GIVE Volunteers Avis 

The trip was amazing and gave a full view of all parts of elephant life. It also immersed you in Thai culture through the lives of the local guides. So many friendships were made and every day was so much fun.

This was an inspiring, unforgettable, and life changing experience. I had so many amazing experiences with the guides, the locals, and my fellow volunteers that I will treasure for a lifetime. I went to Thailand expecting to meet fun people and go on cool excursions, like caving and elephant trekking, but I left with so much more than that. I was given the opportunity to live among locals and experience their culture in a way that I had never imagined. I learned that where many Americans think people live difficult and unhappy lives, people are actually much happier and able to support themselves just using the world around them and living sustainably. This trip did contain hard parts, like farming and building a greenhouse, and enduring difficult weather conditions like extreme heat and rain, so if you are not up for it, it might not be the best fit. However, if you are willing to look past few inconveniences, it is worth it to watch the communities you visit benefit from your hard work and use these experiences to improve your own life. I would 100% recommend it to anyone searching for an incredible experience.

WILD was truly an amazing experience. This was my first Give trip and to be quite honest, when the time came to start packing for this trip I was regretting it. But Give proved me SO incredibly wrong. This was the most influential, beautiful, life-filling trip for me. Expanding my leadership is something I don't casually do, especially as as student I just go about my days...but being in Meany Lodge with this wonderful group of humans and even more awesome guides Carly Jo and John was something I will never forget! I mean seriously, all the laughs, the inspiring stories, and true connection was something that changed my perspective on life. I am so excited to do another trip soon!

Give provides an amazing, welcoming and immersive environment to all of its participants. I went on the Lao trip this winter and I'm so glad I did! It was my first major trip out of the country and being with a group of peers made it so much less stressful and an incredibly fun way to travel for the first time. The guides are fountains of knowledge and I can't imagine organizing a trip like this without their insight and familiarity with the area. This trip was so rewarding in innumerable ways and I encourage anyone on the fence to take the leap of faith!!

The guides on this trip were so helpful the whole time, they truly want you to have a great experience. The experiences are so meaningful and they truly changed my life.

Traveling with GIVE was a once in a lifetime experience! Everyone was soo amazing and I learned so much and experienced so many cool things! Traveling with a purpose was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

GIVE is such an amazing program! I went to Costa Rica this winter break and it was absolutely life changing!

I just came back from my second GIVE trip...and all I have to say is each one will change your life in a unique and beautiful way. I am so thankful that this org exists as a way to travel responsibly and in a way that respects the people, culture, and economy. These experiences will last your whole life!

Wow, is Give Volunteer special!
This company provided a safe, positive, welcoming, and motivating environment for my month long adventure in Southeast Asia! Words cant describe how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to travel to both Thailand and Laos! The trips included inspiring guides with endless knowledge and welcoming energy, unforgettable endeavors in caves, rivers, villages, and more, and a packed yet organized itinerary! I truly felt safe the entire trip which helped me be present in the culture and activities! I learned so much more than I even imagined about permaculture, teaching english, Buddhism, and more. Not only were the guides amazing but all of the participants and I became family! This program is set up to encourage likeminded people to come together to make the world a better place. I encourage anyone considering taking a leap of faith to attend a Give trip, you will not regret it:)

I have always dreamt of going scuba diving, and when I saw that there was an open spot for a trip to get my PADI Open Water Certification in Hawai'i, I knew I had to fulfill my childhood dream. And wow, I am so incredibly grateful that I made the choice to do so.

In the 7 days that I was on the Big Island, I was able to learn how to skilfully breathe underwater thanks to my incredible diving instructor Kay with Kohala Divers, a highly respected 5 Star PADI dive center. On top of my Open Water, I got three diving specializations: PADI Aware, CoralHealth Survey Chart, and Dive Against Debris -- all of which provided me with the tools and skills I needed to become a successful diver and engaged ocean advocate. Because my trip took place over whale season (in the winter/spring), I was able to hear the calls of nearby whales while underwater -- something I will never forget. That experience, along with diving alongside a beautiful hawksbill sea turtle, sparked an intense passion within me for diving that I will pursue for the rest of my life.

My guides on the trip: Jordan, Hannah, Traven, and Ella, played such a big role in allowing my trip to be as impactful as it was. I will always cherish the relationships that I made with my fellow dive buddies, guides, and everyone else who I met on my trip. A hui hou!

