Program Reviews

The GVI experience is one I wish everybody had the chance to have! The staff are so kind and welcoming. The activities are challenging and fulfilling, but still fun. I personally went on GVI Costa Rica, which was a great trip. You really get to know the locals and the meaning of the work you are doing. It is truly an eye opening experience. You get to meet o many people, from a wide range of places, which is really nice. It opens your eyes to more than just Costa Rica’s culture, but you get to learn about culture form all over the world as well.

My first experience of volunteering was with GVI in Nepal, I was very excited but also apprehensive as i didn't know what to expect. I had the most amazing time and met incredible people who I will never forget. The ladies were so open to learning and to see their progress over the six weeks was uplifting and humbling.
I also worked with the children, doing simple things like arts and crafts had them wide eyed with amazement, it was such a pleasure to see their faces and when we did sports they joined in and had so much fun.
GVI staff were so supportive, especially as i had a bereavement during my stay. there was so much to at weekends, which allowed me to find out more about the country and culture

I had an amazing time volunteering on an under 18s program in Thailand and would so strongly recomend GVI under 18 programs. The staff on the trip were very nice and did a very good job working to make the trip flow well and make sure everyone was okay. I did so many fun activities and felt very safe throughout the entire trip and made such amazing friends and memories. Overall, I would say I feel very privileged to have been able to have had such an amazing opportunity and could not recomend GVI under 18 program more.

I recently volunteered with GVI in Cambodia, Siem Reap. I focused on women’s empowerment and I worked with Banteay Srei, a Cambodian NGO supporting women. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this experience was. From emerging yourself in a different culture and lifestyle, to constantly being challenged intellectually, to working with the greatest and most inspiring group of people, to getting to know the amazing, kind, and friendly Cambodian community, to having the best laughs with the other volunteers and the program coordinators. This experience made me want to keep travelling all over the world, volunteering, and helping women. It was truly eye-opening. I would advise anyone to get on this program without a doubt. :))

I joined GVI's sea turtle conservation programme in the Mexican Caribbean shortly after graduating, and it was without a doubt one of the best choices I've ever made. The bonds I built with volunteers and staff members were wonderful, and they introduced me to some of the most dedicated and like-minded people. While the cuisine at the camp was nutritious, the local street food was a must-try. Above all, this experience was crucial in directing my future academic and professional decisions. The knowledge I gained here has really been the highlight of my trip so far.

I just recently returned from my two-week U18s volunteering trip to Thailand with GVI, and it was an unforgettable experience! Not only did I get to explore the beautiful country and immerse myself in the rich culture and history, but I also made some lifelong friends and learned important lessons which I will take with me into life. I was so impressed with how well-organised the trip was, with great accommodation, delicious food, and plenty of fun activities. Overall, it was an incredible opportunity to "give back" while having an unforgettable adventure and making lasting friendships. I highly recommend volunteering with GVI!

Definitely do the GVI programs in Fiji if you get the chance. I had the best time. It is such an amazing place. The village is right on the beach, so you can go swimming snorkelling, scuba diving and dolphin watching in your free time. Silana is such a lovely community. The villagers are all so welcoming and really make you feel part of the community. It’s an amazing cultural experience where get the chance to learn many skills such as mat weaving, cooking, and their traditional dances. I was so sad to leave and hope to go back to visit one day!

I signed up to do the marine biology internship in the Canary Islands as a way to finish off my gap year before going to university, and it's one of the best and most memorable experiences I've ever had in my life. We were out on the boats 3 times a week, monitoring individual pilot whales through Fin ID recognition, as well as the less common sightings of dolphins, turtles, and sometimes more! The staff were really kind and caring, and I've met people that I will keep in contact with for life. It also gave me huge confidence in myself that I'd never. had before - this was the first time I'd ever done something quite like this. I have a stammer and as part of the internship I had to give presentations - the people were so friendly that I had no problem going a presentation at all, which was the first time I'd done something like this since I was 14 and in school. Furthermore, I'm studying geography at uni beginning in September, and I'm thinking of going into conservation afterwards, so this will be really helpful in the future as well. I would definitely recommend GVI to someone wanting to go into conservation work or just for fun, and am hoping to do another program with them in the future.

The program was perfectly planned to include activities which both challenged and energised us as teenagers keen to explore Thailand and give back to the community. The staff were absolutely amazing at keeping our safety and well-being protected, while always bringing fun and laughter to our days. The experience definitely would not have been the same without them, so shoutout to Georgia, Sofia, and Jiyad! Some of the activities we took part in, I never could have dreamed of doing; from caring for sea turtles, swimming in waterfalls, kayaking through mangrove forests, and bamboo-rafting, we definitely made memories which will last forever. As well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences, we were also educated on some of the implications of volunteering. The staff made sure to keep us informed with presentations covering the ethics of animals in captivity. I have total faith that GVI are an organisation which genuinely do care for both the environment and the community, and I felt reassured that the work we were doing did have a positive impact.

GVI Ghana changed my life. It was an experience that created core memories. I wish I was still there, trying to figure out how to get back as soon as possible. First day of training was necessary. It provides culturally relevant information to be a respectful guest in a community that warmly welcomes GVI participants. Take all the opportunities given to you to get to know the community and you’ll quickly fall in love. Stay curious while on base and you’ll learn from idealistic people from around the world. Give it all you got with an open mind and heart for the short time you're there- you’ll wish you never left!