Reply from GIVE VolunteersSep 2, 2026
Hi Jordy,
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We understand that GIVE's programs and pricing will not be the right fit for every traveler, and we always encourage people to compare options and choose the experience that best aligns with what they're looking for.
We do want to clarify a few points from your review, particularly the suggestion that GIVE resembles a scam. As you acknowledge at the end of your review, our trips are real and have a meaningful impact in the communities where we work. GIVE has been operating programs since 2011, with more than 13,000 travelers participating and over 3,000 five-star reviews from past participants and families.
Our pricing reflects a very different model from simply booking inexpensive accommodations and traveling independently. Program fees cover accommodations, three meals per day and clean drinking water, in-country transportation, airport transfers, volunteer projects and project funding, cultural experiences, adventure activities, local guides, experienced GIVE guides, 24/7 support, risk management and emergency response, extensive pre-departure preparation, and the year-round work required to develop and sustain our programs and community partnerships. International airfare, travel insurance, and personal expenses are separate, and we are transparent about that before anyone books.
The approximately $15,000 package referenced in your review also deserves some context. That is not the cost of a typical GIVE trip. It is an optional combination of multiple programs that allows someone to travel through six countries over approximately ten weeks. Most participants instead choose an individual program lasting roughly one to two weeks, or combine a smaller number of trips.
You're also correct that we provide fundraising ideas, including the grilled cheese example! Our Fundraising Toolkit includes more than 100 ideas, and they're all based on actual success stories from past GIVE travelers who found creative ways to fund their experiences. They range from crowdfunding and sponsorship outreach to community events, side hustles, and unconventional ideas like selling grilled cheese outside a bar. We share them precisely because they've worked for real travelers. Nobody is expected to fundraise or use any particular strategy, but we want students who may not have the money readily available to see what's been possible for others in their position.
We also recognize that an experienced independent traveler could visit many of these countries for less money. GIVE is intentionally designed for people seeking something different: a fully supported experience combining long-term community partnerships, volunteer projects, cultural immersion, responsible adventure travel, education, and a group of like-minded travelers.
We appreciate that, despite deciding the experience wasn't for you, you recognized that our programs are legitimate and can have a major impact on the communities involved. We respect your decision that the value proposition didn't make sense for you, but we hope this provides some additional context for others evaluating whether GIVE is the right fit for them.
