Give and Surf

I cannot recommend working with Give and Surf more. Overall the experience is fulfilling and super fun! A huge part of the success of my visit was the flexibility and supportiveness of the staff - they make traveling abroad and living in a new place a really smooth experience! Another thing that is extremely important to me when traveling or working with organizations abroad is that the organization is ethical, and I can unequivocally say that you can feel good about working with Give and Surf because it is community embedded, in it for the long haul, stable, and collaborative. The work they do is greatm and the experience they provide is worth it!

Give & Surf is such a special organization, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to volunteer with them multiple times. Every visit has been such a rewarding experience—not only because of the incredible work they’re doing, but because of the amazing people who make the program what it is. I’ve formed genuine friendships with several of the teachers and staff, and some have become lifelong friends. There’s such a strong sense of community, kindness, and purpose within Give & Surf. It’s one of those organizations that stays with you long after you leave, and I feel very lucky to have been a small part of it. I would highly recommend getting involved or volunteering if you ever have the opportunity!

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I volunteered with Give & Surf back in 2013 when the program was in its infancy. I was there for a month. There were some bumps in the road during that month, but that said, the leadership was open to my feedback and suggestions. The interactions with the students and community were amazing! My fellow volunteers were simply the best. When I had an eye infection it was dealt with quickly and easily. There was a great balance of free time, adventure and work. I know the program has matured and only gotten stronger. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I could!

Living, teaching and volunteering in Bocas del Toro, Panama has changed my perspective on life and I owe it all to the Give and Surf staff for making it happen. Getting certified to teach english as a foreign language through their Bocas TEFL program is an experience I will always cherish. The course was fast-paced and the material came together quickly. I received hands on experience working with a variety of classroom settings, education levels, and students of all ages, preschool to adult. My TEFL teacher, Jenn Jackson, was patient and willing to work through any challenges I faced. Prior to and upon completion of the course, I was given resume and job guidance. I plan to use my certification to teach online, though I feel confident I could continue teaching in a classroom setting or in a private lessons. Our classes were held only a short walk from the beach and from Bocas town. I loved being able to plan my lessons on the water at a local restaurant, or at Habla Ya on days when I needed to focus more. Being able to combine my TEFL Certification with Give and Surf’s volunteer program is what made this opportunity truly unique. Each day was filled with coconuts, machetes, boat rides, crystal blue waters and new experiences that forced me out of my comfort zone and normal routine. Our free time was spent having family dinners, playing poker, free diving in the Caribbean, exploring in the jungle, and beach-hopping through Bocas del Toro. Whether taking a gap year or just traveling through Panama, I highly recommend getting involved with the team at Give and Surf.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course through Give and Surf's TEFL program. The course is intensive and fast-paced, but comes together quickly. I was able to receive hands-on experience teaching students of all ages - preschool to adults, and I now feel confident to teach classes or private lessons on my own! My teacher, Jenn Jackson, was patient and willing to work through any challenges I faced, and she gave me constructive feedback to improve both my lesson plans and teaching performance. I highly recommend taking this course with Bocas TEFL in Bocas del Toro, Panama.

This was probably the most fun any type of schooling you can get in my opinion. The teacher was amazing and for four weeks she taught me how to teach other people and also how to learn each lesson I give. I am very happy that Give and Surf was able to help me do this course and give the opportunity to become a certified TEFL teacher. Would definitely recommend to anybody even considering it do it.

I was for 9 weeks as a volunteer at give and surf. It was the best time of my life. The staff ist great and the kids are just the best. I miss the time in Bocas de Toro an i will go back (home:)). Give and surf does a great job!

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I volunteered with Give & Surf this summer and it was one of the best experience thus far for me. This was the first time I have traveled abroad by myself and I felt very comfortable and safe my entire time. Working with the kids was extremely rewarding and heart-warming. This was such a growing experience and I am forever grateful for the individuals I was able to work with. The staff was very accommodating and wanted the volunteers to have the best time possible. I highly recommend this organization-- the work they do is amazing! I am hoping to join Give & Surf again in the near future!