Writing Volunteer Programs

Throughout all days in here, I came to realise a lot of important facts and elements of this country and region. Every program activities is memorable and make me being more interested in the situation and reality. Moreover, every people I met in this city is quite nice to me, and I could have an unforgettable days. I was really honored to be here and hope that I come back to my friends soon!

I went to Tanzania, Africa. By far my favorite trip I’ve ever taken in my life. I feel as I have a whole new family and a second home. The guides and locals were so welcoming and friendly. The others on the trip were in the same boat as me so I was very comfortable and happy. I will for sure be taking another trip with GIVE volunteers. 100/10 experience, if you think you wanna do it, don’t think, just go for it!

I went on a trip with GIVE in 2023 to Tanzania. I want to preface with the fact that all of the staff and people who work for GIVE were very kind and accommodating. I will also say that I had a very good time on the trip. It’s super well organized and the activities they plan for you are great. However, if you’re looking for a chance to properly experience a culture and to volunteer, there are better ways to do so which cost a fraction of what GIVE requires you pay. It may take a bit of research online, but there are definitely programs out there that will house you and allow you to stay for various durations. AIESEC is an example of a student run association which has chapters worldwide which is focused on global exchanges and leadership. If you’re interested in religion, you could even look into ministries abroad. My Swiss cousin has volunteered numerous times in countries like Uganda and Tanzania where she goes to care for children for practically FREE. This isn’t a coincidence. I think that in the US, we are very easy targets for companies like GIVE because we don’t question international trips when they cost a small fortune. With how much we already pay for our college tuitions, who better to convince to shell out money for glorified two week vacations abroad to get a glimpse of other cultures than young naive Americans with cash to burn? I spent at least $5,000 for my two week trip, including airfare. When you compare how much accommodation and food cost in Tanzania (seriously, Google it), it’s clear that most of the money probably went into paying GIVE’s staff, the excursions themselves, and funding their school project. You pay to participate and for GIVE sorting out the logistics, voilà. You get to pat yourself on the back after two hours of work then go snorkeling with dolphins. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, then absolutely go for it! I would say it’s much more about sustainable tourism than anything else! But to call it a true volunteering experience, I’m not sure I would venture so far as to say that. Personally, I feel like that’s more of a marketing ploy to reel in young Americans (and occasionally people from other places) looking to get out of their comfort zones, who are tired of their usual vacations to Cancun, Mexico where they drink margaritas on a cruise ship deck while slathering on skin tan lotion. It feels more altruistic to be called a “volunteer” than a “sustainable tourist”. Better for marketing and for convincing parents and relatives to help pay for the trip. So, would I recommend GIVE Volunteers? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. All in all, I considered it to be a very cool vacation with fun excursions. We went on a safari, snorkeling with dolphins, on walking tours, to a spice farm etc. I had a lot of fun. However, I’d recommend you look at different options for authentic volunteering experiences for much less money (most of these destinations GIVE offers are very inexpensive in general, $3,000+ USD is a substantial sum for locals).

Volunteering with Anointed Vessels Christian School was a truly rewarding experience. As a journalist, I had the opportunity to mentor and train the school's media team on effective storytelling, photography, videography, interviewing, and content creation. It was encouraging to see their passion for sharing the inspiring stories of the children and the impact the school is making in the community. Beyond the media training, I was touched by the dedication of the staff and the joy of the students. The school provides quality education, care, and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children on Mfangano Island. I appreciated being able to contribute my professional skills to strengthen their communication efforts so that more people around the world can learn about their mission. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian School to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where their skills can make a lasting difference. The experience was inspiring, welcoming, and deeply fulfilling

Volunteering at Anointed Vessels Christian School was one of the most meaningful experiences have had. During my visit, our team had the privilege of washing the students' feet, mentoring them, donating school shoes, and sharing meal together. These moments allowed us to connect with the children on a personal level and demonstrate Christ's love through practical service. I was inspired by the dedication of the school' leadership who work tirelessly to provide quality education, nutritious meals, and hope to orphaned children on Mfangano Island. The children were joyful, respectful, eager to learn despite many challenges they face. This experience reminded me that even simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian Schoolto anyone looking for a genuine volunteer opportunity where they can make a real difference while learning about the local community and culture.

Absolutely amazing! The local guides were so knowledgable and made the experience extremely unique and one that will stay with me forever. The entire trip I felt so safe, was well fed and learned lots about the culture and how I can apply different lessons to my life that I learned in Zanzibar.

I learnt so much about the realities of life in Palestine at Go Palestine, but from a place of relative comfort. The centre is in the heart of the city of Hebron, and from here, it's relatively easy to get to places such as Hebron Old Town (where the Ibrahimi Mosque or Cave of the Patriarchs is), the farming village of Al Burj, Al-Aroub Refugee Camp. My favourite aspect of my experience are the people. I was only here one week but now it feels like I'm leaving my family. Can't wait to come back.

It has been really nice to get to know people from Palestine, speak with them and understand the actual situation. The center provide me of different activities that made it possible. Thank you. The arabic classes are really useful and you can use what you learn in the streets and shops. The volunteers are really nice and kind.

Had the most amazing experience! So many guides available at all times for support and genuinely just the coolest itinerary. You get to see the difference you make in real time as well as fun excursions like paddleboarding, sunset cruises, and boat days exploring sand banks and islands!

