Going on this trip truly changed my outlook on life, as silly as that sounds, it rings true. I would recommend this trip to anyone that is at all interested. Since I have been home, I know that I have annoyed my friends and family with my nonstop chatter about this trip. But, the stories and conversations are countless. Be ready to fully immerse yourself in the culture and learn as much as you can. My favorite part of the trip was being able to learn from the locals. These people have a huge part of my heart. If you are able to go to Tanzania, do it!!!! For the more adventurous, adding on Kilimanjaro is 100% worth it. I have never done something so mentally challenging but, summiting made it all worth it. The beauty that is all-surrounding in Tanzania is breathtaking. Make sure to take everything in!

My trip with GIVE to Tanzania was absolutely life-changing and I highly recommend this amazing experience! Throughout the whole trip, I felt safe and comfortable. There were never any problems with transportation, meals, or accomadations. Everyone from the communities in Kairo and Arusha, both the local and non-local guides, as well as the other volunteers were extremely supportive, motivating, and kind. Arriving in Kairo, I felt so welcomed by all the smiling faces and greetings from the locals. We had excellent accommodations and superb meals. I loved waking up to the extraordinary view of the beach and ocean every morning and watching beautiful sunrises. At night, I was surprised by how many stars I could see. On the beach, in the village, and at school, we were greeted by the most adorable kids who always had a smile or hug for us that always brightened our day. The students, of all ages, were so intelligent and eager to learn. I had never done construction before this, but I am very glad that I pushed myself to do so. Construction included lots of cement, sweat, and hard work as well as so much fun, motivation, music, and great talks while working. Both the education and construction projects were so rewarding and you could really see change being made. Everyday I spent with GIVE assured me more and more that I made the right decision to travel with this amazing organization. GIVE is very environmentally friendly, culturally aware, and the communities we volunteered in were so thrilled to have us there. There were also a couple adventure days which included swimming with wild dolphins, snorkeling over a coral reef, and a safari. These experiences were also spectacular. We were able to see such beautiful animals and environments while supporting good groups who instead of poaching the animals for profit, are able to make local businesses by showing others the beauty of these animals. I cannot recommend GIVE enough: you make lifelong friends, learn about different cultures, push yourself and prove to yourself what you are capable of by stepping outside of your comfort zone, and come back a better person, ready to share the knowledge and stories you've gained and keep making an impact.

GIVE Tanzania was the best two weeks of my life. I learned more than I could have ever imagined about the culture, other people, and myself. It was truly life-changing. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for an experience that will change them for the better. It is weeks full of adventure, friendship, joy, learning, laughter, volunteering, and making connections with people that will last a lifetime. You will leave with a feeling you've never felt, and a feeling that will never leave. The locals in Kairo made me feel so welcome in their village and the connections I formed with them will forever be treasured. If you are considering going on this trip, please do it! You will have the absolute time of your life. Get ready to leave your comfort zone, and never want to return to it. You will grow so much. I will forever be grateful for this trip.

The GIVE Tanzania program was hands down the best experience of my life. From the moment we landed in Dar es Salaam, the entire GIVE staff was incredibly welcoming and made every volunteer feel at home half-way across the world. The program itself was extremely organized and provided the opportunity for volunteers to teach English and work on infrastructure on the amazing island of Zanzibar. It is very apparent GIVE has taken strides to build lasting connections in the village we stayed in. In addition, volunteers had the opportunity to swim with dolphins, sail in the Indian Ocean, embark on a two-day safari, and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I would recommend GIVE to anyone who is looking to expand their world view and make a lasting difference. Thank you to John and the rest of the GIVE staff!

When I first signed up for GIVE, I was excited knowing I'd be given the chance to see another culture and volunteer some of my time. Now, after returning home and reflecting on the trip, I can truly say that we all were fully welcomed and immersed in Zanzibar's and Arusha's culture and that the time we volunteered made an impact we could see. It was all so amazing and far exceeded what I had been hoping for. Working alongside the amazing locals in the classroom and in construction was inspiring and by far the highlight of my trip, even over the excursions we went on. Especially because you had a chance to not only work with them, but to hangout and talk with them after and developed a true friendship.
Further, all of the guides we had (local and non-local) were incredible. They were eager to make you feel comfortable with what you were doing and just plain fun to be around. The staff at the restaurant were very personable. They were happy to keep us feed with plenty of DELICIOUS food every single meal of every day. The staff at the accommodations in both Zanzibar and Arusha were also so great at making sure our rooms were kept up and we were happy. They were always smiling and very welcoming. The best part was that these people felt more like friends than staff to me by the end of the trip, so everything they did for us felt personal.
Lastly, the excursion days were absolutely incredible. They are moments that are a chance of a lifetime and wouldn't be possible, again, without the help of the locals and guides. I learned so much about their culture, the value of community, and even my life. I didn't know what to expect going there, and I was a little uneasy about it all. However, once I was there and allowed myself to be fully immersed in the trip and the culture around me, I never wanted to leave; honest word. I simply can't wait to go again with GIVE and I would tell anyone who has the means to go and make a difference on the world.

