This Trip Taught Me What's Valuable In Life

Ratings
Overall
4
Impact: 5
Support: 4
Fun: 4
Value: 5
Safety: 5
Review

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.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2018
Media
Photos