GIVE VolunteersReviews of givevolunteers.org

Being on this experience with a group of like-minded individuals made my trip so special. I found a community that helped me push myself outside of my comfort zone, which only made me feel more empowered and helped me realize I can do anything I set my mind to. It was so rewarding seeing how much postive change our group was able to make in local communities. I am so grateful to GIVE for giving me the opportunity to travel with purpose. I can't wait for my next GIVE trip!

When I first found out about GIVE, I was a little worried. I have never done anything like this before and it would be with a bunch of strangers. I didn’t think I would be able to make friends and have all of these experiences in the matter of one week. Little did I know I have became a part of this family with memories that last a life time and I was taught the right way to traveling. Seeing the before and after of your work on this trip makes you feel something magical. Even though you are just one person in a world of many, you have helped an entire community and have brought smiles to others, and even bringing a smile to your own face. You learn of a new way of living, you see other perspectives and you may even face your fears of bugs. To end this review of, whatever reason it is that your here and reading these reviews, just know that there is a reason your here and this GIVE trip might just solve all your problems.

First, I want to address a few concerns that some people I met had about the Laos GIVE trip. The trip cost and traveling across the world alone. I believe that this experience was invaluable and it was something that I will forever hold close to my heart. If cost is a problem for you I would recommend fundraising for your trip. I appreciate being informed during my trip of where my money was going. The logistics like accommodations, transportation, food and activities are all covered with the trip price. Most importantly, GIVE does a wonderful job of using those funds to support local businesses and people everywhere you go throughout the trip. By going on this trip you get to support the local people of Laos so they can provide for their families and make a living. One thing I appreciate about GIVE is that they push you out of your comfort zone. During this trip you will experience personal growth, discover new insights about the world and gain a fresh and meaningful outlook on life. Traveling across the world to a country you know nothing about can be intimidating, but once you arrive in Laos you will be greeted by the nicest guides that will make you feel like you are home. Also, you get to meet other like-minded volunteers that you will get very close with on the trip. There has been so much to reflect on after returning home from the Laos GIVE trip. The local guides make this experience so special by having connections and relationships with people in the communities that you visit. Experiencing the Lao culture was an incredible adventure. The kindness and warmth of the people make you feel welcomed, like you're in a second home. Their genuine hospitality creates a special bond. You'll stay in a remote village for the majority of the trip, where you'll be fully immersed into the culture and live alongside the locals. You will have the chance to teach English to kids, helping create a brighter future for them. You'll also get involved in local projects like permaculture and construction work that makes you feel like you are a part of something greater than yourself. Along with all of that, you'll get to experience the everyday lives of the men and women of the village that work hard to weave, fish and farm rice. You'll learn so much from the locals and guides about the history, traditions, and way of life of the village. You'll encounter a different way of life, characterized by hard work and resilience. Though it can be challenging, its clear how much joy they find in their simplicity. The strong sense of community is something you'll never forget, and the love they have for one another is evident. Their lifestyle is genuinely inspiring, and I hope to bring a piece of that back to my own community. The bonds and connections I formed with the locals will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that if I return, I'll always have another home away from home. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life changing experience!

This was the most impactful and educational trip I have ever been on! I had so much fun while learning about conservation for many different topics, like elephant conservation and coral conservation. I have never experienced anything like travelling with GIVE, and I will remember it forever!

I have now done two trips through GIVE to Costa Rica and Tanzania. They have both been the most life changing, empowering, transformative experiences. Being able to travel with a purpose and meet like-minded people has been so incredibly special. The guides I have had are absolutely amazing. They truly care about each volunteer and their well-being, and the local guides are so happy to share their home and culture with you. It is an experience like no other, being able to actually immerse yourself in the local culture and get to truly know the community. They do a perfect mix of volunteer work and fun activities, and are always working to make it educational and impactful!

GIVE's Tanzania program is a fantastic two-week trip where you learn about the culture and wildlife from a local community. I signed up for the trip because of all of the recommendations from my past guides and fellow volunteers and it defied my expectations! On the first day and throughout the trip, we learned about the history of Zanzibar and had opportunities to learn about Kairo and the people who live there. We spent 8 days in Kairo on Zanzibar, getting to know the locals, eating delicious food cooked by Chef Anaur, teaching English, and doing construction. There was an adventure day between each two days of education and construction, and the trip ended with two days of safari in mainland Tanzania. I'm especially grateful for Kasha, Smile, Tahla, BigHead, Amore, MC, Cau, and Baboi for being excellent guides and staff who taught me about the culture and supported me throughout the trip!

This GIVE experience changed my life and was completely unforgettable. Our guides, P’Chiarra, P’Dee, P’Pohn Pohn and P’Anne made this trip magical and so so special. It taught me the importance of ethical tourism and that we all have to do our part in educating ourselves on these issues that could hurt our beautiful world. It helped me realize that I could be part of a smaller ripple that could make a bigger wave. I plan to share my experience to inspire others by educating others about ecotourism and the mission that GIVE dedicates themselves too. I want others to be able to see experience everything me and my group did and see how beautiful our world can be when we step out of our comfort zones and take that leap. Thank you GIVE for the best trip of my entire life and for changing the perspective of my life. This company made me realize how I want to move forward with my own career and do my own part in this mission.

This trip was life-changing! I learned so much about myself and the world, inspiring me to continue making a difference in the lives of others and the planet. Leaving the trip, I came home with immense knowledge, unforgettable memories, and lifelong friends.