My trip to Tanzania with GIVE was nothing short of amazing. I cannot begin to describe the enormous impact this organization has provided me. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Tanzania, I began forming relationships with my fellow volunteers that I now consider family. This experience has changed my life for the better and I have seen growth not only in myself but in my new-found family. The itinerary was great, giving us "breaks" from our worksite with adventure days, such as swimming with dolphins (coolest thing EVER!), sailing and snorkeling, and safari days. The transportation was great. In the open GIVE trucks, the set up made conversations and jam sessions optimal!! Our accommodations in Kairo were so fun and clean. I felt comfortable the entire stay. Momma Christinas house was beautiful and just as clean and comfortable! The meals were FANTASTIC!!!! I grew up a fairly picky eater so initially I was scared but the food was to-die-for. Im still craving Zanzibar pizza and crepes with mango spread (and missing the amazing cooks immensely!). The community of Kairo is composed of the most amazing and inspiring people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Working in the school and teaching the women was so empowering and amazing to see their progress and determination. Worksite was difficult but soooo damn rewarding. To see the villagers come together and help build the projects we were working on made all the concrete-stained legs, dripping sweat, heat, and brick-carrying worthwhile. In Arusha, we had the opportunity to meet some incredible people of Green Paw Adventures and I am still in contact with my new friends 8,000 miles away. MARIA IS AMAZING! All the staff and guides know how to make you feel at home and are always looking out for you. They know how to make this experience even more amazing and fun. I never felt homesick knowing they were with me. I will never forget this amazing experience and encourage anyone with the opportunity to take a trip with GIVE. My life has completely changed and I am forever grateful.

The opportunity to volunteer and travel with GIVE was the best experience of my life. A little over two weeks ago, I got on a plane to go to Tanzania. I knew this experience was one I wanted to have, but I had no idea the impact it would have on my entire life and mindset. My trip was nothing short of incredible, breathtaking, and eye-opening. Although part of the experience includes working with the locals to help teach them English, they taught me so many more meaningful lessons. Overall, my favorite part was connecting with these locals. My conversations with them allowed me to grow and open up to new perspectives. Two things I learned from them that really stuck with me include the phrase "Hakuna Matata," and the idea of living the most simplistic yet happiest life. Everywhere we travelled, the locals would always say to us "Hakuna Matata." They try to live life with no worries, brushing off the little things that are no use to be fussed over. The people we formed connections with were the most happy and welcoming people, and they radiated joy at all times. You begin your trip in Zanzibar in a village full of these beautiful people I just described. The staff and local boys are amazing, and everyone makes you feel safe and at home. You end your trip in Arusha, volunteering with a women's co-operative, going on a coffee tour, and the coolest 2 day safari full of elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and infinitely more! The people you volunteer with, as well as all of the staff, will become your family- and there is nothing more special than the bonds formed within the GIVE family. By going on this trip, you become one of the roots of change and realize you can make a difference in the world. There is no better feeling than working with a community, and growing alongside of them. The meals are delicious, the transportation is smooth and safe, and the accommodations are perfect! I could go on forever about how much I recommend this trip and how much I learned and grew from it. I wish I could re-do this trip over and over again!!!

GIVE has an absolutely amazing message that is conveyed through and through in their Tanzanian adventure. There aren’t the right words to describe the experience I had in Tanzania but here’s to trying. The people on Zanzibar, from the staff, the locals in Kairo, to the people in Arusha and on the safaris, they all had such beautiful souls that were so passionate about being the root of change. Every person I encountered on this trip saw humans as humans, nothing more. Every human is privileged to have the life they do and I took that for granted before I met all those beautiful people. A souvenir shop worker knocked over all the figurines after I got worried for knocking one over because they truly live by the saying “Hakuna Matata” and are enjoying life for what it is and that’s what I plan to do from here on out. I am a better person because of GIVE and the experience I was honored enough to go on. Everyone would be impacted by going on a trip or this sorts, even in just a small way but one small action of change can make the world of a difference for one person and create a ripple of change. You truly have everything when you have happiness and that is so evident in all of the people I met on my trip. The people working in, with, and out or GIVE have everything because they are happy, even if they have so little. Be the root of change, even if it’s just little, it matters.