GIVE Volunteers

Program Reviews

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Gurleen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

You need to go!!!

Like anyone I was hesitant at first but honestly it was the best experience of my life. The staff took such good care of you, I met so many amazing people, and I learned so much about Thai people and their culture. This trip honestly crosses my mind at least once everyday, I have made the best memories. The only con that i can even think of was the cost (the conversion rate from cad to american $$ is hefty) but me and my friends did some fundraising and saved up, it was worth it! Beautiful experience. 10/10 recommend

Pros
  • getting out of your comfort zone!
  • Learning Experience
  • meeting new friends
Cons
  • cost (especially if you’re paying in canadian)
  • not recommended for those who hate the outdoors
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Alexis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Review (teen trip)

This trip was the most impactful and memorable experiences I have ever had in my life. I cannot begin to explain how much fun all the other volunteers and the guides were. All of the days were filled with laughter and joy even when we were doing the physical labor such as farming and planting trees next to the elementary schools. The best part in my opinion was the elephant experience, the sanctuary treats these elephants so well and they are rescued from logging industries or horrible homes. They get to roam over 400 acres of land and they have mahouts that know how to track them so they aren't confined in one space which I think is very important to know that GIVE isn't using unethical tourism in their trips. The meals were SOOO good and most of the time you went to local restaurants to help support local people who may be struggling. I swear every meal I had I went in for seconds, it was AMAZING. Also don't be scared about safety, all the guides take careful safety measures and all the food is perfectly safe for you and everyone who the organization works with is safe.

What was your funniest moment?
The funniest moment was when we were hiking to find the elephants we had to go down this steep mud hill and since it was raining the day before, the mud was so thick and slippery and one by one everyone would try and carefully walk down it, but every single person had slipped and fell and was all muddy but we were all laughing.
Pros
  • Everyone is extremely nice
  • This program involves the locals and asks what needs to be done instead of going in and just deciding what they think is right
Response from GIVE Volunteers

Alexis, thank you for sharing this beautiful reflection, highlighting responsible travel methods and your own global citizenship in every word! You are the epitome of a world-changer and we are so grateful you joined us this year! We hope to see you again in the future :)

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Liberty
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Absolutely amazing!

This was my first trip traveling alone and my first ever big volunteer program and I couldn’t be happier about my decision to go. Volunteering felt like so much more, you get to know the locals and truly feel and see the impact this program has on this small town. I got to work and connect with like-minded people and create friendships with people around the world! The crafts, art and food made by the locals was unforgettable. This trip was truly life-changing and I can’t wait to go on another adventure with this program!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I get motion sickness sometimes and I was debating whether or not to go on the deep sea fishing activity. I really wanted to go and get to experience everything this trip had to offer but I was so nervous of throwing up and feeling sick the whole time. In the end, I decided to go and take as many motion sickness pills necessary BUT a friend I made on the trip taught me to look at the horizon and focus on anything steady and it helped so much! In the end I didn’t throw up, caught a few fish and had a great time!
Pros
  • Helping a small town and getting to know their locals
  • Creating new friends with the other volunteers and guides
  • Amazing food !
Cons
  • Sweating like crazy because of how humid it was
  • Days are packed with so much fun they fly by
  • Having to say goodbye to all the amazing people you grew close with
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Henry
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First GIVE Experience

Being my first trip with GIVE, I was extremely nervous about what the experience would be like. When I had arrived in Costa Rica with the rest of my group, I immediately felt welcomed by all of the GIVE staff and fellow trip goers. When our group arrived at our first volunteer location, it was hard work but also very fulfiling. I left that trip with over twenty new friends and some incredible memories. I highly recomend using GIVE to see the world and give back as well. I had an incredible time.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate was the Melanga. It's a vegatable that's very similar to a potato with more of the starchy flavor.
Pros
  • Met new people
  • Went to a new country
Cons
  • Very hot
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Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Chance of a lifetime

Hi, I was 16 when I did this trip and it has stuck with me for over a year now. Every waking minute I go through my head about the best 11 days of my life. Being so young there were some fears that I knew would occur but the people and place made it all more bearable. 11 days was too short. I wanted to stay with my lifelong friends and explore more of the beautiful island with the beautiful people of the big island. This one trip sparked a lifelong dream of travel. I will be traveling to Thailand and Laos this coming summer with Give Again and this time ill be traveling with my brother. All thanks to this one trip my life is changed for the better and forever.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
the most nerve-racking part of the whole trip was just meeting everybody. Travelling by myself for the first time was nerve-racking by itself but then knowing i would have to meet new people was also scary. I met up with two girls at the airport since we realized we had been on the same flight. that firt step made it much easier for me to connect and interact with different people throughout the rest of the trip.
Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • helping a real community
Cons
  • Budget
Response from GIVE Volunteers

