Program Reviews

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.

Embarking on a journey organized by a nonprofit is not just about traveling; it’s about making a meaningful impact while exploring new horizons. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join such a trip, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

The journey began with a sense of anticipation and curiosity as our group gathered at the departure point. What immediately struck me was the diverse group of individuals brought together by a common desire to contribute positively to communities in need. This diversity, spanning ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, set the stage for a journey filled with shared learning and mutual respect.

Our destination was a remote village nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, far from the usual tourist circuits. The nonprofit that organized the trip had longstanding ties with this community, ensuring that our presence would be genuinely welcomed and beneficial. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by locals who shared their culture, traditions, and stories with us—an authentic introduction that set the tone for the days ahead.

The itinerary was thoughtfully crafted to balance service work with cultural immersion and personal reflection. Mornings were dedicated to community projects ranging from building sustainable infrastructure to teaching local children. Working alongside community members, we not only contributed physically but also forged genuine connections that transcended language barriers. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie fostered during these activities was truly gratifying.

Afternoons provided opportunities for exploration and deeper engagement with the local culture. Whether it was participating in traditional ceremonies, learning regional crafts, or simply enjoying local cuisine, each experience offered insights into the lives and customs of our hosts. These interactions were eye-opening, challenging preconceived notions and broadening perspectives in unexpected ways.

Evenings were reserved for reflection and communal activities, where we shared highlights of the day, exchanged stories, and discussed the broader impact of our efforts. These moments of reflection not only reinforced our sense of purpose but also deepened our appreciation for the interconnectedness of global communities.

Beyond the tangible contributions made during our stay, the trip left an indelible mark on my personal growth. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of grassroots initiatives and the transformative potential of cross-cultural exchange. The nonprofit’s dedication to sustainable development and ethical tourism practices served as a model of responsible travel—one that prioritizes mutual benefit and long-term partnerships over fleeting experiences.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude—for the opportunity to travel with purpose, for the friendships forged, and for the lessons learned. It reminded me that travel, at its best, is not just about ticking off destinations but about fostering understanding, empathy, and positive change.

In conclusion, my experience with this nonprofit-organized trip was nothing short of extraordinary. It exemplified the profound impact that conscientious travel can have on individuals and communities alike. I return home inspired and motivated, eager to continue supporting initiatives that prioritize people and planet. For anyone seeking a transformative travel experience that combines adventure with altruism, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring opportunities with organizations committed to making a difference.

Prior to attending this GIVE trip to Nicaragua, I had never gone on a trip without my family; let alone going to a foreign country all by myself. The trip started out rocky, some weather delayed the trip 1 day for myself and 4 other travelers however once we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms by everyone. Being fully immersed in the culture and community of Jiquilillo was truly an eye opening experience. From learning how to surf and make tortillas with the locals to climbing two active volcanoes, so many memories were made on this trip and I will forever hold Jiquilillo in my heart. I am so profoundly grateful to have had this experience with this amazingly beautiful group of people. Going on this trip has truly opened my eyes as to how to be a true global citizen and how to leave long lasting handprints on my community and the world. I 100% recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking the step to go on a GIVE trip. Making memories with a group of people you only just met and being able to experience the things you will experience on this trip is truly the experience of a lifetime.