Written on: 18/06/2013 by emopack
I decided to use GVI for my second volunteer trip to Africa when I was seventeen because I knew they would give us young volunteers more independence than any other teen travel program I could find. In addition, GVI was much more about sustainability than any other company. They believed in setting up programs at the school we worked at that could be taken over later on. When looking to make a difference in a troubled area making sure I leave the site self sustainable is the most important.... (read more)
Written on: 17/06/2013 by beccyshaw (1 review written)
In February 2012 I volunteered with GVI at an orphanage near Cape Town. From start to finish the experience was unforgettable. On arrival you were instantly made to feel at home. The staff and other volunteers were happy to help you with any questions you had, and within hours I felt comfortable in my surroundings. Before starting work at the orphanage we were given a quick briefing which made me feel confident about the work we were undertaking. Within minutes of arriving at the orphanage I... (read more)
Written on: 13/06/2013 by j8t2 (1 review written)
2012 was not a great year for me so I needed something else. Something outside of my comfort zone. Something to change my perspective on life. My solution: climb a mountain and help those who truly need it. Those were my expectations and by the end of my 6 weeks in the majestic country of Nepal, I'm happy to report that GVI delivered - with interest! A succinct review is a good review, so let's keep this short: - The trek to Everest Base Camp (or EBC, as us seasoned trekkers call it) was... (read more)
Written on: 05/06/2013 by Danielle1000
Having taken the plunge and eventually going to volunteer abroad as had always wanted I can say with all certainty that I would do it again. GVI from the minute I registered my interest to volunteer with them to the minute my time was over, we're fantastic, the staff were warm, friendly, approachable and eager to help with any questions which I had to make sure that I to the best out of the experience I could. I loved everything about GVI they were fantastic and I made some wonderful friends... (read more)
Written on: 05/06/2013 by littlerenaultclio (1 review written)
From the moment I arrived on our base in the Yasawas until the day I finished my Internship placement on Taveuni I was hooked. The GVI Marine Internship was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I visited and dived at some of the most beautiful locations imaginable, met some really cool people, not just other volunteers but from the local communities too, and formed friendships that will last a lifetime. And I ended up on a new career path too, thanks to the PADI Divemaster... (read more)
Written on: 04/06/2013 by Aniko (1 review written)
I was looking for my next adventure trip when I applied for the program called Conservation Expedition to the Seychelles with GVI. The description of the program was fascinating, the price was acceptable. When I arrived on Curieuse island I had no real experience in the kitchen, I was a stubborn night owl and meat eater, I was afraid of snorkeling and I was looking for an adventure only. However day by day things have changed. The program made me realize that the kitchen is a place for... (read more)
Written on: 28/05/2013 by hstirlin (1 review written)
I chose to volunteer with GVI because a close friend with mine had gone to Fiji with GVI and recommended the company. I knew I wanted to volunteer abroad, but there are so many options to choose from and it’s hard to know which company to trust with both your safety and your money. I would highly recommend GVI to anyone looking to volunteer abroad -- my experience in Laos was absolutely incredible. I made so many wonderful friends from all over the world who I never would have met if it... (read more)
Written on: 25/05/2013 by stephclues (1 review written)
I volunteered with GVI in Luaung Praband in Laos in December 2012 -January 2013, teaching English to Buddhist novice monks at a temple, and to other students at a private school. I volunteered for only 2 weeks, and at the end my only regret was that I couldn't stay longer! The town was beautiful, the Laos people I met and other volunteers were all great. The staff were amazing, there for you every step of the way, and always made you feel welcomed and valued. The volunteering itself was... (read more)
Written on: 13/05/2013 by josh915 (1 review written)
Volunteering with GVI has been one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life. The staff were welcoming and helpful right from my arrival at the Cancun airport. Playa del Carmen is a bustling city with lots to see and a beautiful culture. I met the other project volunteers and interns on the first day when I arrived at the flat. We all got along great and became very close, and continue to keep in touch. After my first visit to the toy library where I was to be volunteering... (read more)
Written on: 08/05/2013 by natashak0388 (1 review written)
I recently embarked upon an incredible and life-changing two-week journey in the beautiful city of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico participating in the Childcare and Arts program. To start my week off I met up with my fellow volunteers, who are also from Australia, and another couple who are from the Isle of Mann and Canada. Instantly I can’t believe how lucky I am to be spending two weeks in this fascinating place with such awesome people! Everybody has such amazing stories to tell, and I’ve... (read more)
