Program Reviews

I've made new amazing friends and experienced an one in a lifetime experience. While in the meantime making a big difference in the world. I never thought this would happen when I applied for it and I'm so grateful for all of it. I would definitely recommend this to the people around me and spread the word about GIVE. I'm really happy I took this leap of faith and for it to turn out this way. I will never forget about this and really hope that other people will take the same leap of faith as I did

I had the most amazing three weeks in Tanzania and at Kilimanjaro. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and I made so many amazing connections with the locals and volunteers. Being one of the few people who volunteered from another country than the US I didn’t know what to expect but the things I’ve learned and the close friends I’ve made has made this trip one of the most special thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. It has brought me new perspectives on life and long lasting friends. This trip is something I will remember and cherish forever.

I absolutely fell in love with life again with this program. Remembered what it was like to lead and learn and be overwhelmed with such beauty and love for the world and all of the people inside it. I’m already planning my next Give trip, and I’m only mad that I didn’t know about it when I was in college so I could’ve majored in Environmental Science! I’m taking away so much knowledge that I want to pay forward when I get home, and I look forward to when I get to see these beautiful people again.

The best part about GIVEs programs is they are so deeply involved with the locals. They do not assume what they need or want based on their prejudices. They ASK THEM. That’s huge. They ask what they need, they come up with a plan on how to accomplish it and sustain it. GIVE is the bridge and it’s a beautiful relationship. You are able to do good things and get the most unique, authentic experience there is. You will do things that you would never be able to do as a tourist. I can’t explain my gratitude I have for GIVE and for the locals who opened their minds and hearts to us, showing us their amazing culture and country.

This was probably the most motivational, inspirational, and fun trip I have ever been on. I was 17 when I went on my trip to Hawaii with Give and my mom and I were both nervous since it was a program we didn’t know much about and it was my first time traveling solo. First of all the staff was extremely helpful, they were amazing at reassuring my mom and I that it was a safe trip and if she needed to contact me she could directly through me or through the guides. My flight to Hawaii was delayed so I had to call the staff and let them know I’d be an hour late and they were right on top of it, they were comforting and said it was ok and they’d let the guides in Hawaii know I was going to be late. The trip itself was amazing, I was in a group with 20 other people my age and it was extremely fun and moving. We all became best friends very quickly and even a year later we still all text almost everyday! The projects we worked on were super hands on and a great learning experience. My favorite was when we worked in the fish ponds. We pulled out invasive California grass and evern though it was hard work and I got scratched up pretty bad, it was the best experience of my life and I think about it almost everyday and wish I could go back to that moment! The bonding that happens on the car rides between projects and moving to different housing locations was probably the most fun!! Especially the gas station stops hahah. Overall this was the most amazing trip I have been on and I plan on going on another one soon!

This program really allowed you to explore and pursue a passion in medicine and leadership. The amazing staff allows for each individual to prosper and really grow into the leader they are supposed to be. The facilities were cozy and clean with plenty of food, water, and warmth to last the week. Each meal is prepared in the lodge and delicious. They are amazing at accommodating for allergies and being specific when it pertains to dietary restrictions. This trip was amazing life experience and I’m excited for others to experience this in the future.

This is my third trip with GIVE Volunteers, and even though GIVE is known for volunteering, this trip had a different element that I was excited to participate in. The WILD course did everything it said it would and more. I had the opportunity to learn about outdoor leadership and become certified in wilderness first aid and risk management. In addition, we went over real-life situations that put us to the test and gave a better understanding of how to use everything we learn in a hands-on environment. In addition to doing all this with a team. This experience perfectly depicts what the GIVE guides abroad need to know to guide a safe and engaging volunteer experience. If you want to develop your leadership skills, be out in the wilderness, and push yourself out of your comfort zone, this trip is for you. Hiking the cascade mountains and visiting downtown Seattle was a plus—10/10 overall experience.

I went to both Thailand and Laos with GIVE through their Southeast Asia Package, and my time in both countries was unlike anything I could ever describe. Since being home, I have found it challenging to answer the question “how was the trip”, because how do you sum up almost four weeks of beautiful memories in such beautiful places? If I could go on these two trips over and over again, I would. I learned so much about other cultures, sustainability, agriculture, and myself. I was in both countries to give as much as I could, but I received so much more. I have had the opportunity to make a difference in the world for the better, but on top of that I also had so much fun, made life-long friends with other volunteers, and even created loving relationships with people despite having a language barrier. If you are unsure if you want to go on a trip with GIVE, please take the leap. It changed my life for the better in so many ways and I cannot thank GIVE enough for having me!

This experience is incredible. I was nervous for this trip as it was my first time traveling by myself however GIVE was super helpful throughout the whole process of preparing for the trip and when we arrived at the airport the guides were there to welcome us. The guides on this trip are all knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions you have about the culture.

This experience taught me how to travel responsibly and respect the culture of the place you are visiting. I meet like-minded people and now have friends halfway across the world. I learned to appreciate what I have and saw that the villagers who have the least seem to be some of the kindest happiest people I have ever met. On this trip we had in depth discussions about what topics that truly mattered, taught the locals and worked on the permaculture plot. The balance between the volunteer work and activities is great you volunteer during the day and in the afternoon you experience the Lao culture.

If you want to find yourself, meet people from all round the world and do something meaningful while also learning about why the work you are doing is important then this trip is for you. Lao is such a beautiful underrated country that is definitely work traveling to.

GIVE is an amazing organization that cares so much about their volunteers. We got to teach English, work on the permaculture plot, volunteer at a bear sanctuary and so much more. We immersed ourselves in Lao culture while still making time for waterfall hikes and other fun activities.You’ll also get to learn about the history of Laos and visit authentic Buddhist temples. Take a chance on GIVE- you’ll meet so many people and experience the culture in a way that you probably wouldn’t by traveling with another organization :)