GIVE Volunteers

Program Reviews

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America
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE Tanzania - May Review

GIVE is such an amazing company that volunteers in a truly sustainable way. I cannot recommend this experience enough! The local guides take such good care of you and really make you feel like family. The island of Zanzibar is absolutely breathtaking and getting to experience right next to the local people is just incredible.

While I was there, we worked on constructing a new store house for the local schoolhouse. I had so much fun working with the GIVE construction workers and just making memories with our GIVE group. In the afternoon, we worked in the classrooms and taught English to students. It was so amazing to watch the students pick up on a new concept or watch a light come on as you explained something that they didn’t understand at first. When we were not volunteering, we were out experiencing the local culture. We swam with dolphins, explored local food markets, swam in the most beautiful ocean and so much more! If you are on the fence about a trip to Tanzania, don't be! GIVE will take such good care of you and this experience will change your life in ways you can't even imagine!

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Katelyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE

This experience changed my life. I always wanted to help the planet, be more culturally aware, and meet inspiring people, but never knew where to begin. GIVE have me all of that and more. I was able to learn about Hawaiian culture and hear the struggles that native Hawaiians face now and through history. I helped the community through projects on organic farms and historical sites. I met amazing strangers from all over the world who I now call friends. The guides are some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. I am so grateful for this experience.

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Raegan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Give Hawaii Trip

Honestly the best experience of my life. We learned so much about the hawaiian culture as well as how much our decisions impact the earth and future generations. The guides were AMAZING and the trip was very organized and thought through. 10/10 recommend going to hawaii with GIVE!
There were any different volunteer projects that give you the chance to get involved in the community and understand the importance of sustainability, keeping the earth clean, and Hawaiian culture. DO THE TRIP!! YOU WON’T REGRET IT

Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Learning new culture
  • Helping change the world
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Karina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Experience!

This trip has given me a different perspective on how I should travel in the future and the impact I can make in my own community. I was able to meet people from across the country, learn about Hawaiian history and it’s beautiful culture, as well as being more sustainable in my everyday life! I will definitely be doing more give trips and will be encouraging people around my community to do the same. I have been inspired to educate my friends, family, and community about irresponsible tourism and how to live as one with nature.:) I also wanted to add that our guides were top tier. They were very knowledgeable and made sure we had a great time learning the history and culture of Hawai’i.

Pros
  • Beautiful views
  • Being one with nature
  • Traveling responsibly
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Jason
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Hawi'i with GIVE

I'm just making this now, but I went to Hawai'i back in August 2021. It was definitely a different experience being that it was a very small group compared to when I went to Thailand with GIVE in 2019. In a way, it was easy to get to know one another fast and create a bond. The first part of the week we stayed at Waipiʻo Lodge. Waking up every morning to the sunrise was unreal. Overlooking the vast ocean. We volunteered at Hamakua Harvest one day, clearing invasive grass species and preparing the land for more permaculture projects. Other times we had fun playing volleyball or stopped at fruit stands on the side of the road. No matter what is planned, you will appreciate the activities you're doing and learn so much. You definitely get to experience Hawaiian life in a more respectful way.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
The first time you truly start living is when you step outside of your comfort zone. Leave with an open-mind set, but be willing to learn as you go.
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Jacob
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GIVE - Hawaii Forest Conservation & Responsible Tourism Excursion

To begin, I want to thank Traven and Mana for welcoming me to Hawaii, and inspiring me more than one realizes. I want to thank Dylan for his energy, smile, and excitement for each new day. This trip was beyond incredible, and a wonderful start to 2022. If you want a change, a new perspective, or refresh this trip is definitely for you. This was my first time traveling by myself, and I think the Hawaii experience is a perfect start for those wanting to get into international traveling. Also, I have to thank Brandon and Thomas for connecting me with Give, and giving me the opportunity to take on this incredible adventure. My thoughts on traveling really did change, and how I want to travel in the future. I want to continue emphasizing the give and take relationship. Just go, be open-minded, learn, and have fun. Thank you everyone once again, and I am ready for the next adventure :)

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Nathaniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hawaii Experience

Volunteering in Hawaii was transformative and educational in all aspects. I knew little about Hawaii's culture and its way of life before taking on this experience. Aside from the stereotypes and levels of tourism it has, there was an abundance of learning I was able to gain during my time in Hawaii. It was amazing to learn about the diversity of the agriculture Hawaii has alongside the people who are beyond passionate about the conservation and sustainability of the island. This was an incredible experience shared with amazing individuals who I went from calling strangers to family.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
On the last day in Hawaii, we went to see manta rays at night and it was one of the most fascinating and mesmerizing things I have ever witnessed. During our session with them, our guide provided deep information and insightful jokes about the manta rays. From how they reproduce, feed, and their importance to the ocean. It was an experience I will never forget.
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Nathaniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nicaragua Experience

This experience touched my heart, mind, and soul in various ways. To have the opportunity to work with the community and be immersed in Nicaragua's culture was life-changing. I was fortunate enough to be granted a scholarship to embark on this experience and it changed my perspective of how much of a difference you can make in a short amount of time. The two incredible and amazing guides that worked with me and the other volunteers made it a much more incredible experience. With having three meals provided daily to visiting active volcanos and teaching English to some of the local students, words cannot describe how impactful this experience was. I never would have thought to become so close to the people of the community and those I volunteered with.

What was your funniest moment?
My funniest moment was dancing the night away with my group!
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Serena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania

If you have the opportunity to go to Tanzania, East Africa, go. This trip for me was absolutely life changing, and exactly what one needs. I was able to learn and expand my knowledge about being a global citizen, traveling with purpose, volunteering, culture, and all while having fun. You are going to meet so many amazing and wize people, so become a sponge and soak up all the experiences and life long lessons you'll learn. Ask questions to the locals and learn about their lives and culture. For example, hearing the locals stories, or how they got involved in GIVE, was inspiring. Not only do you have so much fun while volunteering, you're making a huge impact in their community. The kairo give school, gives the opportunity to everyone to gain an education and learn english. Everyday involved multiple highlights, but there were some that were both outstanding and inspiring. For example, the moment I got there the volunteers were welcomed with open arms by the locals and GIVE workers into their family, life, and culture. That is something I raley witness in my life, and it made the whole trip more memorable.To be constantly surrounded by so much happiness and love and ambition was definitely one of the best highlights. Also, to be immersed into their culture and traditions. After leaving, I created life long friendships with some of the volunteers and locals. Being in such a beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful people inside and out, and making a huge impact on their lives is something you can not pass up.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I did not know what to expect with our meals, but the last thing I expected to be eating was goat.
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Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nicaragua GIVE Trip December 2021

This trip was a life-changing and unforgettable experience. As soon as I landed in Nicaragua and meet with the guides, I instantly felt like I was at home. Everyday was filled with adventure. From teaching the local kids, to doing cultural activities, to playing card games until midnight, every bit was the time of my life. The local communities are also so welcoming and the nicest people. I would 1000% recommend going on this trip, or any trip with GIVE. I have grown so much as a person, made the best of new friends, and my life has been put into perspective.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Sanboarding down Cerro Negro! This was nerve-racking to me as I was scared that I would tumble down the volcano and get hurt (because I am very clumsy :) ). After watching the other volunteers go down, I told myself that everything would be fine and if they could do it, I could too. I also had wonderful encouragement from other volunteers that were still waiting to go down. We were all nervous, so it was comforting that I wasn't alone. Once I was at the bottom of the volcano, I had a blast sand boarding and would definitely do it again!