GIVE - Laos

112 Reviews

Excellent

96%

Good

4%

Average

0%

Rather Poor

0%

Bad

0%

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  Ashia
  Written on September 30, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip truly gave me the best experience that a first time traveler could have. I did not expect to gain such a connection and admiration for Laos culture and pace of life or to LEARN so much about the country's history and the the village's (Sop Chem) economy and environemtn. I've was concerned about "voluntourism" before the trip but once you arrive you 1. Meet the restaurant owners, drivers, adventure guides, and hostel owners whose services you've paid for 2. Learn how GIVE is simply assisting a community that is organized and independent on its own 3. Feel the genuine and long-term relationship between Give guides and the people in sopchem. This trip for me was more about education, communication, and experiences than volunteer work and I am perfectly fine with that . GIVE volunteers help in terms of numbers (hands for construction and stimulating tourism) and English exposure (good for tourist economy) but the people of Sop Chem know how to actually make what they need and navigate their environment in a way we couldn't possibly. Besides loving the nature and cultural immersion and adventure activities I was impressed with how safe an organized a trip composed of and led by a bunch of 20-something year olds felt. I was never concerned about being lost, hurt, sick, or scared. I felt right at home. If I were to critique anything it'd be maybe the contents of the first aid kits for the guides. I didn't get to check it out extensively so I could be wrong but first aid materials for more serious injuries didn't seem to be present. It wasn't needed on my trip so I dont know first hand how GIVE guides handles those situations. My other critique, which I mentioned to my group and guides, is that maybe Give should along with its other meaningful discussions bring up topics of "white/western saviorism" and colorism. I was the only black person on my trip and I was treated differently by young kids in Sop Chhem for the first few days because I was black. It was a bit isolating and I didn't know who I could talk to. Most orgs like Give fail to discuss colorism in the world but I think that should be a conversation. One of the guides even said that the chief of the village, Tuey, told him that everyone in the village love white people and think they all have money and resources. I could tell.

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  Anonymous
  Written on September 29, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  I have always had great ambition to travel. I heard about GIVE through my university and absolutely fell in love. I left the infosession with the full intention on going forth with it. I was supposed to go to Nicaragua; however due to safety it was cancelled. I chose Laos after discussing with the GIVE people on the phone. In the end, I decided on Laos because of the similarities between the trips and the comments made from the people over the phone. Now to the good stuff... I was filled with wonderment as soon as I arrived. The scenery and the views and all the other different cultural aspects I first witnessed were overwhelming. As I am sitting back at home months later I think about GIVE every single day. I think of all the great memories I will forever cherish. I think about the connections and the locals that were so welcoming. I think about all the amazing people I met through the trip including my wonderful guide that has forever left an impact on my life. I think of so much when I think of GIVE. I went on this trip thinking I wanted to become a pediatric physical therapist. When I returned home I began questioning what I was doing with my life and how to remain as happy as I was in Sop Chem, because that’s the happy that I want to always be. As of now, I will continue to help and educate others and spread sustainability along with the matter of global citizenship. I hope to someday be able to travel along with pursue my dream of becoming a physical therapist. As of now I am pondering traveling the world as a physical therapist. Who knows where life will take you or me, but I do know that going on a trip with GIVE will help you find the world and yourself.

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  Nicholas
  Written on September 3, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  The Laos GIVE trip is the third GIVE trip I have participated in and it was by far the most impactful. Most of my time was spent in the beautiful village of Sop Chem where I got to know the locals on a much deeper level than I had anywhere else I have traveled. The education program in Sop Chem is structured in a way that helped me build relationships with my students while making English education fun and effective. Tony has been my lovely guide on two GIVE trips, Nicaragua and Laos, and has been the best guide/friend I could ask for. He specializes in not only connecting with the locals but also helping the volunteers connect the work they are doing on a community level to the bigger picture. The locals in Laos, the other volunteers, and our guide Tony have been the catalyst for so much positive change in my life, I could not reccomend this trip more!

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  Brett
  Written on August 27, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  This tour was delightful! It pushed me beyond my comfort zone while providing support when needed. I thought the guides helped immerse us in the local cultures and helped us positively engage with the education and construction projects. I loved the trip and would recommend it to anyone! The medical and safety precautions were phenomenal!

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  RamyaMurakonda
  Written on August 26, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  This trip has been a great opportunity for me to take a look at the outside world and learn so much about it, and also myself, letting me grow as a person. Made some unforgettable memories with the people I've met on this trip. It has definitely been a life changing experience.

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  Alexandra
  Written on August 26, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  I had never heard of Laos but decided to go with GIVE's SE Asia package to stay in Asia longer. It has now become a second home full of community and family. Instantly, upon landing I felt the magic of this place. It is definitely a place that should be recognized for its beauty and potential in its own right, and GIVE is providing a way for this amazing country to do that. I got to explore temples, help animals, and play in waterfalls that should be in a fairy-tale. The community we worked in, Sop Chem, is amazing. I've never felt to accepted and welcomed. My American and local guide both had really big impacts on my life while there in that they helped me recognize my potential. I really cannot imagine having gone to Asia without visiting Laos. GIVE really out did themselves here with this trip, finding such an untouched beauty.

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  Anonymous
  Written on August 21, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  Laos is an amazing and life changing expirence. I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to meet the loving people of Shop Chem. This beautiful place changed my life in the best way possible. Thank you GIVE for everything!

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  WandaAllaire
  Written on August 10, 2018

  4.5 - Excellent

  I had taken this trip as an add-on to the Thailand adventure. As with the other trip, GIVE does a great job in combining adventure in Lao with the opportunity truly to make a positive and effective impact on local communities. GIVE provided the necessary experiences to appreciate and learn about the Lao culture and become culturally immersed. The GIVE guides and local guides were very knowledgeable, personable, caring and passionate. In Luang Prabang, we explored the beautiful town framed by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, climbed 329 steps up Mt Phousi for spectacular views, visited the night market. Just outside of town, we hiked and swam in the Kuang Si Waterfalls, and learned about the efforts of the Asiatic bear sanctuary and had the opportunity to help with the work to provide good living space for the bears. We took a long boat journey to the breath-taking village of Sop Chem and its wonderful and welcoming people where we engaged in teaching the children English and working on building a dormitory for their teachers. Our adventures/activities included hikes thru jungles and rice paddies to a waterfall and spelunking a cave, cultural activities with the villagers, cast net fishing, volleyball and yoga on the beach, a homestay, spectacular zip-lining and ropes course in the middle of the jungle. The group also bonded well and many lasting friendships were made. It is a truly awesome experience.

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  Lauren
  Written on August 9, 2018

  4.0 - Good

  I think the trip was incredible overall, and I absolutely loved the guides. I wish there were more alternatives in the schedule since it rains all the time in monsoon season! Also, I think it would’ve been awesome to have a bit more freetime in general. But I had the best time of my life, and can’t wait to spread the message!

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  Anonymous
  Written on August 6, 2018

  5.0 - Excellent

  If you are looking for a life changing experience than GIVE is for you! You are completely immersed in a culture that is unlike any other! You challenge yourself, push yourself, and find yourself all over again. It is the most unreal experience that I will never forget. I will always be grateful to GIVE and the opportunities they gave me!

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