Unforgettable Experience in Nepal with GIVE Volunteers

Volunteering with GIVE Volunteers provides an amazing experience that I think is truly impossible to find anywhere else. I volunteered on the Nepal trip in May of 2018 with an incredible group of individuals from all over the United States and even Australia (shoutout to Amy!). One of the aspects I love the most about the GIVE program is its desire to not only make an impact through volunteering and service, but to expose you to different cultural experiences. Seeing the Boudhanath Stupa (a UNESCO World Heritage site) in Kathmandu was easily one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Waking up to a view of the Himalayas nearly every morning wasn't the worst thing ever, either!

The vibrant colors--in the prayer flags, the food, the different cities--reflect the personalities of the Nepalese people. Not only we were extremely well-taken care of by the GIVE guides, the Nepalese people also went very out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed and were experiencing Nepal to the fullest. GIVE allows its volunteers to make genuine connections with the Nepalese citizens whether it be through laying brick together on the homes we worked to repair, doing a homestay with a local Nepalese family, or simply spending time together having fun, I felt like I learned so much about the culture by being able to form relationships with these people.

Both the volunteering and adventuring are very rewarding. After days of volunteering, I felt very proud to be able step back and admire the impactful difference we had made in creating something so important. Being able to white-water raft down a river also instilled a sense of confidence in me, and I'll never forget the jokes and stories we told as we glided through the water.

Going to a foreign country can feel nerve-wracking, but I can honestly say volunteering with GIVE has been one of the most special experiences in my life. I use the lessons I learned about becoming a global citizen daily, and I'd love the opportunity to attend another trip. You could not ask for more respectful, fun-loving guides or a more amazing experience. If you have the chance to attend one of these trips, DO IT!