GVI Gap Year Reviews
Latest Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“GVI Thailand is a nightmare wrapped in a ripoff”
Written on: 20/11/2012 by Ajarn7 (1 review written)
GVI Thailand--what a crock. The first lie is that the reason it's so expensive is because they give 70% of the fee to the community. Not even remotely true. The living conditions are deplorable, the staff are underpaid, the food is detestable--and all GVI have to say about it is "you're sacrificing to save the planet." BS! They let anyone on who's check clears the bank with no screening process--or at least when the screening process turns up drug addicts and criminals, they let them on... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Phoenix Projects Guatamala teaching intern-ship (GVI)”
Written on: 30/07/2012
After paying over 3,500 pounds and dedicating six months of my life to this project, The least I was expecting was a warm welcome.however the pick up staff did not speak a word of English and the project leader was too busy shopping to come greet us on time. Over the first two weeks communication did not improve, I felt uncomfortable in such a dangerous country and phone lines where never answered. Another shocker for me was that once in the country they told me I would be volunteering... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“Conservation Internship in Kenya NOT !”
Written on: 16/04/2012
Recently got back from the GVI program in Kenya and although I met some likeminded people. I was not impressed with the overall set up of the work. The staff seemed to be more into each other then they were interested in the work which was disorganised or none existent. I would NOT recommend this project to anyone. (read more)
Pippajacks's Comment
Written on: 07/04/2013
Hi there, I'm a journalist looking into the overseas volunteering sector and I'd be really interested to chat to you some more about your experience in Kenya. Would you have a minute to email me on pjacks@ttgdigital.com so I can contact you? www.ttgdigital.com
Reply to this comment
Pippajacks's Comment
Written on: 07/04/2013
Hi there, I'm a journalist looking into the overseas volunteering sector and I'd be really interested to chat to you some more about your experience in Thailand. Would you have a minute to email me on pjacks@ttgdigital.com so I can contact you? I'm Pippa and work at TTG Magazine.
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“Teaching Program, Fiji”
Written on: 23/01/2012 by Alharris1992 (1 review written)
I woke up one morning and decided that I wanted to go to Fiji to Volunteer. It had been a year since I volunteered in Mongolia and I felt this instinct inside me that said go. After plenty of research I decided to go with Global Vision International. A month later I was jumping of the boat and onto the beautiful white sandy beach of Tovuto Base, Fiji. After meeting 20 or so of the other volunteers I was set up ready for my first day at Ratu Melli school. We arrived at the schools assembly... (read more)
★★☆☆☆
“There are better ways to help the turtles”
Written on: 19/12/2011
I completed a six month internship with GVI in Costa Rica in 2010 and I have to admit that I was angry with them when I left. A year later and my feelings are somewhat mixed. I felt compelled to write this review because I feel that at least with respect to the Costa Rica program they are misleading people and taking their money whilst hiding behind the banner of being a “volunteer organization”. People deserve to know exactly what they are being sold. That being said I did have an... (read more)
★★★★★
“Life in the Mountains”
Written on: 30/11/2011 by samantha.alwyn (1 review written)
I decided to apply for GVI whilst taking my gap year. It was the best decision I have ever made. The location is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen and the villagers match! They are so welcoming and helpful even when the language barrier get in the way. All the staff and volunteers where amazing people that I hope to know for the rest of my life. A normal day would consist of walking with the elephants as well as doing a community project, whether it be teaching English or planting... (read more)
Guest's Response to samantha.alwyn's Review
Written on: 08/05/2012
Hi I realise this was written a while ago and I don't know if you'll check it, but i'm about to book an internship on this programme and was wondering if you could offer any advice? Are there any bad points I should know about?
