GIVE Volunteers - Growth International Volunteer Excursions

WOW my GIVE trip to Thailand this winter was so special! I participated in the Thailand, Elephants, and SCUBA programs that allowed me to experience both Northern and Southern Thailand for a whole month! Every day was an adventure, and I got to do some of the craziest things I've ever done with some of the best people I've ever met. The local guides made it so special, showing us their homes and their culture, which is something I would have never experienced if I had travelled there on my own. This trip made me feel alive again. I am so grateful to GIVE for all they do, and continuing to provide these life changing experiences for travelers. I've already booked my next GIVE trip!!!

I adored my trip to Thailand in the winter of 24-25. The volunteers that I went with were some of the most hilarious, intelligent, and kindhearted people ever, who I will never forget and most definitely stay friends with for a long time. The guides were equally amazing and I will miss them for as long as it takes for me to make it back to Thailand someday! I was able to learn so much about myself, Thai culture, and the Thai natives on my trip that I will never forget. I had so many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on this trip including getting to spend a day with an elephant and getting to feed it, going bungee jumping, and having access to small close-knit communities in northern Thailand that I otherwise may never have gotten the chance to go to without the amazing local guides. More importantly, however, I got to form close relationships with the kids that we taught and get real experience in the classroom while learning how much of a relationship you can build with someone without necessarily even speaking the same language. It was challenging and exciting and I desperately wish I could go back and see those kids again now that I’m home. GIVE taught me a lot about sustainable tourism and the importance of behaving as a respectful guest in a foreign country. Rather than walk all over someone else’s culture and take advantage of it, GIVE taught me the importance of learning the culture and respecting it through dressing culturally appropriately, attempting to learn some of the language and customs, and entering the country with an open mind and a non-judgemental attitude. I am counting down the seconds until I can be fortunate enough to go on another GIVE trip!

This is totally worth the money! Every penny you pay goes towards making your trip an amazing experience, and it gives back to the local community! It may seem expensive, but it is much better than spending your money at an all-inclusive resort somewhere that doesn't pay their workers a fair wage. The people you meet are truly one of a kind, and GIVE does its best to make everyone feel included and happy. Even if you are not the most adventurous person, you'll want to be on this trip. They make you comfortable with being uncomfortable. During your time on the trip, you'll see how fun it is to try new things and help people out! It's truly an unforgettable experience that you don't want to miss out on. Money comes back, but missed opportunities don't. They literally take care of everything, even getting flights is easy through their partners. there is not any travel anxiety going into it because they plan everything out for you, and you just gotta bring your energy! Do it you won't regret it.