Program Reviews

The Costa Rica GIVE trip genuinely changed my life for the better. I am still brought to tears every time I look back on my trip memories with the most amazing people and wish I could do it again and again. I learned so much about sustainable living, composting, and the lifestyle of permaculture farming. I also genuinely had so much fun and met the most amazing people who all share similar mindsets. Our GIVE guides were incredible and so were all the people we met throughout our volunteering. Getting to see such beautiful places and do such incredibly fun things all while leaving a genuine positive impact is something I wish everyone could experience. Seriously 10/10 recommend this trip. I will never forget white water rafting, ziplining, exploring the jungle, eating plants from the farm, morning yoga, dance parties, delicious food, the gorgeous beaches and waterfalls, the friendships made, and so so much more. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to GIVE Volunteers for this wonderful experience. If you're on the fence about going-- trust me DO IT!!!

The trip was laid out extremely well, the whole day is filled with activities that offer a challenge to those seeking it. The trip also ensures that everyone is taken care and that safety is focused as their main priority. The staff are very knowledgeable on the local communities and the history and are a great way to learn about all the places you see and stay. The Give staff and boat crew are also well informed on diving and can provide amazing insight for understanding diving and how you can proceed with it in the future.

During my time a broad with Give Volunteers I was immersed into the culture of a village in Zanzibar called Kairo. During my time spent her I partook in two main volunteering sections, these included Contruction and teaching. During Contruction we made cement as a group, shoveled our newly made cement into wheelbarrows, where we then dumped the cement onto a surface to create a foundation that will soon be a new computer classroom for the locals. During school I taught one of the local tribes, this group of men we the Maasai. During teaching we were divided into separate levels and we taught them English. This experience was very eye opening as well as inspiring for my future. This program is incredible and very reliable. I cannot wait to hopefully continue my travels with Give!

This GIVE adventure was deluged with enriching activity that optimized the time spent in such a verdant and arboreal environment. Personally, while one may have an aversion to bug bites, the bugs themselves, in conjunction with all other wildlife and nature oriented exhibitions and excursions were beyond enthralling. To be suspended on scaffolding overlooking the Na Om River, to perceiving a rather diminutive yet jubilant black bear was captivating beyond compare. The guides of course, recognized how to optimize and allocate time for authentic, organic group involvement, while still allotting time for an individual to embrace the adventure and liberties of residing in such a serene environment. The organization of this venture was cohesive and flexible, and while “go go go” might be a veracious way to recapitulate the cadence of this adventure, stopping just never seemed feasible, unless of course, you felt inclined to be sedentary in a hammock with a pear smoothie, and Pink Floyd, contemplating the populous of sentient elephants in this world. A thoroughly positive recommendation I leave for this venture!

This trip was just amazing. Everything we did was so fun and impactful and I got to learn so much. 10/10 would recommend to anyone that wants to go on an epic jungle adventure with a group of super awesome likeminded individuals. White water rafting on the Pacuare River was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done and I will remember that experience for the rest of my life. I hope everything gets to experience a trip with GIVE at least once in their life because they are an incredible organization.

This trip was amazing, with white water rafting, zip lining and memories made on a permaculture farm. It was an experience that opens your eyes to new hobbies and interests. It’s a little hard to speak the language for me but it was very easy to understand as the locals were very helpful and patient. They also have amazing art and creative ways of getting things done. Their music was absolutely amazing and such a welcoming environment. Everyone says hi regardless of whether they know you or not

Going to Costa Rica through GIVE Volunteers is a trip that I would recommend to anyone. This trip highlights what an adventure is truly about and allows you to enjoy the entirety of Costa Rica's beauty while giving back and leaving an impact on the local towns. On this trip you will experience everything Costa Rica has to offer from its luscious waterfalls, to its diverse jungle, relaxing ocean blues, permaculture farms, and finally the rapids of the Pacuare River. Even with a language and culture barrier I was able to build a connection with guides and hosts. The challenge of having barriers helped me with self growth and showed me that I am stronger than I ever believed with the power of friendships and love. Everyone should experience GIVE and travel with a purpose!

This experience volunteering with GIVE in Thailand changed my life for the better! I came out a much happier and peaceful person. On this trip I was able to feed, clean and learn about elephants as well as experience Thai culture on a level that “normal” tourism would not allow. The balance between free moments in which I was able to explore Thailand with the amazing friends I made along the way, as well as the times in which we were hiking to see elephants or travelling to see monuments was perfect!

I can say with full confidence that this trip was the best thing I have been a part of. I was not really sure what to expect when I signed up for this trip, but by the end of it I left with a feeling of fulfillment. I now have a greater understanding of other cultures and what really is important in life. Not a moment went by when I was not genuinely happy to be able to experience the things I did. The guides, volunteers, Maasai, and locals are all wonderful people who made my time even better. If I was able to I would 100% go back in an instant.

Such a life changing experience. The people and communities within Zanzibar and Kairo were absolutely amazing. I am so thankful I got to experience this trip with GIVE, and wouldn’t change it for the world. I would HIGHLY recommend this trip and this organization. There is so much to see and the culture that you are in is such an amazing experience that I feel like many don’t get to see. It was so cool to see new animals, scenery, people and meet so many new friends on this trip. I loved every minute of it and hope that other people can have the same experiences as I did. It was very special to me and so so amazing.