Program Reviews

This trip to Tanzania was really my first big trip outside the country and from the start I felt safe and prepared; we were given a full flight itinerary, packing lists and able to contact our guides and group members weeks before the trip even started. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call GIVE(I called so many times and never felt I was asking too many questions, and I always got an answer!)
The volunteering was life changing, building relationships with all the guides, locals in the village, and other volunteers was so amazing. I wish I had the words to describe how much of an impact and how much I learned from the village of Kairo. I will forever be grateful for this experience and couldn’t have imagined doing it with any other organization. The volunteer days were well balanced out with adventure days where we would get to explore Zanzibar and support the communities in sustainable and uplifting ways.
We then ventured to the mainland for Safari and climbing Kili which was the biggest most amazing adventure imaginable, the Green Paw staff are just the coolest people who are so kind! I can’t say thank you enough and would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!

This is one of the only programs I found that combined both helping people and the planet. This organization has deep connections in the community and does all it can to ensure that every project they take part in is as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. The staff is very supportive and kind, and will not force you into doing anything you don't want to - they are very accommodating. They encourage you to think deeply about what you have done each day to really take it all in and get the full experience. They prepare you for your journey home and how it might be a bit difficult to readjust, and offer constant genuine support.

Words cannot describe my experience with GIVE in Thailand. I learned what it means to be a global citizen and to travel responsibly and now I never want to do it any other way. The connections I made with people while in Thailand will forever be with me. I made a family out there with other volunteers and staff who will always be in my heart. I found home away from home and I learned so much from every single person I met. Including the beautiful kids and locals. I will 100% be volunteering through GIVE again next year!

GIVE is an organization 100 percent focused on sustainability. If there is one organization to go through if you are looking to do the greatest amount of good, it is this one. Even on the days we didn't volunteer, the activities we did supported local families and were done in a way that looked out for the diverse environment we were in. Outside of doing good, this trip was incredibly fun! GIVE does a great job of balancing work and play so you feel proud and accomplished while also doing all the "must-see's" in the location you're in. The food, people, and scenery is out of this world and I pinched myself every day.

You may be considering doing this trip, but are nervous because it is completely new. I felt this way before my trip, and I was unsure if I made the wrong choice in signing up, but I could not be more grateful that I did. I do not exaggerate when I say that I made friends that have impacted me more than anyone I have ever met before. With GIVE, there was never a time I felt alone. I was surrounded by people with similar interests and positive attitudes. GIVE Hawaii allowed me and my peers to be themselves, all while making positive change.

Traveling with GIVE was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and changed my perspective in more ways than I can count. During my time in Hawai’i, I learned about how to be a responsible and conscientious community member, the Hawaiian culture, and myself. The guides and project partners we worked with taught us about giving instead of just receiving from others, a lesson that truly resonated and that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Interacting with community members during our projects and seeing the progress our group could make when we worked together showed me the power in teamwork and that any contribution can make a real difference. GIVE provided us with the opportunity to be so deeply immersed in the culture and community of Hawai’i, and I gained such a strong appreciation for the distinct culture that I knew little about before going on the trip. The experiences I shared with the other members of my group and bonding that the guides fostered created connections stronger than I ever could have imagined. The connections I made left me feeling supported, appreciated, and with new friendships that will last for years to come. I didn’t believe that a 9 day trip could become such an impactful experience, but my time traveling with GIVE truly did.

Give Tanzania was one of, if not the best experience that I have ever had in my life. The people were the most welcoming people I have ever met in my life and my life is all the better because of them. I learned more than I could have ever thought on this trip. We taught the people of Kiaro village English and worked on building some new additions to the give school. Everyone that I taught had the best spirit and was more than eager to learn. You can see the happiness that the give program provided in the village and to everyone involved.

Give has changed my outlook on the world in a better way. I never thought I could make new family in only 9 days. But that’s what this trip did, it gave me friends that are now family. Friends that I didn’t know I needed until now. Give had helped me find my passion with the ocean again. And has helped me find and love myself on the way. This trip is very healing for the soul. And I would definitely recommend GIVE to everyone. It can be scary but right once you get there they make every person feel special and appreciated in many ways. They were always there for support when needed. When we went snorkeling I was so scared (like tears) they helped me calm down and encouraged me so much and made me feel like I could take on the world. And after snorkeling it healed so much of my soul. They know what they are doing. And I trusted them with my life (literally) and they proved that they would do anything to make sure we are all safe. And that’s one of the best, to feel so secure and safe in a different state across the world traveling. If your thinking about going on a trip with GIVE. DO IT. You won’t realize how bad you need it until after. TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE.

Coming into this trip I was incredibly nervous, it was my first time traveling alone, and the farthest I have ever gone. However, the moment I arrived at the airport and was picked up by our amazing guides, I immediately knew that this was going to be unforgettable. Something that I wish I knew going into this trip, was how much I would want to stay. The people, whether that be the Cairo community or the guides and volunteers themselves, was what made this trip fantastic. There was never a dull moment and I always felt safe, understood, listened to, and accepted with every single one of these people. Doing something new is scary, doing it alone is even scarier, but as I arrived I realized that I was never to going to feel alone on this trip. I sincerely hope that who ever is reading this considers joining one of the trips offered by GIVE. They are truly magical, eye opening, and simply irrepressible experiences.

GIVE Tanzania is an unique experience anyone would struggle to find with any other organization.

From the start to finish, you truly are a part of the local community, learning the history and culture of Zanzibar. We got to learn about slave trade in Stone Town and visit a local spice farm. There’s also safari at the end of trip. Also, add on Kilimanjaro if you’re up to more adventure. I highly recommend!

But, the highlight was living in Kairo for about two weeks. Here, you’ll meet locals like Khamis, Tala, MC, Smile, and so many more. This program is special in that the local construction and education projects are all led by locals themselves with only one international guide. One of the lead guides from each trip are from Tanzania themselves!

A moment that stood out to me was test day in the classroom with Masai students. As soon as I entered, the students cheered, excited for the test. One student, Rafael aced the exam. His smile made all of the work in school and construction more than worth it!

GIVE is an organization that will push your comfort zone and change your life. I experienced it myself through traveling to Thailand and Laos on previous trips and now, Tanzania. If you’re questioning signing up, then sign up, and figure out everything else later. Nothing can compare to the memorable experience a GIVE trip provides!