Wow, grace! We are thrilled to hear this, and even more delighted to have you join us again next summer!! It's very true, GIVE trips inspire responsible travel throughout many of our GIVErs' lives <3 We are so grateful you are continuing your journey with us! Good vibesss

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Tatum
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Two Weeks of My Life

I can’t even put my trip to Tanzania into words. It was the most inspiring and incredible trip I have ever done. I have never traveled outside the States and this is by far the best choice I have ever made. Waking up in the village of Kairo with amazing volunteers, the kindest staff, and locals was rewarding enough. I highly recommend this trip and traveling with a purpose. Nothing was better than teaching the local women English, having dance parties, swimming in the Indian Ocean, exploring the island of Zanzibar, and traveling on the mainland on a boat and jeep safari. If you're looking for a sign to be spontaneous and travel without knowing anyone, take this as your sign! I can’t wait for my next GIVE trip!!!!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My biggest piece of advice is to keep an open mind and do things outside of your comfort zone! You'll never meet more kind and genuine people than the people who are involved in this program, from volunteers, staff, and locals.
Pros
  • Kindest people
  • Wildlife/ Nature
  • New experiences
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • None
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Collin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Thailand Trip July 2024

My trip in Thailand was truly life-changing. From the people I met, the friends I made, the experiences I had, it was all so incredible. Those 2 weeks gave me a lifetime of memories and I learned more about myself than I ever have before. This trip taught me so much about the world and changed my outlook on so many things. You will come out of this trip a completely different person. From the agriculture, to teaching, to rafting, and elephant trekking, it was all so so incredible. I would do it all over again if I could.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Take in every moment, appreciate where you are and everything you are doing. The 2 weeks go by in a flash. You arrive, and suddenly its over and you become a whole different person.
Pros
  • Experiences you would never get doing a regular tour guided trip
  • Build close relationships with the locals and the local guides.
  • Learn not only about the country but also about yourself.
Cons
  • Mosquitos.
  • Rain - We got a lot of rain during our trip. It got in the way of some of our activities.
  • Heat
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Ahna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly an unforgettable trip!

I can not even put the words together to justify how amazing this opportunity was. I went into it without very many expectations and I was blown away. I learned so much about the company, such a wonderful organization truly working out of kindness with only the best intentions for the people and communities they are serving. I was able to see firsthand how the company works to provide not only service but also jobs and knowledge to the communities they work with. The guides are amazing people inside and out and I could see how much of a community is built by the long relationships between give, the volunteers, and the local community members. I will definitely be taking another trip with Give!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep and open mind, and be ready to live out of your comfort zone and you will have the best experience by far!
Pros
  • Amazing guides and local staff
  • adventure days were very fun
  • you can feel the impact you are making on the world!
Response from GIVE Volunteers

Ahna, thank you! All of GIVE and the Kairo community are forever grateful for you and your passion for serving others! We are so happy you could experience the loving, inspiring, and encouraging community that is built on GIVE trips :) Can't wait for your next trip with us!

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Saleta
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thailand Scuba

Diving in Thailand was an incredible experience! The marine life is vibrant, and the dive sites are absolutely stunning. I took the PADI Underwater Photography course, which was a highlight of the trip. It was amazing to learn how to capture the beauty of the underwater world, and the instructors were knowledgeable and patient. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, this experience is perfect for anyone looking to combine adventure with learning new skills. Highly recommend it!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Takoyaki! Loved it :D
Pros
  • Wonderful guides
  • Great food
  • New friends
Cons
  • Flight issues due to a Microsoft outage
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Mikella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE changed my life

I just went to Thailand with GIVE, and it changed my life! We were immersed in the culture from start to finish, and my heart is so full of love and gratitude. From teaching English to local kids to working on the permaculture plot, I have learned so much about the incredible community and lifestyle in Thailand. I also had the privilege of partaking in the elephant experience— all of my childhood dreams have come true! What an epic and unforgettable adventure. I can’t wait to check every GIVE trip off my bucket list!

Response from GIVE Volunteers

We are so happy to hear how your trip has impacted you! Thank you so much for traveling with us this summer! Our hearts are just as full of love and gratitude for YOU! <3