and feet dirty at a farm or in mud, but it is all worth it. The things you will learn on this trip will stay with you so make them count. Also make sure to pack a raincoat, poncho, or drift long-sleeve because the rain comes and goes.
Pros
  • Lots of different activities
  • Each meal was different, most included pork in some way
  • Guides offered any help they could give
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Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My love letter to Zanzibar

My experience while in Zanzibar was one I will forever remember and be grateful for. I was met by my new best friends with such fierce love and acceptance the moment I stepped into Zanzibar’s beautiful paradise. Throughout this trip I experienced so much…. pure joy, doubts, fulfillment, and felt my life/perspectives transform in ways I didn’t know possible. I am so grateful that I stepped out of my comfort zone and in turn got one of the most rewarding, educating, & incredible trips. Asante Sana Zanzibar!!!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Going into the slave chambers on our tour of the slave museum is a moment that will stick with me forever. The stifling heaviness of the room felt like a ton of bricks were placed on my chest as we sat there listening to our guide. He explained to us all about how what happened to the slaves here in Zanzibar such as how they were treated, how this island played a big role in the slave trade, & what conditions were like for those who were forced into this dreadful, not so distant pro-slavery past. It was such a difficult and daunting task, just descending down the stairs into the slave chamber. One my legs would have happily run the other direction if I let them, but I knew that this is bigger than me and my uncomfortable feelings. I know that it is an honor and a privilege to feel a fraction of what those humans had to endure. I think the most surprising part was learning how white washed our education system is, and just how recently slavery “ended”. Leaping out of my comfort zone was a requirement of this trip, especially this tour, and I came out with a new perspective, a new found gratefulness for everything, & a peaceful feeling of acceptance. Acknowledging the horrors that occurred, accepting them as the past, & actively moving towards solutions and ways to make our corners of the world better places.
Pros
  • Experienced a whole new culture of incredible people, music, & landscape
  • Made a bunch of new travel besties !!!
  • Traveled in a intentional & sustainable way which made it that much better :)
Cons
  • The flight prices on top of the trip cost were veryyy expensive which can make this trip inaccessible for some.
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Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Thailand Adventure

This trip is absolutely amazing! The activities and volunteer work that we did were impactful, fun, and well distributed throughout the trip. They emphasized educating us about Thai culture and how to be respectful tourists, which made the experience more enjoyable! The staff were also incredible. They did a great job of making sure we were all safe, well fed, and having fun! This trip is a great way to really engage with the culture and beauty of Thailand! I really enjoyed how we also went to several different villages in Thailand too. We got to see the city of Chiang Mai, a small village in Mueang Khong, and one of the guide's local villages! We got to see a diverse array of people and places. We trekked with elephants, we taught English, we got to eat some really good food, we got tattoos, we visited Buddhist temples, and so much more!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Bungee jumping was terrifying. I'm a person that super scared of heights, but I still wanted to go crazy and do fun things while I was there. One of the guides on the trip was super encouraging and ended up jumping with me! Just another example of how amazing the staff on this trip were :)
Pros
  • The food!
  • The views
  • The people
Cons
  • It wasn't long enough!
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Raegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing trip!

I loved this so much! I had so much fun, the people were amazing. I made friends for the rest of my life here. Before the trip, I was a little concerned that this was not real, but its very much real and one of the best decisions that I made was to trust my gut and book the trip. This trip is exactly as advertised. The people at give are so amazing, they answered all of my many questions quickly and honestly. The guides made my trip so amazing, they are so fun and help you navigate the culture and this amazing experience.

Before going on the trip I was most concerned about safety. I can honestly say when I was there, there was not a moment where I felt unsafe. You are always with the guides and the hostel you are staying at is safe with a person to keep watch as well as the places you go to in general are safe.