This was my second trip with GIVE and it did not disappoint in the slightest! Each day of the trip I was challenged to seek discomfort and map my own journey, all while having the support from EVERYONE around me. The balance between volunteering and adventure was perfect. Zip lining through the jungle and white water rafting down the Pacuare River were absolutely exhilarating. Volunteering at Finca las Hormigas and in the local town of Gandoca expanded my perspective and fueled a deep desire to make a meaningful impact.

Originally, I planned this trip, not knowing what I was getting into and then after living the experiences that I did, I couldn’t imagine not traveling with GIVE and I am already planning my next trip with them. I absolutely love the community that we get to build with fellow volunteers And the local people. This was the most memorable experience that I have ever had in my lifetime.

I have a lot of love for Africa and always love going back. From the culture, to the people, the land, and of course the wild animals. It’s a different lifestyle and not much is known about Africa because it’s not the usual place people go to “get away”. Africa to me has always been a new experience every time I go.

Our main guide Faith/Kasha, was phenomenal. Mature, knowledgeable, respectful, had logistics down and all around always there if anyone had any issues. The local guides were on it, and knew what had to be done.

It was a great community of people and not something I have experienced before and I honestly really enjoyed it. Work days. Adventure days. It was all very much worth it. I’m definitely interested in more like this

Overall, the trip was fun and our group got to learn new things about elephants and learn new people on the way.
We went hiking in the jungle with the elephants, we're blessed by a Buddhist Monk at the local temples and learn about the Karen tribe. Would go again, had a blast while I was there!

The community and the people who were met made this experience amazing. The impact of interacting with the local residents and seeing them ecstatic of volunteers being there shows that GIVE makes a difference.

I had A BLAST with my whole group!! And my instructors!! It was my first trip with GIVE. We did so many super fun activities, and learned so much about the elephants and what is required to care for them. I'm so grateful for the time and effort the instructors and their team put into each trip! Would definitely go with them again!

I went on my first GIVE trip in 2022. I did the Southeast Asia program that spans almost 1 month through Thailand and Laos. I originally found GIVE through TikTok and was slightly worried about the legitimacy of a program that seemed so relatable and "too good to be true." I was absolutely blown away by the experience and have since recommended this volunteer opportunity to anyone and everyone that was willing to listen!! The itinerary you receive once signing up for the trip seems vague initially. It isn't until you actually attend the trip will you know the extent of the impact your group is able to have. From connecting with locals and learning about ethical tourism, to perfectly planned excursions and team bonding, you are in for an experience that will truly change your entire perspective on life. Yes, I know it sounds cliche but it couldn't be more true. If you are on the fence, take the leap of faith and you will truly have the experience of a lifetime. GIVE is a special community of people that offers so much more than just travel... it's a shift in perspective, it grounds you in the beautiful reality of life outside your own and challenges you beyond measure. It will make you feel more empowered and capable and connected than just about anything else possibly could. If you are looking to help change the way tourism is viewed, by working with like-minded people, meeting local communities where they are, working with community leaders to make lasting, sustainable impacts on the lives you touch, GIVE is the right program for you. I have been on their PNW WILD trip as well, and plan on doing the Latin American program within the next year. I am on the older end of people who normally attend these trips, it is mostly geared toward 17-24ish year olds, college age. But absolutely has the potential to reach wider audiences and expand into an older demographic of volunteer personnel.

The area we stayed was soo beautiful. The beaches and sunsets were so amazing I don't think I will ever forget my whole life. I started to feel an understanding grow for new experiences and lifestyles and even more, I grew to understand myself.
Meeting people, hearing their stories and connecting with them is what drives me. The stories and connections we made while on this trip will NEVER leave me. And thats what i am most thankful for, and is the hardest part to put into words.
Give a trip a try and it will change your life.

Going on a GIVE trip was hands down the best decision I've ever made. My first trip was to Tanzania where I was greeted by the MOST friendly and welcoming people I've ever met. Every single guide was so kind and accommodating, I seriously couldn't have asked for a better group. But what really changed everything for me were the life changing discussions we had each night. Every discussion left me questioning myself, my purpose, my career, and every decision I've ever made. So much so that when I came home from Tanzania, I changed my major, studied abroad twice, went to visit my friends in Tanzania, and booked another GIVE trip. I just wanted to keep chasing the feeling that GIVE GAVE me. GIVE taught me so much more than I could've imagined. From how to travel responsibly, to the type of people I should surround myself with, and to how to question each decision or purchase I make.

Take it from me, someone who's now preparing for GIVE trip number 6, it's worth it. Book the flight, take that leap, and be the change.