Give and Surf

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 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!