Written on: 06/05/2013 by mylittleadventures
I had wanted to volunteer for a long time when I came across the GVI teaching project in Laos. I had heard many stories about volunteering overseas and I was hesitant to commit as I wasn't sure what to expect, and as a student I only had one chance to spend the money and go for it. If only I had known just how amazing this trip would be I would have gone years ago! If you are interested in travel through South East Asia I would strongly encourage you to consider teaching in Laos. Even if you... (read more)
Written on: 04/05/2013 by AnnemiekNL (1 review written)
I did the Marine Conservation Expedition in The Seychellen: What an amazing experience. You live on a base camp in Cap Ternay, Mahé island. The island is absolutely breath taking beautiful, with it's white beaches and clear blue sea. And that's the office! You have 1 or 2 dives a day to do underwater surveys in either fish/coral/invertebrates. The first two weeks of the program are pretty fully booked with PADI Advanced, EFR, Marine Biology and your survey domain training. And of course... (read more)
Written on: 19/04/2013
If someone had told me one year ago that I would soon travel to the Costa Rican jungle with complete strangers for two months, I would have laughed. Traveling is something I enjoy, but for short periods of time and in familiar places. Studying wildlife without a background in anything relevant? Eating meals without any dairy? Tromping through mud pits expecting it to pour into my boots? Not me. Or so I thought. When it came time to plan out my GAP year, I knew I... (read more)
Written on: 03/04/2013 by Rachael_Smith (1 review written)
After being forced to take a gap year not getting the grades I needed to go to university, I was left with the perfect opportunity to do something worthwhile with my time in between retaking exams. Going to Thailand on my own has taught me so much despite the fact I was only able to do a 2 week programme. It was a great way to gain independence, but more importantly has taught me the importance of volunteering. Through teaching in schools and working within the community in Baan Nam Khem it... (read more)
Written on: 25/03/2013 by michelemurray (1 review written)
My husband and I had amazing memorable time volunteering in Nepal for one month, with weekends off to explore the breathtaking surrounding Annapurna South area. We worked across four projects: child care centre, street kids rehabilitation centre and conversation club and also, a school in a nearby village. We were scheduled for two of these programs each day. We had lots of variety across these projects and met daily throughout the week with GVI staff for updates and opportunity to share... (read more)
Written on: 06/03/2013 by IzbelW (1 review written)
I always wanted to volunteer and travel to Africa but I found it hard to choose one programme to pick, they all seemed soo interesting! So I booked two of them, the Wildlife Expedition in South Africa and the Marine Conservation programme in Kenya. And it really was the greatest experience of my life! Life on the programmes is so giving! You give much but you get even more back. Staff and other volunteers on the projects are very welcoming and they make sure you have the best time. I made... (read more)
Written on: 24/02/2013 by rhi-russell (1 review written)
I volunteered for a month in the Seychelles after browsing the internet endlessly trying to find the best place and program to go on. Stepping off the aeroplane into the humid environment was a shock at first, you could feel the sweat drip down your face. My first thought was it was going to be a hot, sticky, smelly month of volunteering and working outdoors all day - it was. Yet I had enrolled in the terrestrial expedition so was based on Curieuse Island, which to my relief was not quite... (read more)
Written on: 18/02/2013 by g.franceschini (1 review written)
My GVI experience was fantastic and I had a terrific time. Although I was in Kerala, India for only two weeks I had the chance to make new friendships, see a wonderful place and teach to a Kindergarden class full of crazy children. The days at the school were tiring but full of satisfactions, the kids were always smiling and enthusiastic about everything, even the smallest things. I had no troubles adapting into the new conditions of life and new environment as the locals were always kind... (read more)
Written on: 13/02/2013 by sianylou (1 review written)
My initial impression of the GVI base in Fiji was ‘What have I come here for?’, the simplicity of the base overwhelmed me on my arrival, but not even 24 hours later I was over my home sickness, had settled into my little home on the beach, made lifelong friends and couldn’t wait to get stuck into volunteer life in the Ratu Meli school. Amongst my highlights of the time I spent with GVI are the beauty of Nanuya Lailai, the simplicity of island life, the progression that you see the... (read more)
Written on: 11/02/2013 by patrose (1 review written)
The decision to participate in GVI Laos’ teaching program was simply one of the best things I have ever done. The GVI staff I worked with were incredibly dedicated, professional and friendly. I was wonderfully surprised with the level of organisation and support offered by the staff who I felt did their upmost to ensure that we were able to contribute and participate as fully as possible; giving us the support needed to build confidence and skills while allowing us to develop a level of... (read more)
