English Teaching Volunteering in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This trip was life changing in so many aspects and I could not recommend it enough. We were culturally immersed in ways that were so raw and authentic and were able to build connections with the community through local guides and volunteer work. We trekked through multiple tribes and got to experience the different ways in which each lives as well as learn a part of their language and try to connect by doing Q&As and joining in traditional activities and dances. The itinerary was incredible and the team was unforgettable, I will forever cherish the connections I made through this trip.

The team was incredible and every day was planned out so thoughtfully and organized. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, it did and the connections I made on the trip feel lifelong. I learned so much not only about the culture but the spiritual connections between elephant and human and got to witness it first hand. I hope to go back soon because I don’t have enough words to describe the lessons I took away from this trip. I still cannot believe the things I did and saw and how incredible these creatures are up close. I also had the most incredible time with my guides, they kept us safe, made us laugh, and really made us feel like a part of their family and community.

P’nice, Marilin, and Ben were the best guides I could’ve asked for. This trip exceeded expectations specifically due to them. This Thailand scuba trip gave me the opportunity to do done things people have never done or get to do

I absolutely loved the Thailand Elephant Experience! The guides were all super welcoming, understanding, and so much fun to be around! They made it a goal to connect with everyone on the trip and make sure everyone was comfortable with the activities! I really enjoyed the connection to all the communities we visited. P’Dee, P’Pon Pon, and P’Ann were all excellent guides who were organized and ready to lead us on the adventure! Hunter was an absolutely amazing guide. She was welcoming, fun, and so willing to share herself with you! I hope she is able to continue her experience with GIVE in the future! I definitely feel like all the guides are now my life long friends! The experience itself was magical. Getting to see all the personal moments with the Elephants and learn so much about their history and care was amazing! I would 100% do this experience again whether it’s for the guides or the trip! I plan on traveling with GIVE again!

When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were shocked that I chose such a far and unfamiliar place with people I had never even met. Little did I know what these people and this place would mean to me when I left. Throughout these 14 days, I had the privilege of traveling, learning, and volunteering throughout northern Thailand. I experienced its rich culture, beautiful views, and the “Sabai Sabai” way. There are no words that can truly do this experience justice. Nonetheless, I met the most amazing and inspirational people, from the locals to the guides to my fellow travelers. These individuals showed me what life looks like when we’re fully present, focused on each other and our actions rather than materialistic ideologies and unrealistic standards for the world around us. I was shown how resilient we are both mentally and physically, and how essential it is to put aside our worries in order to feed our wellbeing. During my time here, I was reminded how much I value the outdoors and hard work, and shown the level of possibility that can be reached in the span of 24 hours. This trip is amazing and filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. Come in with no expectations and an open mind, and you will leave so incredibly fulfilled and changed. Say YES!!

The Thailand Elephant Experience was such a perfect trip. Right when i landed i was met by the local guides at the airport. The 3 main guides were amazing, wonderful, kind, helpful and organized. Right from day 1 they made sure we had the most perfect experience. Being up close with the elephants was truly a once in a life time experience. All of our meals were delicious and filling. The friends and connections i made throughout the week will stay with me forever. The hike through the jungle was truly a special experience, seeing the elephants in the wild, fresh fruit growing on the trees and views were spectacular. Getting to visit the local communities and learn from the residents about the Thai way of life was such a heart warming experience. If your on the fence about doing this trip, i will tell you, go ahead and book it!! You will truly love it and make wonderful connections! I have zero regrets after doing this!

Everything about Thailand with give was absolutely unforgettable! Every person that I met and place that I went exceeded every expectation that I could have had! This trip was so so excellent. And the guides made sure that I was not only always okay but that I was given the most immersive trip possible! They were so knowledgeable when asked any question and loved to share their culture and stories with us which made the trip even better! All of the local and international guides were so kind, caring and authentically themselves! Creating such a save space for each volunteer to do the same. The itinerary was packed with a great mix of all things Thailand, and on top of the wonderful volunteering we did, it provided a truly amazing opportunity to really experience the people of Thailand and it’s culture. It truly was such an incredible opportunity!

Not only was it incredible to interact with elephants up close, but the local guides, communities who hosted us, the culture of the places we stayed, and the people I traveled with were all SO amazing. This trip was enriching, transformative, and meaningful beyond description. I grew during the trip, but also it somehow made me feel more like myself, too!! I am so grateful that I went on this trip.

Travelling with this group was a life changing experience for me and showed me that there is so much this beautiful world has to offer. The way the guides opened their hearts to strangers and welcomed us in made it really easy to get comfortable with them. They are such a close group of friends too and I really enjoyed their group dynamic. Their planning makes it really easy to go with the flow and if you just show up on time with a positive attitude then youre gonna have an absolute blast. The trip also had a really nice balance of volunteering, fun adventures, and activities that the local people led to give us an insight into the life and culture of Thailand. Really reset my mentality on how much was possible in 24 hours and showed me that I am much more capable that I thought I was. And finally, the fellow volunteers. If youre nervous then thats totally normal because so was I! What I'll say is that youll never meet a more like minded group of individuals, no matter how different we all appeared on the surface. Everyone blended together so well and it was incredible for me to see how well strangers could get along and become life long friends. It only happens if you take the leap of faith so just do it!!

