A Life Changing Experience
The GIVE Elephant Experience was truly the greatest experience I have ever had! This trip was a long time coming for me and from the moment I booked it, GIVE was extremely helpful, thorough and always reassuring. When I arrived in Thailand I was greeted with amazing energy from P'Dee and felt welcome immediately. P'Ann and P'phon also always met you with a smile and open arms and I couldn't speak more highly of them! Cassidy, our 4th guide, was the kindest person you'll ever meet. She was so helpful throughout the trip and an amazing person to talk to. The guides were all so comforting and they made us laugh and smile each and everyday. My absolute favorite part of the trip was how hands on we got to be at the Elephant Freedom Village, it was life changing to experience feeding and bathing adult and baby elephants. Another favorite part of mine was the down time we had and the car rides where we got to interact and learn so much about al the other people in our group. I met so many different people and made some real friends for life. I loved that every person we met in Thailand had so much passion for their country, the elephants and life in general. The trip was so organized from start to finish and we were given a very thorough itinerary each day to follow so you knew exactly what to wear, what we were doing and exact times. I could go on and on with how amazing this trip was for me, I wish I could stay in Thailand forever! So thank you so much GIVE for giving me this opportunity, I hope to join another group in the future!
Moorea
5 stars!!!!
5 stars!!!!! Going on GIVE trips has opened my eyes to responsible traveling and how to respect cultures while I am on trips. I am in awe of the meticulous coordination and execution of these trips. The Thailand Hill Tribes and Laos trips have left an everlasting impact on my life and how I will move throughout my days. The staff are unmatched. I have found a family for life through these programs. The generosity and kindness is unconditional and I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you GIVE!!!
Elizabeth Higgins
The opportunity of a lifetime!
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!
Santo
Nature’s Movie
“I watched nature unfold around me like a movie. Volcanic rocks ribboned a perimeter around the beach and set a stage, while tree limbs stretched far and wide overhead. Afternoon sunlight peaked through the canopy like spotlights and signaled the beginning of a performance; one directed by the power of what I noticed. In front of me, children splashed around in pools of brackish water while sea turtles sunbathed next to them on black rocks completely unbothered. Out in the ocean, dozens of dolphins torpedoed themselves out into the open air, demanding all the attention. After that, a whale performed the last act of the show. He flipped his tale out of the waves and brought it back down on the water like the word, “CUT,” yelled out over a set. My new friend, Anna, brought me back to reality when she remarked, ‘You look at peace.’ And she was right, I really was at peace in that moment. It captivated me to witness nature be as it should be. Places like this are why I volunteered. They are the endgame; the state that all natural places should be restored to someday. That is what truly brought me peace: the hope that one day all of nature might be this big movie, and that we, as human beings, will help produce that film in harmony with all the Earth’s other actors and stages until it is finally released.”Mahalo nui to the ‘āina, our project hosts, and @givevolunteers for this eyeopening experience in community, reciprocity, and responsible travel. I would be more than grateful to get involved with GIVE again in any capacity in the future after this amazing trip.
Ryan McGonigle
I couldn’t speak more highly about this…
I couldn’t speak more highly about this experience. This organization works so hard and successfully to satisfy all travelers while creating an impact within a larger community. This is why I keep traveling with GIVE. My experience in Laos was so personalized and unique, one which I could not have gotten as easily if traveling on my own. As this was my second trip with GIVE, this organization already has me sold for trips 3 and 4!
Emma Emanuel
Life changing experience
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.
Saleen Goytia
Amazing experience!
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.
Payton M
An experience I'll never forget.
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.
Zipporah Loucks
Just go!!
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!
Ashlyn Craigie
GIVE 🌳
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.
Rene Escobar-Portillo
The best experience 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!
Michelle Gonzales
Elephant Experience
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!!
avery earl
3 trips with GIVE and I recommend it to everyone I know
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.
Sara
My trip to Cuba with Give Volunteers…
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.
Olivia
I could not even begin to say enough…
I could not even begin to say enough great things about this experience. Every single person involved was passionate, educated, enthusiastic, helpful, and kind. Every moment on the trip was filled with education, fun, and unique experiences. We spent tons of time learning about the elephants in Thailand from people who are dedicated to continuing to help these animals. We also had a ton of cultural immersion with the Karen Tribe, Buddhism, and Thai culture. Every minute and dollar was worth more than I could explain. I would highly suggest this trip to anyone and everyone!
Callia Englund
Learned about GIVE at an unmanned table…
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.
Isaac Santiago
This trip was more amazing than I ever…
This trip was more amazing than I ever could have imagined, GIVE offers such a unique way to travel and volunteer! I was able to see so many new things and try so many different things that I would have never thought of. This trip allows you to fully immerse yourself into the culture and environment of Northern Thailand. The guides are the most genuine, funny, and kind people you will ever meet and make for a unforgettable experience. 5 stars is not enough to express how amazing this trip truly is!
Braydon Hoeksema
Hawai’i 2025 adventure
I travel a lot, but this has definitely been one of the best trips I’ve been on. Starting with Liv our guide, she was a total sweetheart and made us all feel cared for and appreciated. The trips projects were also super meaningful and although it was hard work at times it was super fun and the stories and memories that you gain from it are always a treat. I got the pleasure to meet so many amazing and passionate people, It definitely makes you appreciate the land and view life in a whole new outlook.
Nexi
Mālama 'āina: Volunteer in Hawai'i with GIVE
I am so grateful for my second trip with GIVE Volunteers on the Big Island Hawai’i. The people of Hawai’i have endless stories to tell that most people will never hear (or listen to). I’ll never forget the moment after a beach cleanup with the Hawaiian Wildlife Fund, when a local told us, “You have two eyes two ears and one mouth…what that means is you should look and listen twice as much as you speak.” As he spoke, he looked over his ancestors’ land while the powerful waves of Kawa Bay crashed behind him.Our guides taught us just a few Hawaiian words, but the one that resonated with many of us throughout the trip was mana. Mana is the universal life force that moves through everything, and it is deeply powerful on this island. Mahalo nui loa to our wonderful trip guides for their open hearts, guiding us on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. And of course, I could never forget to mention the loving ohana of my fellow volunteers—these are the most wonderful, like-minded people, all dedicated to our work each and every day.
Sloane Barlow
Travelling with GIVE is always a…
Travelling with GIVE is always a special experience for me, and this new era of VIP experiences is so exciting!! Cuba was one of a kind, the guides (John, Hannah, Silvia and Ihosvany) made it so special for us. Our itinerary was full of a perfect mix of fun adventures, sight seeing, learning about the history in Cuba, and connecting with the locals people. Amazing memories were made with incredible people, in a beautiful and unique country! I can’t wait to make more memories with GIVE on the next VIP trip!
Amy Taylor