Written on: 31/01/2013
I travelled to Kerala, India in June 2012 to teach such inspirational children who I was luckily enough to meet and form friendships with them. I worked with children from the orphanage and the Auxilium school. I taught them English, maths, science, geography, art, sports and drama. The children were incredibly excited over the smallest things such as stickers, new pens, and praising them over such things as a sentence they have structured correctly. It goes to show how dedicated and... (read more)
Written on: 21/01/2013 by mpalmerc (1 review written)
The two weeks I spent volunteering in Fiji with the construction team was a life-altering, unforgettable experience. Daniel Lund, the country manager was warm from the moment we met him. Thom Turpin-Jelps, the construction project manager had such a great balance of sound training and patient instruction with a great sense of humor and charisma. Our base manager, Tamu Bending was very attentive and observant and always made everyone feel included. I fondly remember waking up in the... (read more)
Written on: 21/01/2013 by aemmerto (1 review written)
I volunteered for four weeks teaching English with GVI's program in Laos. Since leaving the program in December last year I have thought of nothing else. The best thing about the program was feeling like part of the community and being embraced by students and locals as a teacher not a tourist. Laos itself is amazing with beautiful sights and the most gentle, happy culture I have ever experienced. This is all made even better by the excellent TEFL training and cultural guidance provided by... (read more)
Written on: 20/01/2013 by SaraJade (1 review written)
I instantly fell in love with the beautiful and peaceful town of Luang Prabang. The scenery is breath-taking and my camera was snapping every three steps. But through teaching English to the local children and Novice Monks, I had the chance to really get to know the Lao People. They are the reason I enjoyed my trip so much. They are the kindest, most generous and simply the most beautiful people I have ever had the chance to meet. I formed close bonds with the Novice Monks I taught, bonds... (read more)
Written on: 19/01/2013 by Homes (1 review written)
In two words: Just awesome! The time in the Seychelles doing marine conservation with GVI was the best time of my life! I expected it would be cool, but like this? Fantastic! When I arrived everything was new and I didn't know anyone but the stuff did really well to bring us together very quickly! But let's talk about what you're doing there? You go diving with millions of fish and record data! Those who stay for one ore two months, concentrate on common fish and those who stay three... (read more)
Written on: 12/01/2013 by Steenea
My time with GVI was fantastic. I had originally planned to do the conservation project for 2 months, but towards the end of this time I wasn’t ready to leave. I asked to extend for another month, and was delighted when the staff informed me that I could stay! When I first arrived I wasn’t able to dive, the instructor at our base took me from complete novice to an advanced open water diver in 5 days! During the first few weeks we would go out diving at least 3 times a day learning what... (read more)
Written on: 09/01/2013 by laurissalindsay (1 review written)
From the moment I got off the plane to the beautiful country of South Africa, we were greeted by the wonderful, Eddie who took us to Gordon's Bay. He introduced us a bit about the history of the area and the surroundings which were breath-taking. The accommodation was better than expected and the food we received there was terrific. Unfortunately for my friend and I, we went to South Africa during their winter so at nighttime, it was very cold but we were soon provided with blankets from our... (read more)
Written on: 08/01/2013 by kema09 (1 review written)
Every day I miss Nepal. My volunteering trip with GVI was by far the most amazing and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Anyone who has been to Nepal will tell you of the amazing people there, and you can’t quite get just how right they are until you experience it for yourself! My host family were truly beautiful people that welcomed me into their home and opened up their lives and their culture to me. You quickly learn nothing can be done in Nepal in a hurry, a cup of chia is always at... (read more)
Written on: 04/01/2013 by Marksmith174 (1 review written)
Right from when we first met staff at our pick-up point on the beach at Beau Vallon they were really friendly and helpful – Ant kept us entertained on the trip to base with a useful commentary of notable places or landmarks and bits of local information to help us find our way around. When we arrived on base no-one could quite believe it – our own tropical paradise an hour’s bus journey away from the rest of the world! Staff were always ready and willing to help out if anyone was... (read more)
Written on: 19/12/2012
Being neither an English-native speaker nor a teacher, I was pretty curious on the introduction day of my four weeks teaching assignment in Luang Prabang, Laos. How would a Swiss teach English to a Lao buddhist novice monk? After one of the first few exercises, it became pretty obvious that this would not be that difficult. Laura, one of the International GVI staff at Luang Prabang, actually managed to teach us a few Thai sentences without using any English word at all. This was not going to... (read more)
Written on: 13/12/2012 by ugglana (1 review written)