I had an amazing experience during my time here. One of the highlights was teaching English to local children. This was such a fun and rewarding experience, and seeing their enthusiasm made the lesson memorable. I also had the opportunity to take part in meaningful cultural exchanges with local people. Everyone I met was incredibly welcoming, kind, and eager to share their stories and traditions, which made my stay even more special. I took Arabic classes as well, and Tala was absolutely wonderful. She has a fantastic way of breaking down vocabulary and grammar into simple, easy to understand explanations, making learning Arabic much less intimidating and genuinely enjoyable. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe throughout my stay. The support, hospitality, and genuine care I received gave me confidence to explore and fully enjoy the experience. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for a meaningful combination of volunteering, language learning, and cultural immersion. It was an unforgettable experience that I will always treasure.

My Experience Working on a Strawberry Farm in Egypt I worked on a strawberry farm in Egypt for a period of time. My main duties included picking strawberries, sorting them, and preparing them for packing. The work started early in the morning and required physical effort, but I enjoyed working outdoors. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and hard work. I also learned how strawberries are grown and harvested. Working on the farm helped me develop patience and discipline. Overall, it was a valuable experience that improved my work skills and gave me a better understanding of agricultural work.

I spent two months volunteering at Chilcotin Holidays, and it was hands down one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As a French university student, I came here looking to improve my English, step out of my comfort zone, and discover the real Canadian wilderness. I got exactly what I came for, and so much more! The environment is beautifully remote, and the reality of the ranch is wonderfully authentic. Whether it's caring for the horses in the early morning, setting up the wilderness camps, or interacting with guests from all over the world, every day is an adventure. It is physical, demanding, and incredibly fulfilling. If you are looking for a standard, comfortable luxury vacation, this isn't it. But if you want a genuine, rugged adventure where you will push your limits, build deep connections, and experience the pure Canadian frontier, I 100% recommend Chilcotin Holidays. Thank you to the whole team for this unforgettable journey!"

I spent 10 weeks at the Chilcotin Ark Institute and came away with far more than I expected when I first applied. I originally joined because I was interested in conservation and wanted to spend time in the Canadian wilderness, but the experience ended up being much broader than that. The programme combines conservation work, ranch life, community living, and a surprising amount of personal responsibility. Rather than being given a fixed schedule every day, you're encouraged to take ownership of your goals and find ways to contribute. That approach won't suit everyone, but for me it was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. One of the highlights was progressing to the point where I could assist with guiding. It was rewarding to go from learning the basics of ranch life and horse work to helping support guests and take on more responsibility. The horseback element was also a major draw. Some of my favourite memories were spent travelling through the backcountry and seeing parts of British Columbia that very few people ever get to experience. Life at the ranch is immersive. You're not just helping with conservation projects; you're also part of a small community. Everyone contributes to cooking, maintenance, animal care, and the day-to-day running of the ranch. The days are full, but that is also what makes the experience feel meaningful. The programme isn't a holiday, and it isn't a typical volunteer placement. It requires initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to get involved. However, if you're looking for a chance to challenge yourself, learn practical skills, spend time in nature, and contribute to something larger than yourself, I would highly recommend it. For the right person, it's a genuinely unique experience and one that I expect will stay with me for a long time.

I loved being around kids and helping at school each day. The adults at school were helping and made me feel comfortable. The kids were awesome and funny and totally accepting. They were so inquisitive. I’m extremely happy I did this!

Fue mi primer voluntariado; nunca antes había participado en uno y decidí hacerlo con IVHQ. Gracias a esta experiencia conocí un país nuevo y también un mundo que jamás pensé que conocería: el mar. Participar en actividades de conservación marina me permitió comprender una realidad que antes ignoraba; nunca imaginé que el océano pudiera contener toneladas de basura. Sin embargo, bastó con ayudar a retirar parte de esos desechos para darme cuenta de la importancia de cuidar este ecosistema. Al mismo tiempo, pude descubrir un mundo distinto, donde, a pesar de todo, solo se siente paz.

The program is a great cultural exchange, learning arabic and conversing with students. I would definitely recommend to book some of the extra activities, be it visiting Nablus or Jericho, or visiting the camps. The human rights course was particularly valuable from my perspective, and seeing the joy on the kids' faces when distributing toys is a memory that will stay with me for a long time. The staff here was very attentive to my needs and flexible with the schedule due to current situation (war with Iran), so I felt very safe.

As the title states, this experience has been life changing for me. I was able to meet amazing people who were so kind and welcoming when they don't know me from adam. I made life long friends here who i will forever hold closely in my heart. The center is a great place to give back to the people whether it's teaching English or going to the camp & handing out toys to children. The activities set up for you throughout your stay keep you occupied and really immerse you in the culture and lifestyle of Palestine. I can not recommend the volunteer program enough. To anyone who is interested in volunteering I say, "Do it.", you will not regret your decision.

I had an amazing time meeting people here in Hebron. The people were warm, curious and so generous. I felt included and taken care of and fully immersed in the culture. Late night coffee, sheesha and sweets. The local teenagers were fun to talk to. The experience with the children and educators in the Al Roob refugee camp was eye opening. I will definitely be back.

Coming to Palestine is a truly life changing experience. I got to go and hang with kids in the Al-Aroub refugee camp and speak with many locals about their daily lives and hardships. I learned some conversational Arabic from the best teacher, Tala. The hospitality I received with open arms from the locals was heart warming. I will never forget my experience here. Walking the streets at night during Ramadan was one of the biggest culture shocks and eye opening things I've ever been able. Shukran

I spent three weeks volunteering with refugees in Palestine and it was a truly life changing experience. My main task was teaching conversational English to kids in a group camp, and watching them gain confidence and laugh while learning was incredibly rewarding. The local staff helped us connect with the community respectfully and safely. I left with new friendships, a deeper understanding of Palestinian culture, and a feeling that my time there genuinely made a positive impact. Highly recommended :)