Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand: Environmental Conservation, Education & Elephant Trekking

I've made new amazing friends and experienced an one in a lifetime experience. While in the meantime making a big difference in the world. I never thought this would happen when I applied for it and I'm so grateful for all of it. I would definitely recommend this to the people around me and spread the word about GIVE. I'm really happy I took this leap of faith and for it to turn out this way. I will never forget about this and really hope that other people will take the same leap of faith as I did

I absolutely fell in love with life again with this program. Remembered what it was like to lead and learn and be overwhelmed with such beauty and love for the world and all of the people inside it. I’m already planning my next Give trip, and I’m only mad that I didn’t know about it when I was in college so I could’ve majored in Environmental Science! I’m taking away so much knowledge that I want to pay forward when I get home, and I look forward to when I get to see these beautiful people again.

The best part about GIVEs programs is they are so deeply involved with the locals. They do not assume what they need or want based on their prejudices. They ASK THEM. That’s huge. They ask what they need, they come up with a plan on how to accomplish it and sustain it. GIVE is the bridge and it’s a beautiful relationship. You are able to do good things and get the most unique, authentic experience there is. You will do things that you would never be able to do as a tourist. I can’t explain my gratitude I have for GIVE and for the locals who opened their minds and hearts to us, showing us their amazing culture and country.

Going on a G.I.V.E trip is rewarding. You learn more about hidden places you have never visited. You learn more about individuals and are immersed in their culture. They teach you about their heritage, ceremonies, and how to respect their customs. Also you get the added benefit of having free time to explore areas you visit. You also get to know your guides and get a little bit of an adventure on this trip. Overall if you are looking for a trip that will have an impact on your learning and your view G.I.V.E is for you!!!

Don't overthink it; do it! I had the absolute best experience ever with GIVE's Thailand program. It may seem a bit scary to travel to the other side of the world alone, but you will meet the most incredible people and become besties within the first day (and you get travel buddies for life!). What you experience together forms a bond like no other. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and for being able to contribute to something greater than myself! From trekking through the jungle and caves to learning and helping in reforestation at Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration & Research Unit (FORRU) to permaculture to teaching English in the villages of Mueang Kong to playing sports and games with the kids to playing a part in the process of building a church by shoveling dirt and bringing it up a hill, to learning about elephant conservation, to learning about Thai culture and the language, to meeting female leaders in villages and being able to learn how to do the handcrafts, they make for a living, to bamboo rafting in the middle of the jungle and EVERYTHING in between.
What a well-rounded experience. Thailand, the fantastic guides and volunteers I got to share this experience with will forever hold a special place in my heart; I am a much better person because of this experience. GIVE, thank you once again for teaching me how to be a responsible traveler/global citizen and for the privilege and opportunity to give back. I can't wait to continue to share my experience with the world, this trip has truly impacted my life, and I aim to continue to impact the world. Just experience it yourself and see it firsthand.

This was the best trip ever!!! I’ve never been out of the country before and it was soooo cool to experience a new culture and meet so many amazing people. Everyone was so kind and welcoming and made this experience great. I learned so much about permaculture and felt like I actually made a difference even though we were only there for a short time. It was so great to spend time with the kids at the school: their smiles and energy made me so happy. Plus we got to eat amazing food every day and experience so many new things: from Thai boxing, to raft building to bungee jumping, this is a trip that will stay with me forever.

At first I was very hesitant to go abroad with a program I did not know much about- but I am so so glad that I did! I took a chance on this volunteer program and I think that it was the best choice I have made for myself in a very long time. The guides, both the GIVE and the Thai native ones, were amazing- I felt so connected and well informed throughout the experience. Not to mention they were just...fun! There was an equal level of "work" and "touring" involved, but both you learned and had little lessons about. In Thailand we taught English and worked on a permaculture (if you ever get the chance to get on this trip you'll be so in love with P'Dave) and you had the option on which you wanted to do so there was something for everyone. Lastly...the part that most people go on this particular GIVE trip for...the elephants. You will see elephants and you will absolutely fall in love with them. I wish the trip was longer, but I will definitely be traveling with GIVE again. I HIGHLY recommend this, I cannot explain the feeling you get so go experience it for yourself!

I traveled to Thailand with GIVE this past December and I can truthfully say it was by far my favorite trip I have done to date. The itinerary was well thought out and always executed to perfection. We had the perfect balance of work, fun, and education. I felt as though I was well immersed in Thai culture and got the most out of my experience. Every meal was absolutely delicious. Not only that, but it was a great variety of traditional Thai dishes and we were able to experience the various flavor profiles of where we were. The volunteer projects were discussed with the local teachers, farmers, and community members in order to provide the most effective service possible. We had the opportunity to go caving, tube down the river, and even learn how to build our own bamboo raft to travel down the river to a new village. And of course, we had the chance to meet elephants! We trekked through the jungle to find these amazing animals and had the chance to feed and bath them in the river. Every activity and meal had a purpose and made my time in Thailand meaningful and fun. Not to mention, the amazing guides and people that I had the opportunity to meet. Everyone was so caring and fun to be around. We were able to learn from one another and enjoy this experience together. I cannot wait till all of our paths cross again somewhere in the world!