GIVE Volunteers Reviews

This trip was so much more than a vacation; it was an adventure. From day one, there is exciting and meaningful interactions with the other volunteers and also with the community in general. All the basics were met (food, clean water, accommodations) and then some. The itinerary was exciting and full of new experiences every single day. The best part of the whole trip was also the longest part: the extended stay in Sop Chem, a small village 2 hours away by boat from the nearest larger town. There are no words to express the beauty and wonder of Sop Chem. It is quite literally a paradise with amazing people and beautiful scenery. It was so easy to become accustomed to the way of life in Sop Chem. In fact, I found it easier to adjust to Sop Chem than to adjust when I got back home to the United States. Life there is slower paced and disconnected, something that I found to be therapeutic and recharging. I felt so culturally immersed the entire time, which gave me a true feeling of purpose that I haven't ever gotten on a trip before. The volunteering was so meaningful. I only wish I could have done more. Overall, this trip was life-changing and eye-opening. I discovered so much about myself throughout the journey and I can't wait to continue making a difference here and eventually getting back overseas and continuing to make a global impact.

This experience was far beyond incredible. Through GIVE, I learned about what it means to be a global citizen, and all of the beauty and magic it entails to be immersed in a culture different than your own. I learned about ecotourism, and the importance of "voting with your dollar." This concept is one in which volunteers are encouraged to support the different "ma and pa shops," so to speak. Supporting local businesses is essential in a place that solely relies on tourism. I will take these lessons with me the next time I explore the world, and in every day life as they can be useful in any place.

The culture in Nepal is truly like no other. Never have I ever gone somewhere and instantly felt comfortable and became family with the locals. Their genuine kind souls inspire me immensely. I will never forget their playful hearts and all the hugs and love they gave us. It's rare to find a community that has been devastated by so much tragedy and yet still stands so tall, and still spreads optimism to whoever may cross their path. The locals often exclaimed, "long life!"

This was such an amazing experience and GIVE did a great job organizing it for us. They have a beautiful connection with the locals that helped everything run smoothly. This connection allowed me to learn so much about the culture that as a tourist I may have otherwise overlooked and also allowed me to ask questions to dive even deeper. There was the perfect balance of work and play during our time in country and the work is rewarding every step of the way. We were either working on the permaculture plot with local men and women or we were teaching their children in the school. GIVE laid out the itinerary for us before we left and provided all transportation for us. All of our accommodations had either air conditioning, a fan, or sometimes both which was helpful as it is very hot there. We were also provided with mosquito nets when necessary and always had access to clean drinking water. With that, the meals were great as well. I'm not a picky eater at all and I enjoyed everything I had. Overall, I would absolutely do another give trip in the future.

When I first signed up for GIVE, I was excited knowing I'd be given the chance to see another culture and volunteer some of my time. Now, after returning home and reflecting on the trip, I can truly say that we all were fully welcomed and immersed in Zanzibar's and Arusha's culture and that the time we volunteered made an impact we could see. It was all so amazing and far exceeded what I had been hoping for. Working alongside the amazing locals in the classroom and in construction was inspiring and by far the highlight of my trip, even over the excursions we went on. Especially because you had a chance to not only work with them, but to hangout and talk with them after and developed a true friendship.
Further, all of the guides we had (local and non-local) were incredible. They were eager to make you feel comfortable with what you were doing and just plain fun to be around. The staff at the restaurant were very personable. They were happy to keep us feed with plenty of DELICIOUS food every single meal of every day. The staff at the accommodations in both Zanzibar and Arusha were also so great at making sure our rooms were kept up and we were happy. They were always smiling and very welcoming. The best part was that these people felt more like friends than staff to me by the end of the trip, so everything they did for us felt personal.
Lastly, the excursion days were absolutely incredible. They are moments that are a chance of a lifetime and wouldn't be possible, again, without the help of the locals and guides. I learned so much about their culture, the value of community, and even my life. I didn't know what to expect going there, and I was a little uneasy about it all. However, once I was there and allowed myself to be fully immersed in the trip and the culture around me, I never wanted to leave; honest word. I simply can't wait to go again with GIVE and I would tell anyone who has the means to go and make a difference on the world.

My trip to Tanzania with GIVE was nothing short of amazing. I cannot begin to describe the enormous impact this organization has provided me. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Tanzania, I began forming relationships with my fellow volunteers that I now consider family. This experience has changed my life for the better and I have seen growth not only in myself but in my new-found family. The itinerary was great, giving us "breaks" from our worksite with adventure days, such as swimming with dolphins (coolest thing EVER!), sailing and snorkeling, and safari days. The transportation was great. In the open GIVE trucks, the set up made conversations and jam sessions optimal!! Our accommodations in Kairo were so fun and clean. I felt comfortable the entire stay. Momma Christinas house was beautiful and just as clean and comfortable! The meals were FANTASTIC!!!! I grew up a fairly picky eater so initially I was scared but the food was to-die-for. Im still craving Zanzibar pizza and crepes with mango spread (and missing the amazing cooks immensely!). The community of Kairo is composed of the most amazing and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Working in the school and teaching the women was so empowering and amazing to see their progress and determination. Worksite was difficult but soooo damn rewarding. To see the villagers come together and help build the projects we were working on made all the concrete-stained legs, dripping sweat, heat, and brick-carrying worthwhile. In Arusha, we had the opportunity to meet some incredible people of Green Paw Adventures and I am still in contact with my new friends 8,000 miles away. MARIA IS AMAZING! All the staff and guides know how to make you feel at home and are always looking out for you. They know how to make this experience even more amazing and fun. I never felt homesick knowing they were with me. I will never forget this amazing experience and encourage anyone with the opportunity to take a trip with GIVE. My life has completely changed and I am forever grateful.

