Colorado Mesa University students have the opportunity to become global citizens by being submerged in a new culture and environment by joining GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursion). There are a series of four different host communities to choose from: Tanzania, Thailand, Laos and Nicaragua.

“No matter what your major is or what you’re interested in, that volunteering abroad will introduce you to passions that you never knew you had and it will change your life,” GIVE Ambassador and CMU student Emily Annis said.

Students who become involved in this opportunity will become educated through the diversity of applied learning and may experience the power of being enlightened through immersion as they connect with local community members in developing places.

This past summer Annis found herself in Nicaragua in what she describes as a life-changing experience. Volunteering abroad inspired Annis to share this opportunity with all the students on campus. She is beginning the process of starting a GIVE group on campus.

Students can also get involved by going to the GIVE website and apply to be a volunteer. It is designed to be a simple process, with the option of receiving some elective credit.

Trip costs vary, but they include the housing and food. However, students do have to pay for their airfare.

“It’s mostly volunteer work, with adventure activities at each location; there is also an option to get some elective credit and it is super simple,” Annis said.

The mission of GIVE aligns with the values and vision of CMU; that growth and change are integral to sustainable development for the collective future of our world. The mission aims beyond helping a community to establishing a global society.  GIVE hopes to inspire growth and connect different cultures by immersing volunteers in a different environment and way of living.