GIVE VolunteersReviews of givevolunteers.org

It was the first real time I put myself into an unknown situation, let myself really have an adventure without holding back. Everything was a new experience and I'll treasure it forever.

The leaders were absolutely amazing! They never failed to make me feel comfortable and safe! The whole trip was incredible! I experienced things I never would have dreamed of doing, and it was better than the dream! They made it so easy to plan and follow through, and always gave us all the information for day to day. 100/10 experience would highly recommend!

This trip was one of the best things I have done in my life. I had such an incredible time in Tanzania. The guides, both American and Zanzibarian, were friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. I learned so much! I love that GIVE actually talks to and works with the places that they send volunteers to so that we can best help the people with what they actually want and need, and we take the lead from them in terms of projects and work. Definitely was worth the money that I spent on the trip, and I think that everyone would be better off if they could go on a GIVE trip at least once.

GIVE gave me such an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. I went on the Hawaii trip and I can’t explain how lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful culture there as well as make life long friends. Not only did I learn how important it is to travel sustainably, but l also learned the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture. Getting to hear the amazing stories and experiences from the local natives brought so much more meaning to the projects we were working on. Getting to go through this journey with such amazing, like-minded people really made this trip so memorable. Honestly this was the best decision ever and I can’t wait to go on my next GIVE trip!

Give is such an amazing organization. I had one of the best experiences traveling abroad with them. I saw so many new things and learned a great deal along the way. I was able to help and support local communities. Getting to be down in the depths of the ocean, as well as visiting the tallest mountain in Thailand and getting kissed by an elephant , will be memories that I will forever cherish! I definitely want to travel with Give once again.

I really liked my experience, my first trip I went to krabi to scuba dive and I had Hannah, nice and Seth as my guides and each one had a unique personality that made up the best trio of guides they were all amazing. I really enjoyed my scuba diving in krabi and all the activities and people I’ve met. For my second half of my trip I traveled to Chiang Mai for the elephant trip and again when I thought it couldn’t get better I had Vic as my guide and I really loved her she completely matched my energy and one of the best guides by far. I did enjoy my trip with the elephants however, the whole program was a bit underwhelming in the end. Don’t get me wrong I did learn a bit and I loved getting the experience to touch an elephant, but I had expectations, such as I thought it would be more hands on meaning I thought we would do more to help elephants or at least look after them more, the only time we did that through the whole trip was probably day two in the elephants roam free village, I did have the best part of the trip there, we got to hand feed and also bathe with the elephants and even clean after their huts where they slept, that day was amazing and I just thought that was the beginning of it and I was excited to be more involved, however the rest of the trip just consisted of hikes to observe elephants from a distance which I honestly didn’t mind. I love hiking and getting to see a free elephant is reward in itself, but I thought I would be doing more to help elephants personally rather then just the idea of paying money for the trip which helps them, I know that the ones we saw were retired and are in a no touch sanctuary, I can respect that. But it just made the rest of the trip kinda underwhelming and quite boring. The best way it could’ve been better was for more hands on experiences, I’m a vet tech myself so personally I wanted to learn more about elephant health care and day to day activities and if there was ways we could help out. But regardless I still enjoyed my time, I appreciated being in a new country and getting to see such beautiful creatures in their natural habitat, I had a great time and I don’t regret it. I loved the guides and the people I met so what more can I ask for.

Working with Give was a wonderful way to travel, while experiencing new cultures and challenges. I met so many wonderful new people who I will hopefully know for a long time.

My recent GIVE trip to Zanzibar was nothing short of extraordinary—an experience that transcended mere travel and delved deep into cultural immersion and global citizenship. From the moment we set foot on this mesmerizing island, every aspect of our journey was meticulously crafted to blend learning, community impact, and personal growth. Zanzibar welcomed us with open arms, offering a tapestry of cultures that enriched our understanding of diversity. Through interactions with locals, we not only embraced Swahili traditions but also shared our own cultural heritage. This exchange fostered mutual respect and appreciation, reminding us of the beauty in our differences. Exploring the intersection of economic policies and tourism was eye-opening. We saw firsthand how sustainable tourism practices can uplift communities while preserving natural resources. Engaging with local entrepreneurs and learning about their challenges underscored the importance of responsible travel—a lesson that will resonate long after our journey. What started as a group of 20 strangers quickly evolved into a tight-knit family. Together, we tackled challenges, celebrated victories, and forged bonds that transcended borders. Sharing meals, stories, and laughter created memories that will forever unite us as global citizens. Our journey extended beyond personal growth to making a meaningful impact. Through community projects and volunteer work, we contributed to initiatives that empower locals and promote sustainable development. The warmth and hospitality of the Zanzibari people, who welcomed us into their homes and hearts, reinforced the transformative power of human connection. Zanzibar taught us what it means to be a global citizen—to embrace cultural diversity, advocate for sustainable practices, and share knowledge with humility and respect. Each encounter, whether with a fellow traveler or a local artisan, reaffirmed our commitment to fostering positive change in the world. My GIVE trip to Zanzibar was more than just a journey; it was a profound exploration of culture, community, and compassion. It highlighted the transformative impact of stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing new perspectives. As I return home, I carry with me not only memories of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures but also a renewed sense of purpose—to continue learning, sharing, and advocating for a more interconnected world. In essence, Zanzibar has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the power of travel to inspire, educate, and unite.