Thanks,
Phoebe
Reply to this comment
★☆☆☆☆
“Kenya 6 month conservation internship”
Written on: 26/10/2011
I was meant to be staying in Kenya for 6 months on a GVI internship, but left after just 2 weeks when I realised what a sham it was. As I want to get into the field of conservation as a career, the GVI internship seemed perfect for people like me with no previous conservation experience. After just a few days I realised that not all is as it seems with GVI - they are very good at saying all the right things ('not for profit' etc), but when questioned specifically about their conservation... (read more)
★★★★★
“Ikhayalethemba Village, An experience of a Lifetime”
Written on: 24/10/2011 by macintya (1 review written)
I spent two weeks in South Africa at this Orphanage. I learned so much about who I am and what I am capable of accomplishing. I learned to appreciate what I have in my life and what I am able to offer my children. The children living at Ikhayalethemba Village were wild, sweet, loving, hungry, funny, playful. They are too young to understand the opportunity education can provide them, so it took alot of creativity to get them to learn English without it feeling like "school". "Who let the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Volunteer in an Orphanage in Cape Town, South Africa”
Written on: 17/10/2011 by jwilson19 (1 review written)
I have just got home from 4 amazing weeks in South Africa where I was doing the Volunteer at an Orphanage programme, based in Fish Hoek. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had and if I could fly back I would do so in a heartbeat. The women who donate their homes and entire lives to helping those children are absaloutely amazing, inspiring people whom I feel proud to have met and worked with. The children themselves are all incredible little bundles of joy who have the ability... (read more)
Guest's Response to jwilson19's Review
Written on: 07/03/2012
Hi! i'm going to SA this august and was wondering what i do when it comes to the visa? do i need one and do you know roughly how much it is? also how many people were there on the project with you? xx
Reply to this comment
Jwilson19's Response to jwilson19's Review
Written on: 08/03/2012
Hiya, I'm not sure about Visa as it was a bit weird when we went so may have changed. When I went GVI sent you a load of documents to produce at Passport Control and they stamped your passport with a temporary Visa or something but some people had problems so you might want to check with GVI. The first 2 weeks we had 2 full houses - 8 in mine and 10 or 12 in the other house and the next 2 weeks there were 6 in our house and about 8 in the other house. There will probably be the maximum amount when you go as it's Summer holidays. Ahh I'm so jealous, you will have an amazing time! x
Reply to this comment
Zcarter's Response to jwilson19's Review
Written on: 06/07/2012
Hi,
I am hoping to go to Cape Town, South Africa to work in an orphange in September.
I am just wondering what is the safety like? I have heard crime levels are high!!
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“GVI Volunteering in Luang Prabang, Laos”
Written on: 12/10/2011 by esthiwaldmeier (1 review written)
In August 2011, I spent four truly incredible and adventurous weeks on GVI’s ‘Teaching English to Buddhist Novice Monks and Local Communities’ program in Luang Prabang, Laos. I had never been to Laos beforehand, so I spent an extra week prior to the program in which I got to see the country’s Capital, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang, the town where I would spend the following couple of weeks. I most definitely recommend travelling to your future destination at least three or four days... (read more)
Guest's Response to esthiwaldmeier's Review
Written on: 28/05/2012
Hi esthiwaldmeier
So glad I came upon your post as I have read so many mixed reviews about volunteering with GVI and I really want to do this project in the near future! So you definitely feel that this trip was well worth your money and time? Some other reviewers say that when they got to their project they did not really undertake the volunteering promised and it became more of a glorified sightseeing trip. But you can state that you actually spent most of your days teaching the monks english? Was the place where you boarded fine in terms of running water and privacy? Any extra advice you can offer would be wonderful!!Thanks.
Reply to this comment
Esthiwaldmeier's Response to esthiwaldmeier's Review
Written on: 29/05/2012
Dear Guest!
I'm glad you felt that my review was helpful- and to reassure you that I truly believe in this project in Luang Prabang - I am returning there this summer!
I think this answers your question: Yes, I really do believe that it is worth my money and time. And no I truly never felt that it was a glorified sightseeing trip - all the volunteers taught at different schools everyday - I usually taught at 3, sometimes 4 different schools a day. With all the lesson planning, it does take most of the time of the day, but there's enough time to relax, bike, have great food and do some sightseeing too. I felt that it was a great mix after having settled in. But don't expect to teach novices only - GVI works with a number of other schools too - but really, teaching novices or "normal" children doesn't make much of a difference - apart from a few restrictions when teaching in the temple. And since there's a lot of closing, opening and re-opening of schools, schedules can change quickly.
As I've heard, GVI has moved back to Cold River guesthouse, where I didn't stay last time because it was closed for renovation. But I heard that it's very nice - better than the one we stayed in last time, and that was fine. We all had private bedrooms and bathrooms - it is basic, but there's running water (though not always hot, but you don't really need that with the weather anyway), western-style toilets, ceiling fans and okay-beds. And if you're really unhappy with your accomodation, you can always talk to the field staff, they're very understanding!
Hope this helps you!
