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My overall experience was outstanding! I truly felt a sense of belonging within the community through various service activities like painting houses, releasing baby sea turtles, teaching English to local children, and participating in beach clean-ups. I appreciated how warmly the locals welcomed me, making me feel more like a part of the community rather than just a tourist. The country is stunning, and I'm grateful that the organization provided me with such a meaningful way to connect with the locals. Traveling independently would not have offered the same experience. The organization managed all transportation (excluding flights), making the journey completely stress-free! We explored places from a small fishing town to the City of Leon, Volcan Telica, Cerro Negro, Laguna de Apoyo, and wrapped up in Managua before heading home. I highly recommend traveling with the organization at least once in your life to genuinely immerse yourself in the local culture.
I don’t think I could ever fully express how grateful I am. My recent volunteer trip to a Central American country opened my eyes to incredible 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 unexpected ways. 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 the local soil has been severely depleted. Years of harsh chemical use—especially fertilizers and pesticides in large-scale 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 wealthy. True 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.
I had an amazing experience in Thailand with the service! It was my first international trip, and they made everything so straightforward! The guides were incredibly kind, and everyone we encountered was welcoming and enthusiastic about their culture, especially concerning the elephants. Traveling with them allowed me to learn, enjoy myself, and contribute to the community, making it worth every cent! I'm already looking forward to my next adventure!
I have been on 4 trips with GIVE has changed my life in completely different ways. I have learned what it means to support humanity and aim for something greater in our world. I was taught how to appreciate differences, and that the differences between people are what make forming connections so beautiful. I was shown how I fit into the world and how to shine my light to as many people it can reach. GIVE showed me that I am here for a greater purpose than I could’ve ever imagined. It gave me a new sense humanity and passionate for what our home can be.
I went on the Elephant Experience with GIVE Volunteers in summer 2025, and it completely exceeded anything I could have imagined! We traveled to places so remote and unique that I never would have found them on my own, and being welcomed into those villages and seeing a totally different way of life was eye-opening in the best way.The time spent at the elephant sanctuaries was beyond amazing—it felt so genuine, ethical, and unforgettable. What really made it even more special, though, were the people: the locals, the guides, and the other volunteers who quickly felt like family.I came home with memories and lessons that will stick with me forever. This trip changed the way I see the world, and I would do it all over again without hesitation!
Before GIVE Volunteers, I had never even heard of the country Laos. Now, it holds a very special place in my heart.Through GIVE, I had the opportunity to experience something truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived in the village of Sop Chem, we were welcomed with open arms. The people of Sop Chem are some of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met, and the community made us feel like family. I felt safe, supported, and cared for every moment of the trip.One of the most special parts of this trip was our local guides. They were not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also some of the most patient and kind people I’ve ever met. Whether we were learning about Lao traditions, history, or daily life, they were always eager to share, answer our questions, and help us connect on a deeper level with the culture around us. Our days were filled with purpose. We taught English to over 60 children and supported local women in learning conversational English to sell their handicrafts to tourists. We stayed in their homes and learned traditional weaving techniques. What made our experience so meaningful is that every volunteer project we took part in was what the community wanted and not what outsiders thought they needed. We helped build a new kitchen for the village school. In Luang Prabang, we went to a wildlife sanctuary where black bears are being rescued and protected from illegal wildlife trade and bile farming. We visited the UXO Museum and learned about the country’s history and struggles with unexploded bombs. Between the volunteering, we went ziplining over waterfalls, fishing in the river with locals, caving, and planting rice. Every activity felt meaningful and connected to the land and culture.The trip ended with a Baci Ceremony, an emotional and beautiful sendoff that captured the love and connection we had built in Sop Chem. It was a moment of gratitude I’ll never forget.I came to Laos not knowing what to expect. I left with a full heart, lifelong memories, and a second home in Sop Chem.
I recently returned from the GIVE Volunteers trip to Tanzania, and it was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment we arrived, everything was well-organized, and the GIVE team made sure we felt safe, supported, and engaged every step of the way.The volunteer work was both meaningful and rewarding. We worked closely with the local community on sustainable development projects, including education initiatives and eco-friendly construction. It never felt like we were just there to “help” — instead, it was a mutual exchange of learning and collaboration. The GIVE staff did an amazing job educating us about the importance of ethical volunteering and responsible tourism, which added depth to every activity.
It was such a great experience. Not only working to sustain our natural environment, but the activities and connections you make with people in your group. It is such a great learning experience, and I bonded with 14 people in a week in a way that I'm not sure I will find anywhere else. The company takes care of everything like where we will be staying, transportation, and ensuring that everyone is happy and healthy. They provide most, if not all, of your food and water, and make sure that you are feeling great and enjoying your experience. I was never once concerned about my lack of safety (the guides are trained in first aid, and also for the specific area you are traveling to) and it is very clear that the guides want you to have the best time possible. You do work such meaningful work such as removing invasive plant species, and also things like swimming, tubing, whale watching. All around just such an incredible time to be had and I cant wait for my next trip.
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