Bamboo Alumni

That is what BeThe Change is all about. Empowering those who want to make a difference in the world by giving them the tools and confidence to step out of their comfort zone and take action.

You come out of this experience knowing that one person can promote change and the GVN team is there to help you with your ideas and any obstacles you might encounter. Or, if you don't come with a specific goal in mind, they help you discover your passion and guide you as you explore possibilities.

I attended Be The Change in Taupo, New Zealand in 2009. The participants in our group came from more than 8 different countries and we became a family during the week. We not only learned together, we laughed and cried together (and especially inspired each other).

Throughout the week we learned the basics of what it takes to get your project off the ground, and how to advertise/promote your ideas using social media. We also had time for fun as we explored the local culture.

I left the workshop, not only inspired to "Be the Change" but as a changed person with friends from all corners of the world.

My family spent two weeks in the San Cristobal program at the end of 2011. Most people who visit the Galapagos are on highly structured tours, whisked from place to place, and carefully shepherded by guides. As volunteers, we had a very different experience, seeing things that most tourists don't.

The station is located at high elevation on San Cristobal, a much cooler, cloudier, and verdant area than the hot arid coasts. They support a very wide variety of efforts, mainly centered around supporting native plant life and encouraging local people to support conservation. We spent a lot of time doing greenhouse work, sorting and planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, and moving plants around from sun to shade or vice versa. We also spent time on removing non-native plants, especially Mora (Blackberries), which has run wild.

Perhaps the most eye-opening day for me was spent at a neighboring farm 20 minutes down the road. There our task was clearing one of the farmer's fields that had become overgrown with Mora, but what struck me was seeing up close how local subsistence farmers live, raising all their own food (pigs and chickens running around the yard, and a few cows for milk), and living in a house they constructed themselves of local materials. For years I'd heard the Galapagos described as pristine and mostly untouched, but it's important to learn that people have lived there for a long time, still live there now, and are an important part of the story.

Other work we did included tasks in support of the station, such as collecting fruit from the surrounding forest, helping prepare meals, and even hauling lumber out of the forest for construction. (When they need wood, they cut down a non-native tree and turn it into boards by hand.)

The work is 5 days/week, with weekends off, so most people head into town on the weekends to enjoy the beaches, snorkeling/diving, restaurants, and tours. The station is also flexible if you want more time off, for doing a multi-day island tour, for example.

The station can accommodate up to 50 volunteers, though we were there at a very quiet time with around 15, though every few days people would arrive or depart. Most of the volunteers are in their 20s; as a family we comprised both the youngest and oldest people there. Our youngest, then 9 years old, could not officially be a volunteer (we had to assume responsibility for her), but they were quite good about finding tasks where she could contribute as well.

On the whole this was a great experience. We were able to see a very different side of the Galapagos from what most tourists see, and also contribute toward improving the islands for everyone.

Volunteering at an orphanage in Kenya was a life-changing experience. GVN definitely helped in making this a safe and unforgettable experience. I recommend this program to anyone who wants to volunteer abroad and who loves children. You won't regret it!

Volunteering abroad has thus far been the highlight of my travels. I have traveled to 14 different countries, Nepal being the first country I actually became part of an organization and gave something back to the local community.
Arriving in Katmandu International Airport I was greeted by hundreds of locals all wanting to carry my bags and the view of a polluted city. My program was based in a village where I worked everyday in a Children's home. My part was to be the Didi, or big sister figure to the children. Helping them with homework, getting ready for school, playing with them on days off and maintenance around the home.
Life in the village was something I couldn't have expected and in fact while I was living there it was a great challenge getting through the days. I didn't shower in two weeks at one point, as the water was arctic temperature and I couldn't bear it. The 'Charpi' or Nepali village toilet was another experience in itself, and adjusting my palate to Daal Bhat twice a day, everyday,eaten with my hand, for a month was another thing that took some getting used too. In the end I became Daal Bhat crazy and would crave it like a mad man. Even coming home I still felt like the food. Looking back I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Nepal is beautifully scenic, taking hikes to the top of mountains with incredible Himalayan views was just breathtaking. Watching a wedding procession in the village and seeing Hindu rituals performed was something I couldn't have even imagined. Locals in both the village and city were always very interested in the volunteers and would love to have a chat. There was alot of poverty in Nepal which was not only heartbreaking but very eye opening and it felt amazing to be able to be part of the group of people that are trying to make a difference. The staff from the volunteer organization were amazing, helping us with anything and everything we asked. The whole experience was very relaxed being able to travel and sight see during our volunteering. Since the trip to Nepal I had booked another volunteering trip with GVN. Just cannot wait to get back out there and volunteer in a community in need once again. Definitely would recommend the GVN Nepal volunteer program to anyone considering volunteering abroad!

this was truly the greatest experience of my life, to the extent that i every day i think about nepal and the people i met their. The staff at GVN are warm, kind and dedicated. They will answer any questions or concerns and show you respect. You will meet other volunteers from all over the world, of all ages (86 was the oldest i encountered!!) and these volunteers will become your closest friends.
Nepal is the most breathtakingly beautiful country i have ever visited, in every aspect. In particular, the people are friendly, generous and curious.
The children that i worked with were an inspiration, constantly laughing despite the traumas they had suffered in their early lives.
My daily routine consisted of, waking up when the family rooster dictated, morning nepali tea made on the wood fire, getting the children ready for school, then i would spend the day with my host family or helping the community maintenance team. i would spend the afternoon playing with the children and helping with homework before going back to my host family for evening meal. bed time was usually around 8pm as there is nothing to do once it is dark due to lack of electricity!
my host village was remote and traditional. i felt like i was really living an authentic nepali life. vsn gave us language and culture classes to prepare us for this.
at weekends volunteers would head back to kathmandu to let our hair down and have a western meal.
I would strongly recommend GVN to anybody looking to volunteer in nepal and i would strongly recomment Nepal to anybody looking to volunteer somewhere!!
the experience truly changed my life, i returned to the orphanage 2 years later and i plan to go back again very soon.
also, the cost for this programme is not overly expensive and i can guarantee that GVN put the funds to very good use

My time in Nepal was the best 3 months of my life, not only did I meet some amazing people but I also got to love and care for the most appreciative group of children on the planet. From helping with homework (re-teaching myself long division!) and organising all the children to visit the doctor and dentist, to playing cricket with them on a nearby field these experiences have truely enhanced my life.
It was difficult at times because living in a house with 23 children can be tiring, but the times I felt like it was getting difficult a child would make my day in a small way.
I would highly recommend travelling to Nepal to volunteer, making the most of every experience offered and remembering to appreciate every second.
The biggest culture shock will not be when you arrive in Nepal, it will be when you arrive home.

Be the change .....a challenge? An inspiration? A motivation ? Yes yes yes to travel to the other side of the world alone for the first time and be immersed in a group not just any group,an amazing group of adults from many walks of life,all with a like minded view of our world. A group representing different cultures ,ages life experiences. It was a privilege to hear many experiences and be able to add them to my life view.
we shared the most delicious italian food and absorbed the rural surroundings. My life has been enriched by the new friendships.
I look forward in anticipation to the amazing socially inspired projects that will come from this be the change from all of the paticipants For me be the change has confirmed the social direction of my business and reaffirmed the goals I already had in place. my position is not negotiable and all the polices Ihave written since be the change have reflected this If you have the chance go go go not only will you be inspired to continue to be the change you will be changed!