I had a fantastic time on the GVI Brazil River Dolphins program. I have gotten to know some really great people. I was living in a floating house on a river in the Mamirauá reserve in the Amazon forest with 2-5 other people. Every morning at 7.30 we took the boat out on the main river to observe pink river dolphins. The sometimes got really close to the boat, jumping and carrying objects in their mouths. When living on such a small and constricted area (10x15 m), you get really close to... (read more)
Written on: 10/12/2012 by LaraHogeweg
I had the most awesome time in Luang Prabang. I was a teacher there for 2 moth for normal students and novice monks. When I first came here I actually had no idea what to expect. I just knew I would teach English. In the first 2-3 days the staff members explained everything to us. To be honest, before I thought the first time I was scared. Not that I’m afraid to talk in front of groups or anything, but teaching…. And that as a not native speaker…. Even because I just knew school in... (read more)
Written on: 06/12/2012 by s_gracegardner (2 reviews written)
I decided to go on the marine conservation expedition to the Seychelles to gain field experience, as I had just completed my honours thesis in marine biology - but spent all my time in the lab! I thought this was a perfect way to gain valuable skills whilst contributing to marine conservation - and there was no better place than the Seychelles! Initially I was quite nervous, not knowing what to expect and whether I would be able to manage the 2 months. I was originally signed up for the 1... (read more)
Written on: 06/12/2012 by rdecaro88 (1 review written)
Last summer I had the unique opportunity to spend 6 weeks volunteering with GVI (Global Vision International) in Kenya. GVI runs two schools in Bombolulu, which is the biggest slum in Mombasa. Although Mombasa is a nice coastal city with direct beach access, people in the slum village live in the most basic conditions. Children often have to work during the day to help sustain their families and therefore do not have the opportunity to visit classes on a regular basis. The schools run by GVI... (read more)
Written on: 05/12/2012 by daniellake (1 review written)
As i arrived onto basecamp for the first tiime everyone came out to meet me and took my bags,even a member of staff stayed late from his leave to say hi.From the first night to the last i was really impressed with the way the program was set out,having a training week in my first week,where we had lectures on issues that arises on the reserve,base camp duties,the mountain phase of the expo,timetables,reptile parks and bushwalks were all great to give us in idea on what we were in for.I even... (read more)
Written on: 29/11/2012 by emilykmaher (1 review written)
My GVI experience was exactly what I need at that point in my life, and the perfect way to put it on a shelf and focus on those in need. The GVI Orphanage Program gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, see a country I had always been interested in, and meet people that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. The children were certainly characters and their ability to touch my heart at the same time as making me want to pull my hair out was phenomenal! They were... (read more)
Written on: 28/11/2012 by Yamadi (1 review written)
After finishing my University degree I decided that I needed to take some time out to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life, and decided to use this time travelling. I discovered GVI's website after a little searching and quickly became interested in the South African Wildlife Expedition. It has been the best decision I have made in my life! Not only were GVI a fantastic company whilst abroad but they were so helpful before I went away - they were always quick to answer... (read more)
Written on: 25/11/2012 by amycochrane7 (1 review written)
I loved my trip to South Africa with GVI Foundations. One of the best things about the Foundations group is that you get to work with people in your age group, that are interested in the same sort of things as you. Working at a primary school alongside 9 fantastic other volunteers was a very rewarding experience. At the school, we organized sports activities for students as well as taught English and Math through computer programs, and painting around the school. South Africa is an... (read more)
Written on: 23/11/2012 by klinelm (1 review written)
My experience with GVI was absolutely wonderful. Specifically, I loved the philosophy of sustainability behind GVI projects, the flexibility I felt we had as volunteers, and the absolute passion that all staff members had for the region. Accommodations were so nice (though very cold!) and I always felt safe. We had a ridiculous amount of fun, I was always always laughing. South Africa began to feel like home and GVI like family even in the short month I was there. I'd go back in a heartbeat. (read more)
Written on: 15/11/2012
I went to a small set of islands in Fiji called the Yasawas and spent 2 months volunteering in the villages and at one of the boarding schools we worked in and had the greatest time of my life for sure. It's several months after I have left and I miss it more and more. We worked hard while we were volunteering but since we got weekends and afternoons off we just laid around on the beach or visited some of the local hostels for the weekend. One time we all paid for a boat and swam through... (read more)
Written on: 13/11/2012 by jessrudd (1 review written)
