GIVE VolunteersReviews of givevolunteers.org

Honestly the best 2 weeks of my life. I had a blast and have made many memories on this trip I will never forget. First of all, the guides were awesome and amazing people. Very friendly, easy to to talk to, and always checking up on you and making sure you are having fun. The group I was with were also amazing and always had excellent energy throughout the whole trip. Everyone was willing to connect, share stories, play games, and let their authenticity show. I really loved the way the trip was organized and scheduled. We knew what time to wake up, go to sleep, when we were going to do our activities, etc. It was very educational and I learned a lot about the people, the culture, the environment, and the problems the country faces. I loved the diversity in activities and how we actually connected and exchanged cultural ideas with locals in rural communities that you don’t usually get to see. Overall, a 10/10. Would totally go on another trip in the future!

My overall experience was excellent! I really felt like a family in the community through our various community service activities such as painting houses, releasing baby sea turtles, teaching English to the local kids, and participating in beach clean ups. I really enjoyed feeling welcomed into the country by the locals and not simply feeling as a disconnected tourist. Nicaragua is a beautiful country and I am so glad GIVE allowed me the opportunity to experience it in the way I did and really feel connected with the locals. If I were to have traveled on my own to Nicaragua, it wouldn't have been the same. All of the transportation (aside from flights) was taken care of by the organization which made the trip stress free! We went from a small fishing town Jiquilillo, to the City of Leon to Volcan Telica, to Cerro Negro, to Laguna de Apoyo, and ended it in Managua before we went home. I recommend traveling with give at least once in your life to truly experience the culture to where you're traveling to.

Every day was packed full of fun and educational activities! The guides did absolutely everything to make the trip go smoothly and to ensure you were enjoying the trip to the fullest. Overall the trip was organized extremely well and I felt prepared everyday for the events that lied ahead. This trip truly gives you an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and experience new things.

GIVE was a great experience. I went on a trip with them to Tanzania mainland, and it'll truly be something I'll never forget. It was an honor to talk with the local tribes, seeing a new way of life. It was such an opportunity to help plant mangroves and cook with the locals and learn about their culture. I highly recommend booking a trip to Tanzania to change your perspective on life.

Life-changing experience. If you’re having doubts, sign up. I got back from the Costa Rica trip a week ago, and I still can’t stop thinking about the deep human connection, memories, and sustainable impact I left on another country. We got the chance to swim in natural pools, go ziplining beside a volcano, witness sloths and spider monkeys in cloud forests, go whitewater rafting in class III and IV rapids, and so much more. Even more valuable was the volunteer work we were able to do. We stayed for four days at Finca las Hormigas, a permaculture farm dedicated to regenerative soil practices and ecosystem balance. From learning about the three components of healthy soil and crossing tree bridges to pick lemons, to sifting and shoveling compost, every action had a goal in mind: to use that soil to cultivate the fruit trees of Gandoca School, a local elementary school, and to teach the elementary schoolers about regenerative agricultural practices. First time in my life that I was able to combine my love of travel with being a part of a sustainable global revolution! Loved it so much!! This will be one of your core memories so just do it. Sign up, take the trip, and be inspired by like-minded individuals who have a goal to be the roots of change!

GIVE 🌳 I don’t think I could ever fully express how grateful I am. My recent volunteer trip to Costa Rica opened my eyes to an incredible amount of compassion, resilience, and gratitude for everything I am blessed with in my everyday life. This experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and challenged me in ways I never expected. Throughout this journey, I learned that I am capable of stepping outside my comfort zone and enduring difficult moments—whether it was not being able to contact home every day or rewearing cold, wet socks. While these challenges seemed small at first, they taught me patience, adaptability, and appreciation for the present moment. One of the most impactful lessons I learned was about permaculture and sustainability, particularly how much of Costa Rica’s soil has been severely depleted. Years of harsh chemical use—especially fertilizers and pesticides used in large-scale banana and plantain farming—have stripped the soil of its natural nutrients. Seeing this firsthand helped me understand how deeply these practices affect not only the land, but also the people, wildlife, and communities that depend on it. Learning sustainable farming methods showed me how healing the land is possible through intentional care and respect for nature. Most importantly, this experience reshaped my understanding of what it means to be rich. Wealth is not measured by money or material possessions, but by happiness, connection, and community. I learned that children do not need social media, name-brand items, or material things to feel fulfilled. True happiness comes from being surrounded by a loving family, a supportive community, and a strong connection to the earth. Planting a fruit tree, allowing it to grow naturally, and nurturing it over time is its own form of wealth. This experience has left a lasting impact on my heart, and I will carry these lessons with me for the rest of my life.

Oh my goodness!! I can't say enough good things about my experience in Thailand with GIVE!! It was my first time traveling internationally, and GIVE made it so easy! My guides were the kindest people, and everyone we met along the way was so welcoming and passionate about their culture, especially with the elephants. Traveling with GIVE allowed me to educate myself, have fun, and give back to the community, and it was worth every penny! I can't wait for my next trip!

i absolutely LOVED my time on this trip! the experiences and people i met were unbelievable. make sure to pack enough culturally appropriate clothing though! i ran out during the trip ◡̈ cant recommend this program enough!!