Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand: Environmental Conservation, Education & Elephant Trekking

If you are ever questioning whether this GIVE is for you, I hope this will help. Going to Thailand was probably the best thing I could’ve done cause it showed me not just how much I can push myself, but also taught me how to be a global citizen. How to respect and learn about cultures and people in the best way possible. GIVE allows you to meet people like you and allows you, no matter how small, to plant a seed of change, not just in the communities that you visit but also in yourself. The world is full of beauty and kindness, you just have to be willing to see it.

Where do I even begin… when describing my trip to Thailand through give it leaves me almost speechless as I reminisce on all the opportunities, lessons, adventures, and feelings I get thinking about it. The guides are such authentic humans who hold so much passion and knowledge for the Thai culture and everything in between. Prior to my trip I’ve never traveled alone, let alone by myself out of the country, but the moment my feet were grounded in chiang mai, I have never felt safer and more present. This trip taught me so much about myself, the environment, Thai culture, human interactions, growth opportunities, and so so many insightful perspectives. I cannot express enough the gratitude I hold towards the give program and all their guides for believing in us and showing us how to truly live open minded and present. I warn you now, once you go, you’ll never want to come back home!!! Take the leap out of your comfort zone and join a give trip… it’s the trip of a lifetime 🫰🏼🫶🏼

This trip was perfect in absolutely every aspect, it was more than I ever expected it to be! They planned out every second of our time and are so organized with each thing we had to do with and amazing timely manner. Each day was filled with new adventures and I enjoyed the layout of the itinerary because it had several exciting experiences for us, but it also provided us with some downtime to relax and reflect on the activities we do and teachings we learn. The guides were one of the best parts of being on this trip because they made each moment special and memorable while also feeding us so much information about their local culture! It was the best part of my life and I would do this time and time again!!!

GIVE is an absolutely incredible organization and you would be silly to chose anyone else. When you travel with GIVE you are fully immersed in the culture, you live and feel like a local. With GIVE you get experiences like no other tourist will ever get, you get to do good by volunteering in your host communities while having fun too! I was transformed by my time in Southeast Asia with GIVE, I got to experience a culture completely different from the one I was raised in a safe and meaningful way. When traveling I became apart of the communities we were volunteering in and I felt like I was family to these communities that had only known me for a few days to weeks and it was so wonderful. GIVE has opened my minded to a whole new world of possibilities, they have shown me through a number of experiences how amazing it can feel going outside your comfort zone - it is there that life truly begins! I urge you if you are unsure or on the edge about traveling with GIVE just do it, take that leap of faith, it will be the best decision you ever make!

Such an amazing experience, it’s honestly hard to put into words. Give fully immerses you in the cultures you visit and gives you opportunities that you won’t get traveling with anyone else. They push you out of your comfort zone and encourage growth while providing the safe environment needed for it. I 10000% recommend Give to anyone thinking about it. Do it!!! You get to stay in villages and meet the locals. You try new foods and have all of these new experiences. You explore caves and hike mountains. The views are literally insane. My camera role is so full of such amazing pictures. You also get the opportunity to teach English to the children in the village which was such an incredible experience and I already want to go back!

This past May I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand with GIVE volunteers, a non-profit organization dedicated “to inspire growth, empower global citizens, and ignite sustainable change worldwide”. This trip was an immersion in the remote hill-tribe communities of Northern Thailand for two weeks. As a team of young adults, we focused on sustainable agriculture, English education, and elephant conservation.

At the end of the trip, when our guide Chelsey Deacon asked us on our last night together, what was your “aha moment”? I wanted to prioritize sharing my gratitude for discovering and giving back to my heritage, although I realized being with these amazing and kindhearted people held space for me to have this experience. I learned how the loving Thai community allowed us to quickly grow to know and love each other’s souls and hearts, and now I understand why my grandmother's heart still lies in Thailand.

Hi!!! Give has changed my life. I was at a point where I was lost and all I was waiting for was this trip. I was counting down the days until I left. When it came close to the trip I honestly
got so nervous. When I finally arrived everyone was so welcoming, including the guides. I have made so many lifelong friends from this. Give volunteers offers so many great programs, that are life changing and give everyone the experience of a life time. I would HIGHLY recommend the Thailand experience. Thank you Give. Thank you Thailand.

This experience is incredibly unique, as you’re not just traveling as a tourist, but as a global citizen immersed in the country that you’re volunteering in. Traveling with local guides allows you to really dive deep into a better understanding of Thai culture and its importance and value in our world. Each activity and experience we did was enriching and extremely enjoyable. Volunteering gives you new perspectives and is incredibly rewarding in all aspects. I thoroughly enjoyed these moments as much as if not more than any of the touristy excursions. What’s more is the people you meet and the lessons you learn along the way. I have learned so much from each of them and have returned to my country extremely grateful for this life that we all get to live together. A truly unforgettable experience. I highly highly recommend.