GIVE VolunteersReviews of givevolunteers.org

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!!

After my third trip with GIVE, I am still baffled by how amazing every trip is. Travelers with GIVE are pushed directly into the culture of wherever they are, making it a truly immersive experience. GIVE trips push you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible, and provide incredible excursions and experiences that support the local community.

My trip to Cuba with Give Volunteers was an unforgettable experience that exceeded all of my expectations. From start to finish, the guides were knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely passionate about sharing Cuban culture, history, and nature with us. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt safe, included, and engaged, and their enthusiasm truly made the trip special. Some of the standout moments in this trip were snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs, hiking at Parque Guanayara, and visiting a tobacco farm to learn how to roll cigars. What truly made this trip exceptional was being able to explore a new country with like-minded individuals who felt like family by the end of the trip. I would highly recommend Give Volunteers to anyone looking for an immersive, well-organized, and meaningful travel experience. This trip to Cuba is something I will carry with me forever.

Learned about GIVE at an unmanned table with flyers at my school's involvement fair. I was already planning to travel so I just decided to travel with GIVE to Tanzania. I learned in my peace and social justice class that GIVE falls into the voluntourism category and I didn't know what I was going to be doing with GIVE until a week or two before I actually went on the trip. Information was a bit difficult for me to find and often felt vague. Information was easier the closer it got to the trip. It was my first time traveling solo outside the country and I really enjoyed my time with GIVE and learned a lot about the local area we were at and saw many amazing things. When the times right, I'll be going on another trip with GIVE.