Tanzania & Zanzibar Island: African Safari, School Construction & Education, and Swimming with Dolphins

It’s hard to explain with words what we lived in Tanzania. The feeling of teaching for the first time, specially while having such kind students and see their eager to learn is fulfilling. Besides, making what we call “memory” in that school, by helping in the construction, gives us a sense of humanity. But the truth is that I went there to help other, and very soon I realized I was the one that needed help. I came back home as a different person with different perspectives, and that’s what makes me feel alive.

The experiences I had there were like no other in my life. I went there to help people, but very soon I realized I was the one that needed help! I’m back home with a feeling of fulfillment and excitement and with a new perspective of life. Getting out of our comfort zone and embracing a new culture is the best way to improve ourselves as human beings, and choosing not to be ignorant about the world’s reality and being around different environments is exactly what makes me feel alive. I’m beyond grateful to GIVE for providing this experience to me.

This experience with GIVE was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone wanting to travel the world making an impactful change. From the second I left the airport the staff immediately made me feel at home. Even though I was on the other side of the world I never once felt uneasy about safety, the people around me, or that I would be on my own. The accommodations were always well kept and comfortable. And the food was good. Though there wasn’t much variety we got to try some local cuisines which was such a cool experience. Our guides both local and non-local were AMAZING. Always wanting to share more about the country and the culture. They were supportive, kind, and extremely bubbly. Without them the trip wouldn’t have been the same. Picking GIVE to go on this trip with was never once questioned while I was there. I made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and a new appreciation for travel and adventure. The communities we spent time in were so excited to have us there and you could tell we’re grateful for our support. Being there you could tell how much they all loved GIVE as an organization and the people apart of it. You could also see how GIVE changed the staff and guides in ways I never would’ve imagined. This trip showed me how supporting communities and “voting with your dollar” can make changes while traveling and is something I will carry on in my own traveling endeavors. I would recommend this experience to anyone wanting to travel solo, with a group, or with a friend/family. You will leave with a changed perspective and bonds that will last forever. I’m incredibly thankful I decided to choose GIVE everyday.

This trip was something I chose to do on a whim, try something new and get out of my comfort zone. I feel everyone would be a little skeptical about doing something like this, and even up to the point I got there I had my reservations. But that all changed when I landed and met the guides. They immediately were the most friendly and welcoming people, and that never let up. Throughout the entire trip everyone was super friendly and helpful, and would stop everything they were doing to help you at the drop of a hat. Everything was well thought out down to them asking you to remove packaging on anything you might have and dispose of it before you get into the country. The opportunities given were fantastic, having the opportunity to learn the language, learn the culture, learn some crafts from the locals, and learn peoples thoughts about life there. Not only was there a chance to learn about them you also learn a lot about yourself, getting out of your comfort zone and dealing with a vastly different culture and way of life helps put things into perspective. Even the experiences we got to have such as going on a sailboat and watching the sunset or snorkeling with dolphins helped give back to the local communities. Truly everything was thought out. From Yoga and morning swims to the construction process of the school, there was not one thing that I felt wasn't thought out. This was the best experience I've ever had. Make it yours too.

My trip with GIVE to Tanzania was absolutely life-changing. The program gave us the opportunity to be completely immersed in the local culture, while feeling comfortable and safe at all times. The GIVE staff is truly incredible and, along with the locals, are some of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to know. This experience forced me outside of my comfort zone in many ways but was ultimately some of the most fun and rewarding weeks of my life. Work hard play hard is the best way to summarize the trip!

This trip was so amazing because of the people. The GIVE staff create such a fun, energetic, safe environment. The locals are some of the kindest people I have ever met. It was so easy to become so close with everyone, because we all shared the same values, because we all signed up for that trip for a reason. I can’t thank everyone enough for making my experience so incredible. It is just such a different feeling traveling for vacation and traveling with a purpose. I can’t even describe how fulfilled I feel leaving this trip. I feel like I did something to help the community I was visiting and also enjoying the beautiful scenery at the same time.

This trip was worth every penny! It was the perfect balance of volunteering and doing fun tourist activities. I got to eat, live, and breathe the culture here, which is exactly what I was looking for. The guides were so knowledgeable and supportive and fun to be with. I felt so safe the entire trip. The guides gave us insight on what to expect each day. I ended up going on this trip over Christmas and while that religion is not typically celebrated in this culture, they made sure to make it special for the volunteers. This is my second trip with Give Volunteers and I hope to continue to go on more!

I left for Tanzania three days after graduating from high school. Entering the classroom for the first time, I felt timid and under qualified to be teaching a group of adults. Instead, I was greeted with the most authentic and joyful people I've ever met. Their pure enthusiasm to learn lifted me up in the constant smiles and laughter and I was eager to come to class each morning. We were there to teach them, but in the end I learned more from the people of Kairo than I could ever learn in a classroom.
Most important to me was how GIVE engaged with the community and included locals in the work and highly valued their opinions. It was clear they wanted us there and valued our efforts in the community. We were lead mainly by locals and their knowledge of the area and the cultural values in Tanzania always made me feel comfortable and welcome. I cannot recommend this program enough for anyone who is wanting to find their purpose abroad!