I did the Thailand and Elephant experience with GIVE. Traveling to Thailand with GIVE was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I gained a completely new perspective on the world, conservation, and my own place within it. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in a culture that values community, kindness, and connection. Thailand's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant traditions, and welcoming people made every day unforgettable. But what truly changed me was the opportunity to learn about ethical elephant tourism and conservation. Before this trip, my understanding of elephant tourism was limited to what I had seen online and in travel advertisements. Like many travelers, I didn't fully understand the impact that certain tourist activities can have on these incredible animals. Through GIVE, I was able to learn directly from local experts and conservationists about the challenges elephants face and the importance of responsible, ethical tourism. Spending time around rescued elephants was both humbling and eye-opening. Rather than riding or exploiting these animals for entertainment, we observed them in environments that prioritized their well-being and natural behaviors. Watching elephants interact with one another, forage, and simply exist in a way that respected their needs gave me a much deeper appreciation for their intelligence and emotional complexity. The experience challenged me to think critically about the choices I make as a traveler. I realized that tourism has the power to either harm or help, depending on how we engage with local communities, wildlife, and conservation efforts. GIVE showed me that responsible travel can create positive change when it supports ethical practices and empowers local people. Beyond the elephant conservation work, the trip pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible ways. I formed meaningful friendships, gained confidence, and learned the value of living with intention and gratitude. Every day offered opportunities to learn, serve, and connect on a deeper level than I ever expected. Looking back, Thailand was more than just a destination—it was a life-changing journey. The lessons I learned about conservation, sustainable tourism, and global citizenship continue to influence how I travel and how I view the world. GIVE didn't just show me Thailand; it helped me see life from an entirely new perspective. I would recommend this experience to anyone seeking more than a typical vacation. If you're looking for personal growth, cultural immersion, and a meaningful understanding of ethical wildlife tourism, traveling to Thailand with GIVE is an experience that will stay with you long after you return home.

If someone had told me a year ago that a flyer on the back of a bathroom stall door would lead to one of the most meaningful experiences of my life, I never would have believed them. My two weeks in Thailand with GIVE Volunteers exceeded every expectation I had. I came into this trip excited but nervous, unsure if I was ready to travel halfway around the world with a group of strangers. I left with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and a completely new perspective on community, sustainability, and global citizenship. One of the most impactful parts of the trip was working in the village of Mueng Khong, where I had the opportunity to teach English to local children and learn from the community that welcomed us so warmly. The villagers shared their culture, traditions, dances, crafts, and way of life with us, and I will always be grateful for their kindness and generosity. It never felt like we were simply visiting—we were welcomed with open arms. The local guides were truly the heart of this experience. Their stories, resilience, and passion inspired me every day. Learning about the challenges they overcame to pursue education and create opportunities for their communities gave me a deeper appreciation for perseverance, gratitude, and service. Beyond the volunteer work, the experiences were unforgettable. From working on permaculture projects and visiting Pun Pun Sustainability Farm to trekking through the jungle, bamboo rafting, campfires under the stars, and meaningful late-night conversations, every day challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the present moment. More than anything, this trip reminded me of the importance of human connection. Despite coming from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, I was constantly reminded of how much we all have in common. Thailand gave me memories that will last a lifetime, but more importantly, it gave me perspective. I left with a fuller heart, a broader worldview, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a global community. Thank you, GIVE Volunteers, the local communities, and everyone who made this experience possible. This was more than a trip—it was a chapter of my life that I will carry with me forever.

The experience was amazing, and the team were very attentive and involved, and the site was pleasant. This trip will stay in my mind as a great memory of mine. Thankyou so much, I appreciated the experience.

Volunteering in Thailand was a very rewarding experience and a great way to explore the country. Meeting people from all over the world and various walks of life was also very nice. Definitely one of my best travel experiences and I will volunteer again. The team in Hua Hin were amazing. They were super friendly and supportive and had really good english. The cook was the best and always made balanced meals with a mix of western and local dishes.

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!

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!!!

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.

i absolutely LOVED my time on this trip, and the experiences and people i met were unbelievable! make sure to pack enough culturally appropriate clothing though, i ran out in the middle of the trip and had to rewear a lot of my clothes! can’t recommend this program enough!!

I went on the Thailand Elephant excursion. I had a wonderful time learning about the culture and gentle giants. The hosts P An , P Di and P Pon Pon were absolutely fantastic and helped me when I needed it with out question. This trip pushed my hiking abilities past what I expected but I never gave up and was cheered on through out my trip. It was a blessing having P Pon Pon on my trip. He was extremely helpful to me.

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!

The trip was the most fulfilling, enriching and inspiring experience I have ever embarked upon 😊 It is my second time volunteering with IVI and each time I embark on a new teaching journey I seem to learn more, take new things away from the program and leave with new friends from all over the world! I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 2 weeks wherein I got to teach at 2 schools within the local area. Each day was filled with joy, excitement, friendship, compassion and new opportunities to which I grasped with both hands. One of the most awesome things about volunteering abroad would be the everlasting friendships you create. I adored spending many of my afternoons exploring the local culture with both our coordinators and other volunteers as well as spending many late nights learning new languages, cultures and travel stories from across the world. These friendships hold a very special place in my heart and continue to flourish outside of the volunteer space. My favourite part of the volunteering had to be the lesson planning as it was the most rewarding experience when the lessons and games I had planned were so well received and enjoyed by the kids! If you are considering volunteering … this is definitely your sign as it is an unmatched experience that has countless affordances ❤️ The local team made my stay like home wherein I became apart of this close knit family. We were all so well looked after, with all facilities well maintained, drivers readily available, existing connections across all of Chiang Mai and major attractions we all wanted to visit as well as endless resources to utilise within the classroom setting. The food was definitely locally sourced with many dishes being traditional to Thailand however the food was well prepared and delicious. A few more Western dishes would have been adored but not necessary! It was awesome! I’m so very grateful! THANK YOU 🥰