Esthi Waldmeier
Reply to this comment
See next 10 reviews
Showing 1 - 10 of 48 Reviews
★★★★★
“GVI Marine Conservation Seychelles”
Written on: 04/10/2011 by MarieDale (1 review written)
Where to begin?! It was by far one of the greatest things i've ever done in my life! Living on a remote tropical island, 4 degrees south of the equator, diving everyday and spending time with new friends is just pure bliss. I decided to do the GVI expedition as I am studying Marine Biology at University and i thought it'd be amazing experience, and a perfect way to spend my summer before i started Uni. I was right. GVI made the whole trip worthwhile. The staff members are all proffessional,... (read more)
★★★★★
“GVI Internship In Marine Conservation Programs, Seychelles”
Written on: 03/10/2011 by hollyurq (1 review written)
After I graduated high school in May, I wanted to do something constructive during my nine months before Australian universities started. Going to Seychelles with GVI for the Internship in Marine Conservation Programs was exactly what I was looking for. Going there was an Amazing experience, with a capital A. I learnt so much about myself – whether I really wanted to be a marine scientist in the future, how well I could manage on my own (it was my first overseas trip without parents or... (read more)
★★★★★
“GVI Fiji project / rainwater harvesting system...”
Written on: 30/09/2011 by MarcosFerreira (1 review written)
I've have recently returned from the Yasawas, in Fiji, where I worked for 4 weeks in the GVI rainwater harvesting system construction project. Collecting fresh water is a priority there and GVI, in partnership with the Yasawa Trust Foundation, is already making a strong impact in people's everyday life. Thank you Dan, thank you Leti, I am looking forward to go back... (read more)
★★★★★
“My Amazing Time in Kenya”
Written on: 28/09/2011 by jojojo777 (1 review written)
I just spent an amazing 5 weeks in Kenya on the combined Community and Conservation expedition. This was an amazing experience and I would totally recommend it to anyone. The only thing I would say is that 5 weeks just flies by! The first week was spent in the forest, surveying primates, birds and butterflies and generally helping to conserve the forest. The second week we focused on the local community - teaching in the local schools which was an awesome experience - the children were so... (read more)
★★★★★
“Volunteer Holiday in Kenya ... AMAZING!”
Written on: 15/09/2011 by jm467 (1 review written)
I have just visited Kenya doing a construction project through GVI. I had the most amazing time and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone! We built a 15ft x 35ft storage building for animal skins and hides which will help generate an income for the community we were living with. The community were very welcoming and it was interesting to see how different their lives are to ones we lead at home. Simple things such as head torches and cameras, they were fascinated with. On a typical day we... (read more)
★★★★★
“Rainforest Conservation Internship in the ecuadorian...”
Written on: 31/08/2011 by anja_r
I have lived in a few different places already and worked with many people. But only living and working in the rainforest for 6 month made me realise what life is all about. I was on a well paved career path but constantly looking for another challenge, constantly questioning my work as an architect. Finally I had enough after a year of hard work it was time for me to start volunteering. There is a lot on the internet and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do and how. When I... (read more)
★★★★★
“Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Program”
Written on: 01/08/2011 by tmadrigal25
I volunteered on the GVI Costa Rica Sea Turtle program in mid-June of this year (2011). The experience completely blew me away. Everything I saw and did was more than I ever expected. It was amazing to meet people from all over the world and work together with them to study and promote the conservation of sea turtles. We would walk the beach at night looking for nesting sea turtles. If we came across one, we would count the eggs as they were being laid, mark the location of the nest, and... (read more)
Elgringo's Response to tmadrigal25's Review
Written on: 01/02/2012
Good for you for helping the turtles. However I would urge people who want to do likewise to book directly with a proper conservation body and not use GVI who put making money above helping the environment. The turtle work they do in Costa Rica is not run by them. GVI volunteers are used as manpower by the STC (sea turtle conservancy), please book with them directly or any of the other not for profit organizations if you want to help turtles in Costa Rice. GVI's presence at the base in Tortuguero is questionable at best. It is more of a holiday camp than a research station. Their surveys are not scientific. Their staff are mostly past volunteers and high school graduates and the data they collect has not been used to better the environment in Costa Rica in any way. The constant beach patrols, compost heaps and light and noise pollution can only be harming the local environment.
