Program Reviews

Kairo truly transformed my heart in the most wonderful ways. GIVE volunteers never ceases to show me how easily a complete strangers and a new community can become a second home so quickly. when you are surrounded by the authentic, likeminded people there is an instant sense of comfort. We were given the chance to learn so much about a community that is a true beating heart of GIVE. By breaking down so many barriers, stereotypes and opening our minds to new perspectives, Kairo village welcomed us with open hearts and taught us so many wonderful lessons about their culture. From learning how to make local food to teaching ESL and Computer skills and even connecting with wildlife on positive ethical levels, we were able to be truly immersed in a new culture and community in the most incredible ways, that I am so immense grateful for. My time in Zanzibar truly taught me the importance of being a global citizen, and it was reflected by the locals and volunteers everyday.

GIVE was the best experience of my life! Every aspect of the adventure was incredible! By the end of the trip you most certainly will have new perspectives on life, genuine friendships across the world and wonderful memories! The worst part of the trip is saying goodbye to your GIVE family and your new favorite place. Being a volunteer, you get to help others accomplish their dreams and goals, encourage women empowerment, support and learn about indigenous culture, educate many individuals, construct the locals needs and participate in wildlife conservation. The adventures are also unforgettable. To name a few- swimming with dolphins in the ocean, seeing the big 5 on an African Safari, summiting the largest free standing mountain in the world, exploring a spice farm, using recycled waste to make glass cups and dancing,cooking and weaving with the local women!!!

Hakuna Matata- The guides and local staff take care of all your needs (including complicated diets) all while encouraging a positive environment. You will be supported and loved the entire journey! It was my first time traveling out of the country, but I felt secure and safe throughout the entire experience. Absolutely do a GIVE trip, you won’t regret it!

I had a great overall experience in Laos. This trip offers a variety of awesome experiences such as Free the Bears, zip lining, cave exploring, hiking to see waterfalls and camping! The guides in Laos were awesome! They were extremely helpful and always made sure to check in on us when we needed it. I had a great experience in Sop Chem. I loved teaching the children and being able to play uno with them later on. The people in the village were very kind. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to travel or has in interest in sustainable agriculture or working with children

Before GIVE Volunteers, I had never even heard of the country Laos. Now, it holds a very special place in my heart.

Through GIVE, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived in the village of Sop Chem, we were welcomed with open arms. The people of Sop Chem are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, and the community made us feel like family. I felt safe, supported, and cared for every moment of the trip.

One of the most special parts of this trip was our local guides. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also some of the most patient and kind people I’ve ever met. Whether we were learning about Lao traditions, history, or daily life, they were always eager to share, answer our questions, and help us connect on a deeper level with the culture around us.

Our days were filled with purpose. We taught English to over 60 children and supported local women in learning conversational English to sell their handicrafts to tourists. We stayed in their homes and learned traditional weaving techniques.

What made our experience so meaningful is that every volunteer project we took part in was what the community wanted and not what outsiders thought they needed. We helped build a new kitchen for the village school.

In Luang Prabang, we went to a wildlife sanctuary where black bears are being rescued and protected from illegal wildlife trade and bile farming. We visited the UXO Museum and learned about the country’s history and struggles with unexploded bombs. Between the volunteering, we went ziplining over waterfalls, fishing in the river with locals, caving, and planting rice. Every activity felt meaningful and connected to the land and culture.

The trip ended with a Baci Ceremony, an emotional and beautiful sendoff that captured the love and connection we had built in Sop Chem. It was a moment of gratitude I’ll never forget.

I came to Laos not knowing what to expect. I left with a full heart, lifelong memories, and a second home in Sop Chem.

I thought everything was planned exceptionally well with GIVE. The experiences were meaningful and memorable. Our interactions with locals was genuine and we really got to know them. The itinerary was great, we had a good balance of cultural activities and adventures as well as time to spend getting to know each other. The connection I made with the local people, guides, and other volunteers was amazing and definitely one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. The close contact with elephants in an environment where elephant safety and well being comes first was unforgettable. Learning to scuba dive in Thailand was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so grateful that I got to do it

This was an amazing adventure from beginning to end. The international guides, local guides and community partners are all exceptional people that really elevated the travel experience. This trip has taught me so much about so many different subjects while also still being fun and safe. As someone with many food restrictions, everyone went above and beyond to ensure that I could eat safe, healthy, and filling meals. I highly recommend booking a GIVE trip and taking on the opportunity to become a responsible international traveler and global citizen.

This was the funnest trip I have been on. P’dee P’on and P’ann are the best 💕. You will have so much fun learning about these elephants and communities and seeing the greatest views of your life. I have made friends on this trip that I will have for a long time in the future. I have also been able to connect with amazing and loving people who take good care of you. The coffee is great you will never have bad coffee. Everyone is so friendly and the food is all local from different communities. You might see gibbons which were so fun to see! You get to wash elephants and learn how to love them sustainably. You get to see some of the northern Thailand Karen hill tribe and stay in their village at an accommodation. It is well worth your time to go.

This was my first Give trip and it was nothing short of incredible. From the moment I was picked up from the airport to when I was dropped off I felt safe and welcomed everywhere we traveled. The guides have this trip down like clockwork and it was so easy for us volunteers because all we had to do was show up. Having the local staff with us in the village definitely made me feel very comfortable as they welcomed us into their home. At no point in this trip did I feel like I was not safe. Mixing volunteer days with many adventure days gave me the perfect balance between feeling a sense of gratitude when giving back to the community but also exploring and learning about the amazing culture that Tanzania has to offer. I encourage anyone who is even slightly interested in coming on this trip hit the sign up button because it was an adventure of a lifetime. Memories from this trip will live with me forever. Say yes to the opportunity and explore the world!

This experience was INCREDIBLE! I felt so supported by the staff and the local community was so friendly and welcoming. Everywhere we went people brought us in with open arms and they were so excited to share about their culture. We were able to create such genuine human connections with the people living in the village that will be bonds that last a lifetime. I felt very safe and the accommodations we were staying at were nice and comfortable. I learned so much not only about the community of Kairo but also myself as a future educator. I am so glad I had a helping hand in building the future of Kairos schooling system and I can’t wait to see how other volunteers help it grow and flourish in the future. I wouldn’t trade anything for this experience and I want to continue traveling with a purpose in the future! Thank you GIVE staff for all your hard work! You make travelling so organized, easy, and fulfilling!

The impact of the people around me as well as the impact we've all gotten to have on the environment around us has literally been the most beautiful experience of my life and I will never forget how GIVE has truly blessed my life! The people you meet and the experiences you share, will change your mindset and outlook on life to have more hope and positivity. The projects partners are so incredibly kind and welcoming. They have so much knowledge and wisdom to share with everyone not only on their projects but also on life. You will be learning amazing things throughout the entire trip that will truly shift who you are as a person.