Program Reviews

I think about this trip every single day. Perfect combination of cultural learning and immersion, volunteering, excursions, and vacation! I fell head over heels in love with Thailand and all of the people. I went completely alone not knowing anyone in my group and left with lifelong friends I still keep in touch with 4 years later. I couldn’t study abroad so looked into GIVE over winter break and recommend it to EVERYONE! Highlights included teaching in the school, 5am walks to look for elephants, ziplining through the trees, and celebrating New Years with the community.

To anyone who is considering the trip with GIVE to the Pacific Northwest, I would say that it is not an experience that you would want to miss out on and is absolutely worth every moment. It is a lot to consider in terms of money and planning out your travel schedule but once that is all figured out, the trip itself and the organization of GIVE will make you feel great about your decision to go. The team at GIVE is professional, knowledgeable, and most of all a group of great friendly people. Everything with the itinerary of the trip was well-organized and executed with clear communication to all the volunteers involved, never once were we confused or second-guessing what we were doing. Not only will you be doing important work, but you will also be immersed in beautiful places with a fun group of people, with a trustworthy and highly commendable organization guiding you along the way.

GIVE sets up the most incredible experiences. The thing I loved most about this trip was that we were there to learn and help local non-profits and educational organisations without interfering. Being able to help the restoration of native plants and be surrounded by such a sacred culture is as rewarding as it gets. Recommended for people who are not afraid of doing the work and getting their hands dirty. Be ready to step outside your comfort zone and meet amazing people along the way. I promise you will not regret it.

I traveled to Nicaragua with GIVE and it was a great decision. I was able to learn about the culture and it was a great experience to be able to help make an impact in someone’s life. Our trip with GIVE had the meals and accommodations already ready, so it was included in the price of the trip which was great so I did not have to worry too much about having enough money for food because I wanted to help support the locals. We did a ton of fun activities like volcano boarding, mangrove seed planting, swimming, surfing, turtle releasing, karaoke, etc. amazing experience.

This trip truly changed my life for the better. Not only did I learn so much about traveling and living sustainably, but I felt more connected to the Earth than ever, and I made friendships that I will cherish forever. The volunteering projects taught me so much, and after we volunteered we went on amazing excursions including going to the beach, hiking, snorkeling, etc.. Everyone at GIVE has the biggest hearts and they want you to be the best version of yourself that you can. If you are thinking about going on a trip with GIVE, DO IT NOW. You won’t regret a single second of it! :)

If I have anything to say about this trip, it’s take it! This trip changed my life forever and has left me with the most amazing memories and incredible knowledge that I use with me back home. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about to work that I did with GIVE and the incredible experiences we shared together. Being able to share these moments with such an amazing and supportive group of people is a beautiful experience. It’s thrilling to be able to come home and still do a tiny bit of work we did during the trip. I will definitely be seeing PNW and GIVE soon for WILD!!

My experience with GIVE started last year when I was originally supposed to go to Africa. I now truly understand the meaning of everything happens for a reason, because I was meant to be in Jiquilillo, Nicaragua. When I left for this trip, my goal was to go out into the world and help others. It was very quickly that I realized how much this community has actually helped me.
I witnessed first hand how climate change is drastically affecting this small fishing village. Just 12 years ago, the ocean was 100 meters farther out then it is now. This isn’t future generations problems, the people in this community are being displaced because their homes are being destroyed.
I had powerful conversations with Sarah and her family about how she started a women’s support group in order to educate girls about their bodies and the choices they can make.
I learned about the fisherman, who used to be able to catch hundreds of pounds of fish in a night. But now due to over harvesting around the world, they leave on their boats every night at 6 pm, and stay out as late as 10 am in hopes of catching at least some fish to feed their families.
I worked at reversing mangrove destruction and focused on rehabilitation of endangered species from the ever inspiring Ramon, who has dedicated his life to bringing back the sustainability of the environment in his community.
I saw the passion in the teachers of this community, Taylor and Blanca, who do everything they can to give the children of Jiquilillo the best education they can. Who inspire me to be half the teacher that they are for their students.
I was a part of the power of this community. The power to be there for others, to love the Earth, and most importantly, I saw the beauty of life. I came here in hopes of helping others, when in reality, Jiquilillo helped me.

Give Volunteer: Hawaii Excursion was incredible! You will learn so much about a beautiful culture and so much about yourself. There is something to be said about spending 8 days with like minded people who are open and loving. We worked hard, played hard, laughed hard and loved hard. This trip was about growth, understanding, learning about giving back to the land that gives so much already, being a global citizen and fostering a love of the sacred in our own space. The accommodations are great, the food is out of this world and the guides are top notch. GIVE Hawaii gave me so much- knowledge of an amazing culture, tools to be a responsible tourist, laughs to last a lifetime, a new favorite playlist, friends to call family and memories to carry with me always. Don't pass up a chance to go on a GIVE trip!

Most amazing experience of my life. I learned so much, grew mentally, physically and emotionally. I met amazing people while have so much fun traveling! Everyone needs to go on a give trip in their life. It’s the most wholesome way to travel! You make actually change in the places you visit instead of doing the basic “tourist” stuff. There’s no better way to travel! I felt safe and supported the whole time I was there and the accommodations were amazing. I went by myself too! It was amazing !!!!

Wow! Where do I even start … Give Volunteers is something everybody needs to do in their life. If you do not want to go abroad, then come on the Hawaii trip. Jess and Traven are extraordinary leaders that WILL change your life and your outlook on tourism. For example, I had a Europe trip planned for next summer that I planned for pretty much the past 10 years, and I dropped that because that was a luxury, not a necessity. The places that you will work will help you connect to the land as you’ve never done before. You will fall in love with the land that so many call home. As for the group (group 13) of people that I was so lucky to meet, I just wanted to say thank you so much. These people went from complete strangers to people I call family now. The meals are fantastic too! When coming on this trip, please have an open mind and challenge yourself!