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“Community Development in Ecuador”
Written on: 29/07/2011 by vixtoole
I was extremely impressed with GVI's approach to volunteering. I saw that the staff on our team cared deeply about our project and the children, as well as making sure that we had an excellent time ourselves. The Ecuador project was very well organised, and i was able to be completely informed before I left home. We had an amazing time working with the children in a beautiful location. The Spanish lessons were brilliant, one on one teaching enabled us to get the absolute most out of the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Hands-on work in Tsavo with rural communities”
Written on: 27/07/2011 by Jan86
In June 2011 I decided to go ahead and participate in a GVI project in Kenya and involve the students of St. Stephen's School in Rome, where I currently am a 1st year History teacher, sports coach and service/environmental coordinator. I spent two weeks with GVI in the Tsavo/Taveta region working with communities of former poachers who had put aside their poaching past to follow more sustainable livelihoods and assist the KWS and the WSPA in protecting the incredibly rich biodiversity of... (read more)
★★★★★
“Gordon's Bay Orphanage Project, South Africa”
Written on: 25/07/2011 by Hannah2306 (1 review written)
I had an amazing time in Gordon's Bay, South Africa! I worked two weeks at the nursery and two weeks at the orphanage. The children at both locations are absolutely incredible. I fell in love with them all and will never forget them. The entire experience was nothing like what I had expected, yet is irreplaceable. The coordinators and staff are so wonderful and I met some truly awesome fellow volunteers from all over the world. Working and living with them was so great and I don't... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 48 Reviews
★★★★★
“An Unforgettable Experience in South Africa!”
Written on: 23/07/2011
I decided to volunteer with GVI at the South Africa educare project because I have always loved working with children. I had never volunteered abroad before, and going by myself was kind of daunting, but I settled in pretty quickly. I met lots of fantastic people: other volunteers from around the world, coordinators and senior staff who supported me all the way, and the project partners who were so inspiring in their generosity and their passion for the kids they take care of. I really... (read more)
★★★★★
“Wildlife Conservation Expedition in the Ecuadorian...”
Written on: 21/07/2011
I have never learned so much about nature (and consequently, about myself) in such a short period of time. When I look back on my time volunteering, my head hurts from being so full of colourful memories! Every day was filled with hard work, fresh and delicious food, and more animals, plants and bugs than I can count. I remember our first nature walk through the jungle and gaping at every oddity. But the nature was not the only mind-blowing thing. The volunteers and staff that I got to work... (read more)
★★★★★
“Amazing is an understatement!”
Written on: 11/07/2011
I lived one of my dreams volunteering in an orphanage, South Africa and came out the other side a much better person. I met the most amazing people and found a second family away from home. I held hands with some of the most beautiful little children in the world, saw their incredible smiles every day and became friends with their massive personalities. I woke up each morning awaiting the sound of their giggles and excited about the day ahead. I learnt more about myself than even I knew and... (read more)
★★★★★
“GVI Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica”
Written on: 11/07/2011 by michellegeorgia (1 review written)
In April 2011 I went to Tortuguero National Park to take part on a wildlife expedition with GVI(Global VIsion International). The base was incredible; set on the edge of the rainforest, miles of private beach to enjoy in between surveys and great food. The mammals, reptiles, amphibians and reptiles we saw were fantastic; snakes, toucans, parrots, sea turtles and jaguars. Yes I saw four jaguars. Not just fleeting glances, but full on clear views with time to take pictures. We worked surveying... (read more)
★★★★☆
“GVI - Cape Town, South Africa”
Written on: 10/06/2011 by atryon2
In March 2010, I had the privilege of volunteering with GVI in South Africa. I split my time between two programs. The first half of my visit consisted of working with the beautiful, fun children living at Mama Lumka's orphanage. We planned lessons for them, helped during feeding time, and played! The second half of my trip was spent teaching English and math at a township school. My time on the projects was wonderful! The country of South Africa is absolutely beautiful and GVI staff... (read more)
★★★★★
“My time spent in the small hill tribe village of Huay...”
Written on: 15/02/2011 by mitchburrows (1 review written)
My time spent in the small hill tribe village of Huay Pakoot was among the most memorable experiences I have had up to date. Not only did the GVI staff offer help and guidance, but they also all exhibit the same passion and motivation that I aspire to emulate.
I cannot emphasise enough how important the Thai Elephant project and the Elephant Vet Aid Outpost (EVAO) are in the fight for saving the critically endangered Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) from the brink of extinction.
The...
