English Teaching Volunteering in Thailand

I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.

I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️

The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.

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

The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.

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!

I was ‘sold’ on arranging my volunteer experience through International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) the moment I learned that IVHQ is a B-Corporation. That designation I had learned is conferred to for-profit businesses that meet rigorous standards for ethics, social responsibility, accountability, and environmental impact. Working with IVHQ was a truly wonderful experience. Preparation for the trip entailed stepping through a polished – I’d say flawless -step-by-step manual with a checklist and viewing videos that introduce the mission, responsibilities, protocols, and help set one’s expectations. A Program Manager in New Zealand was [virtually] with me to guide me through my preparations and to answer questions that arose. Once in Thailand, a local team stepped in to guide us and care for us. Every individual on the Thailand team was extremely welcoming, fun to work with, and willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs. They obviously love their work and are excellent at it. The accommodations were fantastic and the authentic food was delicious and plentiful. The opportunity to sit together with other volunteers during meals to share stories and learn about other cultures was amazing. (My co-volunteers came from around the globe.) Working with elephants in the sanctuary was almost indescribably incredible. While tasks of feeding, planting, harvesting, cleaning, and escorting the elephants into the mountains each day were rigorous at times, at no point in time was I not aware that we were doing meaningful, high impact work for good. From the very beginning, through planning, living in the accommodations, working in the sanctuary, learning every moment, being side-by-side with remarkable coworkers, and having exceptional support from the Thailand team, this IVHQ experience exceeded all of my hopes and wishes. I was honored and surprised when my coworkers and folks on the Thailand team joined me in celebrating my 76th birthday. In my three quarters of a century of personal experiences, this one with elephants in Thailand ranks very high among my most cherished and impactful adventures. JPS

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.

My Jamaica experience was great because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with new people, and make meaningful memories while serving others. I loved being able to learn about the culture, build relationships with the local community, and see the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The experience challenged me to grow in my faith, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunities I have. It was rewarding to work alongside others who shared the same passion for helping people and creating a positive difference. IVHQ does a great job of creating opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while also providing support and guidance throughout the experience. They help connect volunteers with local communities, organize programs, and make it possible for people to serve in a way that is safe and structured. I appreciated how they allowed us to experience the culture of Jamaica while still focusing on helping the community. Their organization made the trip feel purposeful and helped create an environment where volunteers could learn, serve, and grow.

My experience with IVHQ absolutely exceeded my expectations and was so amazing, the staff were so friendly and really created a positive and welcoming environment, i felt safe and included by all the other volunteers, my only regret is not staying longer! I will definitely be back in the future!

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.

Overall I had an amazing experience with Ivhq. I volunteered in Cape Town South Africa and I have never been so in love with a place. The culture and the people are truly amazing. I volunteered in a town ship with grade three and loved every minute of it! The kids are so kind and you can tell they truly love the help you have to offer. This experience will forever have such a big impact on me and changed me as a person. I would definitely recommend this to anyone:)

I have already done 3 programs with IVHQ, and this is just the beginning! Costa Rica to teach English, Fiji for childcare, and Thailand to teach. Each program has been magical! The experience is supported, from the application process through post program reflection, and everything in between. Safety, support, encouragement, insight, and perspective are all the things IVHQ provides and more! You get to meet people from around the world, and then come together for a common purpose. Already planning my next adventure, and I can't wait!