What was your funniest moment?
There were so many funny moments. The guides and the people in my group were so fun. Good vibes, was one of the best part of very day, where you acknowledge all the good parts of the day were everyone was usually laughing everyday.
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Leona
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

My trip to Tanzania was an incredible, life-changing experience. I had the pleasure of teaching English and working on construction projects to help build the local community a school. The locals were some of the most inspiring, hardworking, and intelligent people I have ever met and I absolutely fell in love with the culture and community. This trip opened my eyes, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and taught me a lot about myself and my capabilities. The staff was absolutely amazing too and always prioritized our safety and well-being.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Let go of all expectations and just ride the wave that is a GIVE trip. Let yourself be completely immersed in the culture and embrace being outside of your comfort zone. Trust yourself and your guides.
Pros
  • Safe
  • Full itineraries including meals and transportation
  • Engaged with local communities
Cons
  • Flights are not included with the price of the trip
  • No air conditioning
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Sophie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best week of my life!

This trip is absolutely amazing. This was my first time leaving the country, so I was a little nervous going in, but my expectations were blown away! The GIVE staff is so nice, educated, and inclusive! I'm absolutely confident I made life-long friends on this trip. Overall, Its amazingly planned out. Getting-to-know-you activities are super helpful, and I felt so close to everyone after only one day! I learned so much on this trip, and I have so much love and appreciation for the region I was in and the people I met. Accommodations are wonderful, and was nothing like I had ever experienced! I felt changed, in the absolute best way, after this trip. Elephants are the most beautiful creatures, and I have even more respect for those communities and the species as a whole after visiting them. Highly recommend! It's a great first trip for those who are a little anxious to leave home, or as an extension for those who want to meet these beautiful animals and people!

What was your funniest moment?
While bathing the elephants, one of them shook their ears and I got mud all over me. Like in my hair, teeth, all over my face. It was hilarious.
Pros
  • Friendly and inclusive staff
  • Amazing cultural education
  • Supporting local businesses
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allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

amazing and unforgettable

I just got back from my trip and it was the most memorable, inspiring, and beautiful trip I have ever been on. Being able to learn the beautiful culture, teach english to students who are so eager to learn, and help the community by helping to build a school is something I will take with me forever. Everybody is beyond welcoming and it was the most heartwarming experience. I can’t wait to come back and do this trip again as well as other trips GIVE hosts! This is truly a trip of a lifetime!!!!!!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
the most nerve racking moment was getting off the plane since this was my first solo trip out of my home country. my nerves quickly went away when i saw the local guides waiting for me outside of the airport. they were so welcoming!!
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Emily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Give Thailand

Thailand was a life changing experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone while also meeting like minded people and volunteering for important causes. The small hill tribes and local guides were the kindest people and it was very special getting immersed into their culture and learning their way of life. I made very special connections with the students that we taught and it was amazing to see their hard work and love for learning. Also learning how to be a global citizen and making a positive impact on our earth was special when doing things like working in the permaculture lot. Overall this trip was so special and eye opening and I plan to do more trips with Give in the future!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most surprising thing we did was when we had to hike through the jungle to find the elephant. Going into it I assumed that we would drive to a place where there was an elephant (like a zoo). Instead we hiked through the jungle and we did not know when we would find her but when we did it was so special and worth it. After we found her we also got to hike back with her which was an amazing experience.
Pros
  • Connections made with staff, other volunteers, and locals.
  • Volunteering for the local school and working on the permaculture lot.
  • Being immersed into the culture.
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Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing

This experience went above and beyond what I could have ever imagined! The support I got from the team was outstanding. Every question big or small was answered within 24 hours before my trip. Whilst I was on the trip all the local guides made sure I was safe at all times without putting a damper on the fun. It was the perfect balance of work and play. If I wasn’t feeling confident in some of the teaching, the locals were there to help translate or support my ideas. Construction was hard work but fun. Water breaks consisted of fun games made by the locals, mangos, jackfruit and lots and lots of laughs and dancing. This trip has pushed me outside my comfort zone and changed me as a person. Every second of the day was packed with fun, culture and relaxation and most of all Hannah who what we needed and when. With nothing being forced on us!
This truly was a trip of my dreams and I can say Cairo and Zanzibar is my home. Not only do I say that but each and everyone of them have assured me I am always welcome back!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Jump straight in with two feet and trust that the team have your back at all times and trust you won’t be judged but instead you’ll be encouraged and I imagine if you’re being goofy, the team will join in
Pros
  • Making new like minded solo travellers
  • Building my confidence in myself
  • Changing my perspective on life and how I should be living it everyday
Cons
  • I honestly don’t think there are any cons besides the fact I wish it was longer