(read more)
Phoebe_22's Response to mitchburrows's Review
Written on: 08/05/2012
Hi, I am hopefully going to be doing this project as an internship in January and just wondered if there is anything you feel that is particularly important before I go. I am also a vegetarian and have been a little worried about the possibility that my dietary requirements may not be met, but you say you had no problems whatsoever? Also, is there anything you recommend that I take that I might not consider? I read that ear plugs helped due to the cockerels in the village. After reading your review i'm getting very excited :)
Thanks,
Phoebe
Reply to this comment
★★★★☆
“Before the trip, all of the office staff were very...”
Written on: 13/01/2011
Before the trip, all of the office staff were very helpful. They answered all my questions as promptly and throughly as possible. The accommodations were basic, of course, but nothing we hadn't been prepared for. Bucket showers are part of the lifestyle, and the cold well water feels wonderful after you are sweaty and covered in sand. The dive instructors were very experienced and really helped me to become confident underwater. All the staff were very patient with us and taught us all sorts... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I choose GVI for my first volunteering trip lasting...”
Written on: 10/01/2011
I choose GVI for my first volunteering trip lasting two weeks in South Africa. The project was working in an orphanage in Cape Town and was amazing. I enjoyed working in the orphanage and loved watching the children improve their English everyday. I also worked with children who had disabilities, which was very rewarding. The side trips and area we lived in was also stunning. I had been told to have low expectations of the living accomadation but it was actually very clean and spacious. The... (read more)
★★★★★
“I had the most incredible experience in Cape town, I...”
Written on: 08/01/2011 by Ashleigh10 (1 review written)
I had the most incredible experience in Cape town, I only went for two weeks, which although this was still enough time to experience a lot of what is available, including the work with the children as well as seeing cape town itself, I wish I had gone for a longer period and am planning to return to see how the project has grown as I was one of the first volunteers on this particular project in cape town and it was amazing.I felt like I fitted right in from the moment I arrived, and felt... (read more)
★★★★★
“ I spent 5 weeks in the Ecuadorian rainforest, and it...”
Written on: 06/01/2011 by GavinCameron (1 review written)
I spent 5 weeks in the Ecuadorian rainforest, and it was without doubt the best ( and shortest) 5 weeks of my life so far! I gained a great amount of knowledge about the Rainforest, and the species that live there. I also gained a lot of confidence from the TEFL part of the trip, teaching English to local children was something I enjoyed a lot more than I expected too, and learned some Spanish myself too. I also gained a lot of good friends, and a life experience that I will never forget!
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 48 Reviews
★★★★★
“I had an absolutely indescribable experience, and...”
Written on: 04/01/2011
I had an absolutely indescribable experience, and would definitely recommend it to anyone else. I felt like I was in very safe hands from the moment I met my co-ordinators in the airport, and they were always there for us if there was ever a problem.
I worked with my own small class in the orphanage, teaching them basic English and Maths skills. I was very nervous about this as I have had no teaching experience whatsoever, and haven't spent very much time around children. I had a wonderful...
(read more)
★★★★★
“When I signed up for my internship with GVI all I knew...”
Written on: 02/01/2011 by bltupper (2 reviews written)
When I signed up for my internship with GVI all I knew was that I wanted to make it to Africa for as long as possible. I ended up applying and accepting the South African National Parks internship position. I had no idea how this year would change the rest of my life.
Pre-departure GVI had wonderful support and now that they have an office in Boston it made things easier for me here in the United States. Visa questions, packing questions, travel questions, all sorted nicely by GVI staff on...
(read more)
★★★★★
“GVI - South African National Parks Internship - One Year ”
Written on: 02/01/2011 by bltupper (2 reviews written)
GVI - South African National Parks Internship - One Year
When I signed up for my internship with GVI all I knew was that I wanted to make it to Africa for as long as possible. I ended up applying and accepting the South African National Parks internship position. I had no idea how this year would change the rest of my life.
Pre-departure GVI had wonderful support and now that they have an office in Boston it made things easier for me here in the United States. Visa questions, packing...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I just returned from 10 weeks in the Sian Ka'an...”
Written on: 21/12/2010 by cbeehler (1 review written)
I just returned from 10 weeks in the Sian Ka'an biosphere where I was living during my marine conservation expedition that was run through GVI. I don't think that saying I had the time of my life even does this trip justice. The staff and all the other volunteers were all amazing people and the environment was just astonishing. I went from never scuba diving before, to being a certified rescue diver while also getting to monitor the fish of the meso-american barrier reef. I also got to go to... (read more)
★★★★★
“I think that I am in a unique position to comment on...”
