Claire
My personal experience with GIVE
I went on a trip with GIVE in 2023 to Tanzania. I want to preface with the fact that all of the staff and people who work for GIVE were very kind and accommodating. I will also say that I had a very good time on the trip. It’s super well organized and the activities they plan for you are great. However, if you’re looking for a chance to properly experience a culture and to volunteer, there are other ways to do so which cost a fraction of what GIVE requires you pay. It may take a bit of research online, but there are definitely programs out there that will house you and allow you to stay for various durations. AIESEC is an example of a student run association which has chapters worldwide which is focused on global exchanges and leadership. If you’re interested in religion, you could even look into ministries abroad. My Swiss cousin has volunteered numerous times in countries like Uganda and Tanzania where she goes to care for children for practically FREE. This isn’t a coincidence. I think that in the US, we are an easy target demographic for companies like GIVE because we don’t question international trips when they cost a small fortune. With how much we already pay for our college tuitions, who better to convince to pay thousands of dollars for two week trips abroad to get a glimpse of other cultures than young Americans? I spent at least $5,000 for my two week trip, including airfare. It’s clear that most of the money probably went into paying GIVE’s staff, the excursions themselves, and funding their local projects. You pay to participate and for GIVE sorting out the logistics. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, then for sure go for it! Absolutely nothing wrong with it. I would say it’s much more about sustainable tourism than anything else! But to call it a true volunteering experience, I’m not sure I would venture so far as to say that. Personally, I feel like that’s more of a marketing ploy to reel in young Americans (and occasionally people from other places) looking to get out of their comfort zones. It feels more altruistic to be called a “volunteer” than a “sustainable tourist”. Better for marketing and for convincing parents and relatives to help pay for the trip. So, would I recommend GIVE Volunteers? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. All in all, I considered it to be a very cool trip with fun excursions. We went on a safari, snorkeling with dolphins, on walking tours, to a spice farm, got to meet and support locals etc. I had a lot of fun. However, I’d recommend you look at different options if you’re interested in more traditional volunteering experiences for much less money where you do more of the logistics legwork.
Response from GIVE VolunteersJul 28, 2026
Hi Claire, Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We genuinely appreciate you recognizing our staff, the organization of the program, and that you had a great experience in Tanzania. We’re especially glad you enjoyed the people, wildlife, and cultural experiences that make East Africa so special. We also appreciate your perspective on cost and the role of volunteering within our programs. It’s an important conversation, and one we welcome. You’re absolutely right that there are organizations around the world offering volunteer placements at a much lower cost, particularly for more experienced travelers who are looking primarily for accommodation and a volunteer opportunity. Those programs can be a great fit for the right person. GIVE, however, is intentionally designed to offer something different. Our programs combine community-based volunteering with immersive cultural exchange, responsible adventure travel, reflection, leadership development, and comprehensive support before, during, and after the trip. In addition to project funding, program fees cover accommodations, all meals & drinking water, ground transportation, local guides, experienced international staff, cultural activities, adventure experiences, risk management, emergency support, extensive pre-departure preparation, and year-round program development. We recognize that this isn’t the least expensive way to travel, but it is the experience we’ve intentionally chosen to create. As you mentioned, a significant portion of those fees also supports our community partners year-round. That includes fair wages for our local staff and guides, long-term partnerships with community organizations, and ongoing investment in projects that continue whether volunteers are present or not. We’re incredibly grateful to travelers like you for helping make that possible. One example is Skuli Ya Kairo GIVE, the school you supported. What began as a community vision has grown over many years into the #1-ranked school in its district and #3 in its region. While no single volunteer can claim credit for achievements like that, we’re proud that thousands of travelers, local educators, and community members have contributed to its long-term success together. One point we’d also like to address is your comment about young Americans being “easy targets.” We see our participants very differently. They are thoughtful people who choose to invest their travel dollars in local families, educators, conservation initiatives, community projects, and personal growth, rather than more conventional forms of tourism. Throughout our programs, we make a conscious effort to explore the complexities of global development, responsible travel, and the limitations of short-term volunteer experiences. Our goal has never been to suggest that a two-week trip can solve systemic challenges. Rather, we hope it provides meaningful context, fosters authentic relationships, and inspires participants to become more active global citizens long after they return home. If that message didn’t fully come across during your experience, that’s valuable feedback for us, and we’ll continue looking for ways to communicate it more effectively. In fact, many of our alumni go on to pursue longer-term opportunities like Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, international careers, graduate study, and other forms of service. We see GIVE not as the finish line, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of global engagement. Thank you again for traveling with us and for sharing your honest perspective. While we may view some aspects of the experience differently, we’re grateful you chose to spend part of your journey with us and wish you all the best in wherever your travels and service take you next.