Program Reviews

I had the best time with GVI on Curieuse Island, Seychelles over 6 weeks. It became a home away from home. I'm an postgraduate Marine Biology student who graduated during Covid-19, so was unable to experience in the field studies, surveys etc. Therefore I chose to do an internship with GVI to get the hands on experience in the field. I have a passion for turtle conservation so felt very lucky to see two turtle nests hatch. GVI Curieuse also complete other exciting surveys with Aldabra Tortoises and Juvenile Lemon Sharks.
The staff on base were very helpful with assistance during the surveys and hikes. I originally struggled with the hikes, but it became so much easier after a few weeks. The evenings on base were fun with card games, quizzes, and murder mystery games. I made very close friends whilst on base, who made my time in the Seychelles even more enjoyable. Plus I felt like I learnt a lot about myself, and the personal journey was amazing. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, but I'm so grateful for the experience.
I'm hoping to apply the newly learnt skills to potential jobs in the future.

Student in master of ecology, I chose to do a 4 months internship with GVI and more precisely within their mission of conservation of dolphins and whales in Tenerife. From the preparation of my departure to my arrival on site, the GVI team was very professional. I immediately felt integrated and involved in the different missions thanks to the staff and other participants. In addition to working on a project that is close to your heart, you will also have the opportunity to meet other volunteers from all over the world which is a very enriching experience. I've only been here for two weeks but time flies and there are so many things to do and discover! I can't wait to see what the rest of my stay has in store for me!

I participated in 8 weeks of the Virtual Wildlife Conservation Internship Program as part of my career internship with GVI. I was partnered with two amazing organizations, one was from Southeast Asia and the other was from California. They both do great conservation work and without this internship I wouldn't have been able to do work with them. I got to do research and learn about primates and reptiles, which I haven't had the opportunity to do before. And by completing my two projects I felt like I got to really contribute to wildlife conservation efforts, and since it was virtual, I got to do it from the comfort of my own home.

I spent 2 weeks on Curieuse, Seychelles with GVI in August 2022, and it was the experience of a lifetime! I was looking for something worthwhile to do during my long summer holiday as a teacher, and my GVI program was perfect. It was very well organised (e.g. organising travel from the airport to the boat pick-up), the staff on-base were fantastic and I learned so much in only 2 weeks. As a science teacher I am passionate about citizen science and being able to be part of a project like this with such a long-lasting impact was amazing. I met some amazing people that I have kept in touch with, and had experiences that I would never have had otherwise. Thank you GVI for creating life-long memories and allowing me to be a part of this amazing project.

Anyone that gets to experience GVI Ghana is one fortunate person. If you’re prepared to work hard and fully embrace the experience, then this will be life changing.

I couldn’t speak more highly of the staff at GVI Ghana, the impactful projects and the level of security in place to protect the volunteers. The base accommodation is well looked after, and the food made in the week is delicious. The staff are extremely supportive, have diverse backgrounds and make you feel at ease almost instantly. There is a large variety in projects, with constant reflection on their impact on the community.
I took part in a female empowerment project and a project focussed on physical education, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. The projects are structured with varying flexibility, based on what the person is comfortable with, and I really enjoyed the level of freedom I was given to run with my ideas (ensuring they aligned with the project objectives and aims).
Kokrobite is a vibrant friendly community that GVI has integrated well
into, and the partnering schools are a joy to work with.

During my time it was clear that it didn’t matter what age group, life experience or work experience you had prior, but all that mattered was a willingness to get involved and be proactive.

This experience has developed my communication, teamwork and adaptability skills as well as boosting my overall confidence. These skills are fundamental in any professional setting, so it has provided a great chance to show how I have strengthened them.

Overall, it is very clear why this base has so many volunteers that either extend their stay and/or return. If one review makes up your mind today, I hope it is this one as I couldn’t recommend this experience with GVI Ghana anymore.

Amazing time! The staff are super knowledgeable and organized, always ready to answer questions about the work, animals or any organizational help you need. The volunteer work is enjoyable and interesting, with loads of opportunity for wildlife sightings. Recording the data and the practical conservation drives really make you feel like your doing something useful! On off days there are plenty of places to explore as well, day trips to Kruger or Blyde Canyon are well worth it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone even a little interested in wildlife conservation.

I chose to participate in the Whale and Dolphin Conservation in Tenerife for 4 weeks with GVI during my Gap Year and will never forget the amazing memories I have made. The program included three boat trips a week and there was never a day where we didn't have a sighting. During my time here I have seen Pilot Whales, Bottlenose Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Spotted Dolphins all in close proximity. On the other two weekdays we completed land surveys, in which we would spend time recording data on the different types of boats out at sea, and Beach or Park cleans, which were extremely rewarding when counting all the litter and calculating our total mass of litter collected. The staff were always accommodating and friendly to participants and ensured that everyone was included in group activities. Overall, I wish that I could have stayed a lot longer than 4 weeks as I thoroughly enjoyed everything about my time in Tenerife and made such amazing friends.

If you're considering this, do yourself a favour and do it <3
Not only did I get a look into a field I'm very curius about careerwise (wildlife research), I also got my passion for nature and wildlife renewed with a curiousity and wonder I thought I'd lost in childhood.
I've also made amazing friends who I couldn't live without and the staff are so amazing and inspiring.
Lions, hyena, rhino, giraffes... The African sunset and sunrise...
Go. Seriously. You'll be thanking yourself afterwards. I promise.

My experience with GVI in Phang Nga was incredible. The relationships I built with fellow participants, staff, and members of the local community in such a short space of time was amazing. Being able to fully immerse myself in the local culture, while still helping to deliver an education to children was an experience I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to participating in another GVI programme in a different part of the world as either a volunteer, intern, or staff member. All make possible through the Ambassador programme!

Volunteering for GVI Phang Nga was one of the best experiences of my life. It exceeded all my expectations! I have learnt so much in my time here about fish, coral, turtles, beaches etc. but more importantly I felt supported and looked after all the way. The staff at GVI are so helpful and they really did make me and the other volunteers feel like we were a family. Each day was filled with smiles and laughter, and even only after 2 weeks, I feel as if I have made lifelong friends. I have only been with GVI for 2 weeks, however GVI has definiitely affected the way I see the world around me. In the future I hope to be more diligent in protecting the environment- for example picking up rubbish , and minimising the plastic I use every day. I was always passionate about the environment and the amazing world we live in but GVI has given me new motivation as I have seen the extent of the problem, but I have also witnessed how much progress can be made when we all work together.