Written on: 24/08/2010
I think that I am in a unique position to comment on GVI, having just returned from 10 months of traveling and doing 3 GVI projects in a row. My aim was to take some time to see the world, immerse myself in cultures and to try and give something back to the world.
My first project was "Teach English to Buddhist Novice Monks and Local Communities in Laos". The support here from both the GVI staff and the other volunteers was amazing. Living in a guest house with our own rooms gave the best...
(read more)
Volunteer1607's Comment
Written on: 03/11/2010
hi, I was thinking of going for the teaching in laos. I was just wondering how the guesthouses were, if its safe for a girl to go by herself etc...? thank you for your review!!!
<br/>
<br/>
Reply to this comment
★★★★★
“I participated in the "EX74 Patagonia Research and...”
Written on: 04/05/2010
I participated in the "EX74 Patagonia Research and Exploration Expedition" in November and December of 2009 and it was truely an experience of a lifetime. I learned more about myself in those 5 weeks than I had in years. I was able to test and discover my limits while bushwhacking,crossing freezing rivers or climbing mountains to get to our wild boar transects. I learned skills that are not only valuable in the field, but in all aspects of life. Dealing with strangers became a necessity when... (read more)
★★★★★
“I went to Mexico with GVI and volunteered in a marine...”
Written on: 30/04/2010 by katemcm (1 review written)
I went to Mexico with GVI and volunteered in a marine conservation program. Volunteers from around the world were trained to scuba dive and monitor coral and fish on the reefs just offshore of where we were living. The staff who trained us were great as were the other volunteers. GVI also had a good partnership with the local organizations and we could see how valued our work was, whether it was monitoring the reefs, teaching english, or cleaning up beaches. (read more)
★★★★★
“ GVI's Construction and Sustainable Development...”
Written on: 25/04/2010
GVI's Construction and Sustainable Development project in Tsavo West...
After working on the construction project we had the opportunity to see exactly why our contribution was so important.Kenya is a country that recognizes the value of its natural resources and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) works very hard to promote education and training on protecting and preserving wildlife. Kenya Wildlife Service recognizes that Kenya's tourist industry would rapidly decline if there were no more...
(read more)
★★★★★
“In January 2009 I went to Guatemala and volunteered...”
Written on: 12/04/2010 by tinat (2 reviews written)
In January 2009 I went to Guatemala and volunteered with the Phoenix projects run by GVI. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE. I built stoves for families with children in the GVI school or in the local school on GVI scholarships. In the three weeks I built 4 stoves and on my days off helped out in the GVI school on sports day. I built every stove with love, sweat and hard work. I cherished the local mason who guided me. I admired all the families I built these stoves for and I will always be grateful to... (read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I volunteered for one week on the island of Zanzibar...”
Written on: 25/03/2010
I volunteered for one week on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania in August, 2009. I worked at a marine turtle sanctuary. This experience was not one that I would recommend. Although the Zanzibarians were, for the most part, wonderful, the problem was that this was just much too expensive for one week: more than $1000. I highly doubt that much of that money was allocated to the project, because the local head asked me to send them a computer, which they needed. Since a laptop can be bought... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 31 - 40 of 48 Reviews
★★★★☆
“This January I embarked on the journey of a lifetime...”
Written on: 19/03/2010
This January I embarked on the journey of a lifetime and I owe GVI a big thank you! I went to Cape Town, South Africa to volunteer at an orphanage. The trip was amazing, the other volunteers were so great, the children were so cute and eager to play with you. I would go back in a heart beat I was there for the month and in that relitivley short time I made lasting friendships and connections with both the volunteers and the locals. The only thing I would have liked to know before I got to... (read more)
★★★★★
“In January i undertook the 28 day South African field...”
Written on: 11/03/2010 by aysh06 (1 review written)
In January i undertook the 28 day South African field guide course. In these 28 days i lived in a tented camp situated inside the Kruger National park. Living within the park ensured that we had animal sightings every day and allowed us to develop a greater understanding of not only the iconic "big 5", but the smaller flora and fauna that surrounded us.
The aim of the course was to train and become fully qualified field guides. It consisted of study and lectures taught in a friendly and...
(read more)
★★★★★
“In January of this year I went over to South Africa...”
