GIVE Volunteers

Program Reviews

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Esther
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing

This trip was an absolutely amazing experience! I loved everyday and wished to have been able to stay for longer. The adventures everyday were breathtaking, including waterfalls, caves, and mountains. I met amazing people and I with cherish this experience forever. As a minor I felt completely safe throughout the whole entire trip. My guides were always super insightful on any question I had and made the transition from one country to the next very smooth. I can’t wait to be able to travel with GIVE again!

Pros
  • Meeting likeminded people
  • Being immersed in a new culture
  • Self growth
Cons
  • Lack of contact with home
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Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Nicaragua 2022

This experience is unlike any other. You get to give a helping hand to a community of stangers while also growing yourself. I got to see different cultures and ways of living. From teaching English to learning to surf every memory I made on this trip will live with me forever.

Another thing is the people. Although it was only 13 days I got to meet people who have honestly become my best friends. Everyone on the trip has similar morals and beliefs so the connection is unmatched.
The one bad part of the trip is having to leave the community and all the other volunteers.

Pros
  • Appreciating what I have
  • Learning new cultures
  • Making amazing friends
Read my full story
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Fernanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Laos

Absolutely amazing!! You get to stay in the community and immerse in their culture, while helping them and making great connections and friendships with the locals.

Pros
  • Learning a new culture
  • Helping people
  • Having fun and making friends
Cons
  • No AC
  • Repetitive food
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Erin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hidden wonder - Laos

This trip is an experience of a lifetime. Anyone wanting to make a positive difference abroad should definitely think about going with GIVE. The difference that GIVE makes within communities all around the world and sop chem, Laos is absolutely phenomenal. The relationship that the guides have with the locals and how involved the locals are with all of the volunteer work that takes place is amazing. This trip is so rewarding but also does so much good. You really learn a lot about the country you are in and past and current issues that they are facing. This trip opened up my eyes and taught me so much about a country I didn’t even know existed before my trip. I will be forever grateful to GIVE and the opportunities that they gave me.

Pros
  • Make amazing friendships
  • Make a real difference in these communities
  • Travel whilst being as sustainable and respectful as possible
Cons
  • CO2 emissions for travel
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Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most life changing experience!

This experience was absolutely amazing and allowed me to break out of my comfort zone. From working with the locals, getting involved in the community, and going on numerous adventures, this trip is truly eye opening in so many ways. It is the best way to experience Hawaii because you get to be apart of something bigger than just a vacation. You will meet new people, create connections that last forever, and make an enormous impact on the land. Everyone needs to have this experience and I promise you won’t regret a single moment! ❤️

Pros
  • Fully immersive in the Hawaiian culture.
  • Great way to give back to the land your visiting.
  • The adventures were so beautiful and magical. You get to see parts of Hawaii that not even all locals get to see.
Cons
  • There are no cons! This trip truly is the most impactful and amazing experience you could ever embark on!
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Thea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Everyone should go on Gives Laos program

I was having a hard year when i signed up for the Laos trip with Give. I didn’t know how this would end but it’s now something i will be grateful forever. These two weeks will give you more then anything you can do on your own. I got there alone and in tears filled with anxiety but these guides and people made it so feel okay. I grew as a person and as a global citizen. At the same time I got to see al of what Laos has to offer in such a unique and beautiful way. I’m already planing on going on another trip with Give:)

Pros
  • Get to feel so much love
  • Getting emerged in a new culture
  • Se amazing views
Cons
  • You can feel homesick
  • There is not always wifi
  • It is a hot climate
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Eleanor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Give Volunteers Lao Expedition

This was the absolute most wonderful and impactful experience of my life. Give does such an amazing job of bringing us out of our comfort zone in effort to greater understand lives/culture on the other side of our extraordinary planet. I do not think I would be the same person that I am today if it weren’t for the Give volunteers organization. I have such a greater understanding of how spectacular it is to truly immerse yourself within a culture. To see with your very eyes and learn and experience it with them.
I will remember the community of Sop Chem in Laos forever, everything that I learned there I still carry with me to this day. Our guides Brandon and Jess were absolutely spectacular as well, such genuine and sincere people. They poured so much love and energy into our group, it was such a privilege to be in their presence.
I would most definitely recommend this tour to someone who is considering it, they will not regret it. They’ll be changed forever!

Pros
  • Cultural Knowledge
  • Family Abroad
  • Lifetime Friendships
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Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best trip ever

There’s so much I can say about my time in Laos. Everything about it was incredible and I will hold that time with me forever. From the villagers, adventures, and overall group experience was amazing. Everything you do is difficult but with the support of your group and guides you feel like you can conquer the world. Definitely would recommend taking this leap of faith. Even the more challenging times I can now look back on with pride because i Was able to overcome and accomplish it all! Your gonna love it!!

Pros
  • Viewpoint Hikes
  • Working in the School
  • Working on the Permaculture Plot
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Saressa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Laos program

My experience was unique in that- I have never taught English before! I have always wanted to do it but never had a chance. I also enjoyed staying at the same volunteer permaculture plot for a week. I feel that with the GIVE Hawaii program, I did not get a chance to see any improvement. With GIVE Laos, we all saw how different the perm plot looked at the end of the week. I also was able to learn more about Buddhist and Monks. I live in TN and don’t get that opportunity a lot. I really enjoyed spending my time with them and learning their culture.

Pros
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Friendly locals
  • Immersed in the culture
Cons
  • Not long enough!!
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Kelly
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Most impactful, inspiring, and incredible trip of my life!

Laos, the “hidden gem of the world”, is truly one of the most beautiful countries I have ever traveled to. I’m so grateful for GIVE Volunteers for giving me the chance to be embraced by such a beautiful culture, with even more beautiful humans. From caving and hiking adventures, to English education projects and learning about permaculture, every single moment here is worthwhile. It is hard to put into words how special this country is. The locals are truly some of the most genuine humans I’ve ever been lucky enough to cross paths with and it’s amazing to see that despite our language barriers, we were able to connect on such a human level. Celebrating our journey at the end of the trip with a Baci ceremony was so special and something I’ll never forget and always take with me. A huge heartfelt thank you to GIVE Volunteers, and all of our incredible GIVE guides (special shout-out to Jess for being one of the most amazing guides ever!). I was a bit hesitant on taking the leap of faith and traveling so far from home, but stepping out of my comfort zone and coming to Laos was hands down one of the best decisions of my life!

Pros
  • Traveling responsibly (creating a net positive impact)
  • So many fun adventures! (Caving, hiking, exploring waterfalls)
  • Being embraced by the most beautiful culture, humans, and experiences