GIVE Volunteers

GIVE Volunteers Reviews

Lecie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Give trip

This trip was so amazing and life changing. It was so meaningful to travel with GIVE. They are so organized and have the best people working for them. This experience is perfect if you're wanting to immerse yourself in the culture. Throughout my trip I got to learn so much about the communities and how they live. It was also such a good opportunity to grow as a person. Traveling alone is intimidating, especially so far from home. The GIVE guides were so good about helping me to feel more comfortable and confident throughout the trip. I highly recommend traveling with GIVE!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I think landing in Thailand was the most nerve-racking part. Realizing I was half way across the world is very intimidating. Talking with my guides and my other group members made me realize I was not alone in my feelings at all.
Pros
  • Culturally immersive
  • Opportunity for self growth
  • Meeting like minded people
Gracie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You have to experience this!

Such an amazing experience, it’s honestly hard to put into words. Give fully immerses you in the cultures you visit and gives you opportunities that you won’t get traveling with anyone else. They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage growth while providing the safe environment needed for it. I 10000% recommend Give to anyone thinking about it. Do it!!! You get to stay in villages and meet the locals. You try new foods and have all of these new experiences. You explore caves and hike mountains. The views are literally insane. My camera role is so full of such amazing pictures. You also get the opportunity to teach English to the children in the village which was such an incredible experience and I already want to go back!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the uncomfortable! Exploring new cultures can be intimidating but it’s so worth it. Leave your assumptions at home and have an open mind! These communities are so welcoming and show you so much love.
Pros
  • Learning history
  • Eating new foods
  • Living in villages and communities
What other participants should know
  • Roosters do wake you up before the sun! Just go back to sleep haha
  • Fast paced which can be tiring but so so so worth it
  • Lots of hiking which can be a lot but also incredibly worth it
McKenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Book the trip!!!

This was my second trip with GIVE and as always, I felt so safe the entire time during the trip and the community itself was so welcoming! This trip is definitely life changing and I have made the best friends during my time there. I got to teach locals English and work on building walkable pathways for the students to get to their classrooms more efficiently. It was so hard saying goodbye to the village of Kairo because it changed who I am as a person and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will definitely be booking another trip!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the trip fully. Become present with yourself and the community while you are there. There are so many stereotypes in different countries around the world but don’t let them cloud your judgement and your time there because I promise you, these places are not the stereotypes that you have been presented. They are so much more! Also, don’t be afraid to be yourself because you will be loved and accepted just as you are!!
Pros
  • Community
  • Adventure
  • Cultural immersion
What other participants should know
  • The fact that my trip came to an end! I wanted it to last forever!
Sloane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Learning my heritage through giving back

This past May I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand with GIVE volunteers, a non-profit organization dedicated “to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide”. This trip was an immersion in the remote hill-tribe communities of Northern Thailand for two weeks. As a team of young adults, we focused on sustainable agriculture, English education, and elephant conservation.

At the end of the trip, when our guide Chelsey Deacon asked us on our last night together, what was your “aha moment”? I wanted to prioritize sharing my gratitude for discovering and giving back to my heritage, although I realized being with these amazing and kindhearted people held space for me to have this experience. I learned how the loving Thai community allowed us to quickly grow to know and love each other’s souls and hearts, and now I understand why my grandmother's heart still lies in Thailand.

What was your funniest moment?
The bond we created within our group was out of this world. We had so much fun together, but the funniest moment had to be when it was our last night in Mueang Khong. The students we had been teaching English to all week came to our accomodations and taught us dance routines.
Pros
  • The amazing group of people, including the volunteers, guides, and Thai people.
  • The diversity of experiences we were provided.
  • The amount of experience given compared to the cost of the trip
What other participants should know
  • It was a little stressful travel-wise getting to and from Thailand.
  • The food got a little boring after a long time on the trip.
  • I'm struggling to find another con.....
Response from GIVE Volunteers

This is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this, Sloane. <3

Read my full story
Zaina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE is amazing!

GIVE gave me such an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I went on the Hawai’i trip and I can’t explain how lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful culture there as well as make life long friends. Not only did I learn how important it is to travel sustainably, but l also learned the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture. Getting to hear the amazing stories and experiences from the local natives brought so much more meaning to the projects we were working on. Getting to go through this journey with such amazing, like-minded people really made this trip so memorable. Honestly this was the best decision ever and I can’t wait to go on my next GIVE trip!

