Program Reviews

Wow. It's hard to put into words how one week can foster such immense, positive change in so many different ways. Growing up, I have always dreamt of visiting Hawai'i, but not in the typical tourist fashion that most do. I'm eternally grateful for GIVE for allowing me to experience Hawai'i in the way I had always dreamt of: by being immersed within its rich, vibrant Aloha-centered culture & being deeply involved with the restoration of the indescribably beautiful land and local communities. GIVE gave me the chance to foster a relationship with the 'aina (land) and kai (ocean) in ways I never would have thought possible. Furthermore, the relationships that I developed with my incredible guides and fellow volunteers are ones that will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I showed up at Kona airport with a full backpack almost feeling marooned. Fortunately, we volunteers were connected early through WhatsApp. We found each other quickly and the group dynamic took off without a hitch. It was heartwarming to be welcomed by the natives of the island of Hawaii for the recognition that I was there as a volunteer. The cultural chants shared to welcome us in, the ability to introduce myself in the Hawaiian language, and partaking in the traditional emu left an impression. I will carry that experience with me. I am also proud to adorn the green GIVE ribbon as a badge of commitment.

My experience with GIVE has been nothing short of life-changing. This past summer I went on a trip with GIVE to Hawai'i where we worked with local project partners and organizations to restore the land so it can be used to grow food for locals, restore and help rebuild a sacred archeological site, and so much more empowering work all over the Big Island. I gained a new perspective on the world, as well as a new global family of amazing humans who share my love for the Earth. I can't wait until I can go on another trip with GIVE!

Experiencing the wonders of Northern Thailand firsthand has changed my perspective on life in general. It was both inspiring and transformational. It also opened my eyes to see the world in a different light. To be out of my comfort zone and see the lives I was changing by being part of the action of contributing to help their local communities and everyday lives, I ended up being the one most changed by it. Additionally, the experiences in GIVE taught me how to feel alive again and live in the present moment. Meeting this group of people including the guides has indeed touched my heart which I call my family now. GIVE's Thailand trip was a SERENDIPITY that changed my life in the most positive and magical way! Go on yours now!!

It was beyond my expectations that the experiences and people I met on this trip made such a positive influence on my life! After the most thrilling and epic 2 weeks of my life, back home, I felt more appreciative of the things I already have and am grateful for the choices and experiences I had. Not only have I learned about the culture and knowledge of Northern Thailand but also experienced activities I never thought I would experience. Such as permaculture practices, teaching English to the local children there, exploring my inner child at the same time, experiencing what life is for from the local communities point of view, and making businesses through basket weaving and bamboo rafting.

Experiencing the wonders of Northern Thailand firsthand has changed my perspective on life in general. It also opened my eyes to see the world in a different light. Through this trip, I believe I have had a spiritual awakening. To be out there seeing the lives I was changing by being part of the action of contributing to help their local communities and everyday lives, I ended up being the one most changed by it. Additionally, the experiences in GIVE taught me how to feel alive again and live in the present moment. Furthermore, living out my life with intention and purpose!

Through GIVE's Thailand trip, I have met people who inspired and changed my life, as well as gave me a new perspective and set my life on a path of light and purpose. Meeting a group of amazing humans and like-minded people spreading so much laughter and kindness, opened up my world and I have found my chosen family. The feeling of falling in love with the experiences and people was ineffable!!

I loved every moment I spent in Zanzibar. I loved everyone I met in Kairo and all the GIVE staff made sure the group and myself were always taking care of. I would do it all over again because seeing the immediate impact you are making is inspiring. GIVE allowed me the space to volunteer in a lovely community while also having fun and being safe. Building unforgettable relationships and memories with the local people and the people that were in my group was amazing. I have never wanted to learn a language more than I want to understand Swahili.

I learned so much about Thai culture and elephants, but I also got to learn about myself as I pushed myself out of my comfort zone!! The tour guides, food, adventures, and mahoots were great. The guides knew how to handle any injury throughout the entire trip. All meals were delicious and included with the trip. There was enough down time so you didn't feel completely drained. This trip gave me the opportunity to experience something that many tourist traveling wouldn't have the chance to do. Thank you Give!

This organization is very serious about their mission and is extremely reputable in terms of giving back to the community and using resources that directly benefit the communities we encounter. The itinerary for 2 weeks fit in so many amazing experiences and everything was planned so perfectly down to a T. The guides are super helpful and knowledgeable about Tanzania. You experience this culture and learn so much like nothing I have ever seen before, it is extremely impactful and they do everything the right way. I left this trip believing I made a true lasting impact that was all around good. This trip changed my life and I recommend to ANYONE who wants to experience something like this.

I had no expectations coming into this and came out very passionate about the work that we had done. I saw an incredible sense of community and respect from the people of Kairo of which I will take into my everyday life. Seeing people with less than I be happier and kinder to eachother than most people I know was eye opening. I want to live my life that way and give back to those less fortunate. It’s now my new passion to be part of GIVE and what they do so that I can spread their mission to people around me.

This past July I travelled to Tanzania with GIVE and it was nothing short of life-changing. Every moment of the trip was full of laughs, smiles, adventure, surprises, and purpose. From volunteering at the school in Kairo, to swimming with wild dolphins, to going on a two day safari in Nyerere National Park, to the nights spent playing games with guides and volunteers into the early hours of the morning – every moment of this trip was packed full of adventure and intention.

The GIVE staff are truly like no other. Every single moment of my trip to Tanzania I felt safe and cared for by each and every one of my incredible guides. GIVE prioritizes safety and goes above and beyond with ensuring that each volunteer’s needs are met. My guides made every single volunteer feel like a valued and crucial member of our team, which made it easy to build a sense of belonging within our group. I was particularly impressed with GIVE’s ironclad organization. Every one of our many activities ran completely smoothly and timely. From each meal being on time, to our rides and accommodations always being properly scheduled, to each of our individual flights being monitored by our guides – every piece of the very complex puzzle was perfectly planned out by GIVE.

Overall, I learned so much from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I gained perspective, knowledge, self-confidence, and so many memories. I was inspired each and every day by the people of Kairo – their zest for life, thirst for knowledge, love and acceptance of all people, and their indestructible perseverance. I met the absolute best people on this trip – from the locals in Kairo, to all of my amazing guides, to my fellow volunteers, each and every person has impacted my life for the better. I am certain that I have made some life-long friends through GIVE. I have taken away so many lessons from this trip – to live each day with a purpose; to vote with my dollar; to get to know as many people as I can, whether we speak the same language or not; to simply say Hakuna Matata when life gets challenging – just to name a few. The biggest lesson I have taken with me is the traditional Tanzanian motto “pole pole,” with its incredible meaning to take life slowly, appreciate the in-between moments, and not be in such a rush all the time – a lesson that I truly needed to learn.

I will be recommending going on a volunteer trip with GIVE to anyone who is interested. Travelling with a purpose is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, and with GIVE, you can ensure that this experience is safe, well-organized, and jam-packed full of adventure!

ASANTE SANA GIVE!