The opportunity to volunteer and travel with GIVE was the best experience of my life. A little over two weeks ago, I got on a plane to go to Tanzania. I knew this experience was one I wanted to have, but I had no idea the impact it would have on my entire life and mindset. My trip was nothing short of incredible, breathtaking, and eye-opening. Although part of the experience includes working with the locals to help teach them English, they taught me so many more meaningful lessons. Overall, my favorite part was connecting with these locals. My conversations with them allowed me to grow and open up to new perspectives. Two things I learned from them that really stuck with me include the phrase "Hakuna Matata," and the idea of living the most simplistic yet happiest life. Everywhere we travelled, the locals would always say to us "Hakuna Matata." They try to live life with no worries, brushing off the little things that are no use to be fussed over. The people we formed connections with were the most happy and welcoming people, and they radiated joy at all times. You begin your trip in Zanzibar in a village full of these beautiful people I just described. The staff and local boys are amazing, and everyone makes you feel safe and at home. You end your trip in Arusha, volunteering with a women's co-operative, going on a coffee tour, and the coolest 2 day safari full of elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and infinitely more! The people you volunteer with, as well as all of the staff, will become your family- and there is nothing more special than the bonds formed within the GIVE family. By going on this trip, you become one of the roots of change and realize you can make a difference in the world. There is no better feeling than working with a community, and growing alongside of them. The meals are delicious, the transportation is smooth and safe, and the accommodations are perfect! I could go on forever about how much I recommend this trip and how much I learned and grew from it. I wish I could re-do this trip over and over again!!!

GIVE has an absolutely amazing message that is conveyed through and through in their Tanzanian adventure. There aren’t the right words to describe the experience I had in Tanzania but here’s to trying. The people on Zanzibar, from the staff, the locals in Kairo, to the people in Arusha and on the safaris, they all had such beautiful souls that were so passionate about being the root of change. Every person I encountered on this trip saw humans as humans, nothing more. Every human is privileged to have the life they do and I took that for granted before I met all those beautiful people. A souvenir shop worker knocked over all the figurines after I got worried for knocking one over because they truly live by the saying “Hakuna Matata” and are enjoying life for what it is and that’s what I plan to do from here on out. I am a better person because of GIVE and the experience I was honored enough to go on. Everyone would be impacted by going on a trip or this sorts, even in just a small way but one small action of change can make the world of a difference for one person and create a ripple of change. You truly have everything when you have happiness and that is so evident in all of the people I met on my trip. The people working in, with, and out or GIVE have everything because they are happy, even if they have so little. Be the root of change, even if it’s just little, it matters.

Nicaragua was one of my very first experiences outside of the USA without my family. This country is full of beautiful people and beautiful places. I'm so happy I found GIVE when I did because it's completely changed the way I travel.

I really enjoyed the adventure and volunteering aspect of the trip. Even the volunteering ended up being an adventure and some of my favorite memories were the little moments where I could unplug and disconnect. Nothing beats playing soccer with the local boys on the beach at sunset. I went not knowing anyone and found some of my best friends on this trip, learned so much about different people and the complexities behind development. Once I got home it completely changed what I studied in school.

Everyone should go on a GIVE trip!

Withhold all of your expectations and assumptions about volunteering abroad, because in reality a trip with GIVE will likely blow them out of the water. Not only do you get to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate, you get to connect with people who share your views about the world, partake in one of your life's grandest adventures, as a solid team, and return home with enough insight and passion flowing through you still that the benefits make their way into your personal life. The single greatest effect my two weeks in Nepal had on me was the chance it gave for me to feel truly grateful for what I am given as someone living in a developed world. It is one thing to know you were lucky where you were born, but it is quite another to immediately strip away these luxuries for an extended period of time and try to make do with good company and a unifying mission.

I can still clearly remember my thoughts of excitement and distress leading up to the trip last June. There was a part of me that wanted to stay home where it was safe, but another that wanted to take the risk, get out of my comfort zone, and undergo an experience that would let me see the world for what it really is. The staff at GIVE greatly aided me on my journey to discover what kind of person I want to become. They never made me feel unsafe in my surroundings, provided great structure to each day's schedule, held nightly conversations about the impact we were having, and encouraged me to learn and have fun at every corner. GIVE does a great job of rewarding its volunteers with adventure days too In Nepal we spent two whole days whitewater rafting, and even had time to go on a safari and visit all the major cities of the country.

The people you meet when you go on a trip are not just average people living average lives. From staff to volunteers to the people you assist overseas, it is far too common to find smiles on their faces, their minds engaged, and their arms outstretched. I recommend this trip to anyone that is trying to discover their true calling, wants to meet amazing people, is in a rough patch, or simply wants to experience tourism from a intimate, hands-on perspective.

Among GIVE Volunteers, Laos is well known as Thailand 2.0 because so many people combine their Thailand trip with this one to make one amazing month long adventure in south east Asia! Make no mistake though, Laos is a country of its own. Similiar to Thailand but by no means identical. One major thing I noticed between the two was that Thailand was more hectic in terms of activities. We always seemed to be bouncing around from one amazing thing to another. Laos however, seemed to be running on slowed time. Everything seemed to slow down and it was a little more relaxing. We still did a ton of amazing things though!! Among them was zipling through the jungle, building a teacher's dorm out of recycled plastic bottles, and practicing Buddhism with actual monks! The Baci ceremony in which the locals we worked with wished us safe travels and good fortune was definitely the best bittersweet closing to an amazing adventure.