Program Reviews

This was my second trip with GIVE and as always, I felt so safe the entire time during the trip and the community itself was so welcoming! This trip is definitely life changing and I have made the best friends during my time there. I got to teach locals English and work on building walkable pathways for the students to get to their classrooms more efficiently. It was so hard saying goodbye to the village of Kairo because it changed who I am as a person and will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will definitely be booking another trip!

This past May I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand with GIVE volunteers, a non-profit organization dedicated “to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide”. This trip was an immersion in the remote hill-tribe communities of Northern Thailand for two weeks. As a team of young adults, we focused on sustainable agriculture, English education, and elephant conservation.

At the end of the trip, when our guide Chelsey Deacon asked us on our last night together, what was your “aha moment”? I wanted to prioritize sharing my gratitude for discovering and giving back to my heritage, although I realized being with these amazing and kindhearted people held space for me to have this experience. I learned how the loving Thai community allowed us to quickly grow to know and love each other’s souls and hearts, and now I understand why my grandmother's heart still lies in Thailand.

GIVE gave me such an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I went on the Hawai’i trip and I can’t explain how lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful culture there as well as make life long friends. Not only did I learn how important it is to travel sustainably, but l also learned the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture. Getting to hear the amazing stories and experiences from the local natives brought so much more meaning to the projects we were working on. Getting to go through this journey with such amazing, like-minded people really made this trip so memorable. Honestly this was the best decision ever and I can’t wait to go on my next GIVE trip!

Working with GIVE was an amazing experience. I was able to meet so many wonderful people, experience new cultures, branch outside of my comfort zone, and grow as a person. Being able to see the reefs and learn all about sharks and their importance was a highlight of the trip. You get to scuba dive, snorkel with reef sharks, kayak through mangroves, plant mangroves, support local businesses, and so much more. If you are looking for a way to travel as well as make a difference, I would highly recommend GIVE.

Hi!!! Give has changed my life. I was at a point where I was lost and all I was waiting for was this trip. I was counting down the days until I left. When it came close to the trip I honestly
got so nervous. When I finally arrived everyone was so welcoming, including the guides. I have made so many lifelong friends from this. Give volunteers offers so many great programs, that are life changing and give everyone the experience of a life time. I would HIGHLY recommend the Thailand experience. Thank you Give. Thank you Thailand.

My recent GIVE trip to Zanzibar was nothing short of extraordinary—an experience that transcended mere travel and delved deep into cultural immersion and global citizenship. From the moment we set foot on this mesmerizing island, every aspect of our journey was meticulously crafted to blend learning, community impact, and personal growth.

Zanzibar welcomed us with open arms, offering a tapestry of cultures that enriched our understanding of diversity. Through interactions with locals, we not only embraced Swahili traditions but also shared our own cultural heritage. This exchange fostered mutual respect and appreciation, reminding us of the beauty in our differences.

Exploring the intersection of economic policies and tourism was eye-opening. We saw firsthand how sustainable tourism practices can uplift communities while preserving natural resources. Engaging with local entrepreneurs and learning about their challenges underscored the importance of responsible travel—a lesson that will resonate long after our journey.

What started as a group of 20 strangers quickly evolved into a tight-knit family. Together, we tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and forged bonds that transcended borders. Sharing meals, stories, and laughter created memories that will forever unite us as global citizens.

Our journey extended beyond personal growth to making a meaningful impact. Through community projects and volunteer work, we contributed to initiatives that empower locals and promote sustainable development. The warmth and hospitality of the Zanzibari people, who welcomed us into their homes and hearts, reinforced the transformative power of human connection.

Zanzibar taught us what it means to be a global citizen—to embrace cultural diversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and share knowledge with humility and respect. Each encounter, whether with a fellow traveler or a local artisan, reaffirmed our commitment to fostering positive change in the world.

My GIVE trip to Zanzibar was more than just a journey; it was a profound exploration of culture, community, and compassion. It highlighted the transformative impact of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. As I return home, I carry with me not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a renewed sense of purpose—to continue learning, sharing, and advocating for a more interconnected world.

In essence, Zanzibar has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the power of travel to inspire, educate, and unite.

Wow! I can't put into words how thankful I am I got to experience one of the most beautiful places in the world, eat the most incredibly delicious food I have ever eaten, have the time of my life doing some action packed activities and make an impact on a local community with such an amazing group of people who became a second family to me! All thanks to GIVE and their amazing local guides and partners in Costa Rica for making this unforgettable trip possible! I can't wait to go on another with them! #PuraVida

This experience is incredibly unique, as you’re not just traveling as a tourist, but as a global citizen immersed in the country that you’re volunteering in. Traveling with local guides allows you to really dive deep into a better understanding of Thai culture and its importance and value in our world. Each activity and experience we did was enriching and extremely enjoyable. Volunteering gives you new perspectives and is incredibly rewarding in all aspects. I thoroughly enjoyed these moments as much as if not more than any of the touristy excursions. What’s more is the people you meet and the lessons you learn along the way. I have learned so much from each of them and have returned to my country extremely grateful for this life that we all get to live together. A truly unforgettable experience. I highly highly recommend.

I had the most incredible experience traveling with GIVE. Everything about it was so special and intentional, in every aspect I felt like I was meant to be there. I have met such kind and genuine souls, all traveling with purpose and intention, to learn, grow, push our comfort zones and make a change in the world. I couldn’t have asked to be surrounded by a better group of individuals. The gratitude, perspective and values on life I have gained from this trip is absolutely life changing! I have learned so much about permaculture and the way of life that comes with it. There was so much meaning behind every action taken on this trip, I can only encourage one to experience something like this one day.

This June I traveled to Laos with GIVE. I was recruited for this program during my time at college. I chose to do this trip and travel across the world by myself. The experiences I gained during this time were invaluable. I had an amazing group of guides who motivated me and taught me things that I will keep with me forever. The itinerary was laid out perfectly with adequate time for adventure, leisure, and volunteering. Working with the children and women of Sop Chem was the most impactful part of this trip. This experience was beyond what I even imagined it could be. If you are reading this, you should definitely consider going to meet the amazing guides and people in Laos!