Aiden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

Working with GIVE was an amazing experience. I was able to meet so many wonderful people, experience new cultures, branch outside of my comfort zone, and grow as a person. Being able to see the reefs and learn all about sharks and their importance was a highlight of the trip. You get to scuba dive, snorkel with reef sharks, kayak through mangroves, plant mangroves, support local businesses, and so much more. If you are looking for a way to travel as well as make a difference, I would highly recommend GIVE.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
If I could do this trip again, I would extend the trip! During my trip I tried to extend my trip to go to Laos after the Scuba portion of the trip, but I was unable to extend it due to flight issues. I wanted to stay longer because this trip was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. The guides were so helpful and I was able to learn so much, I just didn't expect that I would be so comfortable outside of my comfort zone! I would recommend doing two trips back to back, which is what most people do, since you get a better deal grouping trips together and you get to stay longer.
Pros
  • Meeting amazing people from all over the world
  • Scuba diving, snorkeling with sharks, rock climbing, and kayaking
  • Spending time with the locals
What other participants should know
  • Luggage got delayed (received after 2 days)
Zach
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Experience

Hi!!! Give has changed my life. I was at a point where I was lost and all I was waiting for was this trip. I was counting down the days until I left. When it came close to the trip I honestly
got so nervous. When I finally arrived everyone was so welcoming, including the guides. I have made so many lifelong friends from this. Give volunteers offers so many great programs, that are life changing and give everyone the experience of a life time. I would HIGHLY recommend the Thailand experience. Thank you Give. Thank you Thailand.

Response from GIVE Volunteers

Thank YOU Zach! Our hearts are so full reading this. The GIVE family is lucky to have you!

Mia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformation trip

My recent GIVE trip to Zanzibar was nothing short of extraordinary—an experience that transcended mere travel and delved deep into cultural immersion and global citizenship. From the moment we set foot on this mesmerizing island, every aspect of our journey was meticulously crafted to blend learning, community impact, and personal growth.

Zanzibar welcomed us with open arms, offering a tapestry of cultures that enriched our understanding of diversity. Through interactions with locals, we not only embraced Swahili traditions but also shared our own cultural heritage. This exchange fostered mutual respect and appreciation, reminding us of the beauty in our differences.

Exploring the intersection of economic policies and tourism was eye-opening. We saw firsthand how sustainable tourism practices can uplift communities while preserving natural resources. Engaging with local entrepreneurs and learning about their challenges underscored the importance of responsible travel—a lesson that will resonate long after our journey.

What started as a group of 20 strangers quickly evolved into a tight-knit family. Together, we tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and forged bonds that transcended borders. Sharing meals, stories, and laughter created memories that will forever unite us as global citizens.

Our journey extended beyond personal growth to making a meaningful impact. Through community projects and volunteer work, we contributed to initiatives that empower locals and promote sustainable development. The warmth and hospitality of the Zanzibari people, who welcomed us into their homes and hearts, reinforced the transformative power of human connection.

Zanzibar taught us what it means to be a global citizen—to embrace cultural diversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and share knowledge with humility and respect. Each encounter, whether with a fellow traveler or a local artisan, reaffirmed our commitment to fostering positive change in the world.

My GIVE trip to Zanzibar was more than just a journey; it was a profound exploration of culture, community, and compassion. It highlighted the transformative impact of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. As I return home, I carry with me not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a renewed sense of purpose—to continue learning, sharing, and advocating for a more interconnected world.

In essence, Zanzibar has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the power of travel to inspire, educate, and unite.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Creamed pumpkin with raisins
Pros
  • Learned how to be a global citizen
  • Immersion in culuture
  • Support
What other participants should know
  • 3x meals a day with no snacks
  • Simplistic living
  • Homesick
Charmaine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

INCREDIBLE!

Wow! I can't put into words how thankful I am I got to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world, eat the most incredibly delicious food I have ever eaten, have the time of my life doing some action packed activities and make an impact on a local community with such an amazing group of people who became a second family to me! All thanks to GIVE and their amazing local guides and partners in Costa Rica for making this unforgettable trip possible! I can't wait to go on another with them! #PuraVida

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Every meal we ate were traditional Costa Rican meals. As a first time visitor it was all unfamiliar but incredibly delicious! 10/10
Pros
  • Food
  • Scenary
  • Safety
What other participants should know
  • Heat
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Voluntourism as a way of life

This experience is incredibly unique, as you’re not just traveling as a tourist, but as a global citizen immersed in the country that you’re volunteering in. Traveling with local guides allows you to really dive deep into a better understanding of Thai culture and its importance and value in our world. Each activity and experience we did was enriching and extremely enjoyable. Volunteering gives you new perspectives and is incredibly rewarding in all aspects. I thoroughly enjoyed these moments as much as if not more than any of the touristy excursions. What’s more is the people you meet and the lessons you learn along the way. I have learned so much from each of them and have returned to my country extremely grateful for this life that we all get to live together. A truly unforgettable experience. I highly highly recommend.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a fried cricket! So yummy and tastes like sunflower seeds. Please try things you’re unfamiliar with!! You may find something you really like
Pros
  • Volunteering!!
  • Amazing friendships
  • Wonderful food
What other participants should know
  • Conflict with some volunteers
  • You’ll always be a little dirty haha
  • Reverse culture shock :(
Response from GIVE Volunteers

This is so special! There truly is nothing like traveling with purpose! Thank you for your heart and dedication to leaving positive handprints worldwide! Good vibes!