Written on: 09/03/2010 by aussie daley (1 review written)
In January of this year I went over to South Africa for GVI's 28-day Field Guide Course. You are placed at Nsikazi Camp which is located at the Numbi Gate entrance to the magnificent Kruger National Park, and is actually part of Kruger itself, and as such you can expect to see a vast array of the iconic and beautiful African Wildlife on a regular basis.
This course combines regular sightings of the iconic African wildlife with a theoretical component, where you learn about issues such as...
(read more)
★★★★★
“I had an amazing time with GVI last year in Thailand,...”
Written on: 07/03/2010
I had an amazing time with GVI last year in Thailand, i cannot recommend them enough. I was looked after from start to finish, the GVI staff were amazing and you could see straight away how GVI were respected by the local community. For me looking to volunteer abroad on my own for the first time the support structure was the most important thing. I was well looked after but also made loads of friends while on the project who I went travelling with afterwards. I think I will go back this year... (read more)
Phoebe_22's Comment
Written on: 08/05/2012
Hi, was this the project with elephants? I am hopefully going to be doing this project as an internship in January and just wondered if there is anything you feel that is particularly important before I go? Also, is there anything you recommend that I take that I might not consider? I read that ear plugs helped due to the cockerels in the village. After reading your review i'm getting very excited :)
Thanks,
Phoebe
Reply to this comment
★☆☆☆☆
“Stay away from GVI. Went out to Costa Rica last year....”
Written on: 19/02/2010
Stay away from GVI. Went out to Costa Rica last year. Seamed like all they were doing was surveying rented land. (read more)
★★★★★
“I had an amazing time with GVI when I volunteered with...”
Written on: 01/02/2010 by amy74 (1 review written)
I had an amazing time with GVI when I volunteered with them in Kenya. The GVI field staff were truly great, right from the beginning they all worked hard to ensure we new what we were doing, were doing it safely and for the right reasons. The community really wanted us there and the only bad thing was when I had to leave!! I wish I was there now (read more)
★★★★★
“I couldn't of been more happy with my volunteer...”
Written on: 30/01/2010 by HannahMilburn (1 review written)
I couldn't of been more happy with my volunteer experience with GVI in Ecuador on the Yachana Reserve. From the moment I spoke on the phone when applying, to arriving, and to having full blown tears when leaving it was truly an amazing experience and something that I would recommend to anyone who wants to volunteer!
I had spent several weeks looking for a gap year based group that had something more to offer me than just a trip. With GVI there are real opportunities to do something with your...
(read more)
★☆☆☆☆
“I wouldn't recommend GVI to anyone. I ended up leaving...”
Written on: 15/01/2010
I wouldn't recommend GVI to anyone. I ended up leaving the expedition in Costa Rica after 3 weeks because I was so disappointed with the experience. It wasn't at all like how it was described on the website; the training was brutal, there was no english teaching or environmental programs for the community, the base was crappy, the equipment was falling apart, and the activities that they promised like white water rafting and the canopy tour were suddenly not part of the expedition when we... (read more)
overview
Top 5 Gap Years
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Frontier (Conservation, Education, Exploration) www.frontier.ac.uk
255 reviews read latest review -
2. Plan My Gap Year - www.planmygapyear.co.uk
132 reviews read latest review -
3. Global Vision International - www.gvi.co.uk
123 reviews read latest review -
4. Gap 360 - www.gap360.com
52 reviews read latest review -
5. Amanzi Travel - www.amanzitravel.co.uk
44 reviews read latest review
Latest Reviews in Gap Years
-
Gap Medics Ltd www.gapmedics.co.uk
"Perfect way to gain clinical e..." Read More
-
Xtreme Gap Year
"Thailand Experience Rocks" Read More
-
Gap Force www.gapforce.org
"I did Skiforce in Val DIsere" Read More
-
Frontier (Conservation, Education, Exploration) www.frontier.ac.uk
"Costa Rica Big Cats and Primates" Read More
-
Plan My Gap Year - www.planmygapyear.co.uk
"PMGY Sri Lanka" Read More
Latest items in Gap Years
See more ▼
Pippajacks's Comment
Written on: 07/04/2013
Hi there, I'm a journalist looking into the overseas volunteering sector and I'd be really interested to chat to you some more about your experience in Guatemala. Would you have a minute to email me on pjacks@ttgdigital.com so I can contact you? I'm Pippa and work at TTG Magazine.