The time I spent volunteering in Jalova, with GVI in Costa Rica, was the best two months of my life. It was not only living in the middle of the jungles, sleeping to the sounds of the waves breaking just metres away, brushing my teeth under the stars and watching humming birds fly through the kitchen which made it an experience of a lifetime. It was watching the sunrise over the river mouth as we started our bird surveys, canoeing through the rainforest down canals, spotting toucans and the... (read more)
Written on: 17/10/2012 by Laurengirard (1 review written)
My experience with GVI in Costa Rica, Quepos was amazing. I met such wonderful people from all over the world. Living in a house with 12 people can be very difficult, especially when it came to meal time. Working in the communities was a life changing experience. I have never worked with children of a different language before and found it quite challenging but learned to use other ways of communication to create relationships. We made such a difference for the childrens lives and I felt... (read more)
Written on: 28/09/2012 by wheelercakes
I Undertook the GVI Volunteer with Orphans in South Africa trip in December 2011. For two weeks we were blessed with the children of the Ikhayalathemba village just outside of Cape Town in the beautiful Gordons Bay. We were greeted with hugs smiles and laughter from the start! As it was the festive period we took the children to the beach, had a Christmas party, learnt the nativity play and even Santa Claus came to visit! Eventhough these children had the bare essentials they took hold of... (read more)
Written on: 26/09/2012 by emiliey (1 review written)
I went to Laos this June to be on the project teaching English in Luang Prabang (Name of the project: Volunteer Overseas in Laos with Buddhist monks). I had the most amazing experience!It was my first volunteering program with GVI and I didn't know what to expect. I was a bit nervous, because I hadn't taught in English before. But we started with some TEFL training and had lesson planning every day, so we got all the help we needed. All the children, novices and munk were incredible, and it... (read more)
Written on: 15/09/2012 by james_mckie (1 review written)
'I have recently returned from the idyllic Yasawa Islands, Fiji. Its volunteer programmes like this that can not only change the lives of others but your very self. In a place of such beauty, necessitys like water and electricity are scarce and that's where GVI stepped in. To be a part of not only a stepping stone but a future vision was as rewarding and exciting as anything else I have ever done. Having been a volunteer with previous organisations it was clear from the start GVI is set... (read more)
Written on: 11/09/2012 by elafonta (1 review written)
The GVI Thailand elephant project was one of the best travel experiences of my life. The scenery was stunning in this tiny village so secluded in the mountains. Most of the trip I felt like I was in a dream. As a zoology major working with elephants up close and also observing from afar was a dream come true. No other project I know of lets you get as close to the elephants as GVI. Over the period of my stay I got to know each elephant and their mahouts personally and was able to observe... (read more)
Written on: 11/09/2012 by anastasiajoshi (1 review written)
I had absolutely fantastic experience doing Fiji Marine Conservation. It was much more than I expected. First, I had my Advanced diving certification done and then learnt fish species, passed my scientific training and did fish surveys. We also had opportunity to go for fun dives which was definitely, FUN! Seen sharks, lobster, megabum (type of sea cucumber), tons of fishes, amazing corals. The base life was great as you are among people who come to Fiji with the same purpose. We spent... (read more)
Written on: 10/09/2012 by VictoriaJane92
This summer I spent my time in Fiji on the GVI expediation, upon arrival I was unsure what to expect, however the people made me feel so welcome and I had the best time of life. As part of the expedition I was required to do both the community project and construction, I split my time between teaching the amazing, bright, loving children of Ratu Meli Memorial School and also getting my hands dirty with construction on various islands within the Yasawas. I met some absolutely amazing people... (read more)
Written on: 10/09/2012 by LJPB (1 review written)
I have recently returned from two fantastic weeks volunteering in Luang Prabang, Laos. My motivation for embarking on the project initially was to do something 'worthwhile' during a 3month sabbatical I was taking from my job. Having never participated in a volunteer project like this before, I wasn't sure what to expect -was the money I was spending worth it for 2 weeks? Was I really going to 'have an impact' in such a short period of time? The project exceeded expectations in everyway. I... (read more)
Written on: 09/09/2012 by HenningSvensson (1 review written)
Wow. A truly awesome experience has come to an end. I can tell you right now that the three things I miss the most are; South Africa, the people I met there and of course the children at the orphanage. There is no place like South Africa, it is one of the most beautiful most multi-cultural countries I have ever had the privilege to visit. The people I met there were all very different but non the less awesome, I have made so many friends and met so many nice people that I wont forget. And the... (read more)
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