GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteering for Teens

I wish everybody could have an experience like these trips. Going to a foreign land working with people that don’t speak the same language as you, traveling to places outside of your comfort zone, connecting with people you never would’ve met otherwise. These trips have shaped me as a person, taught me how to be more grateful, how to learn from my experiences and the people around me. I couldn’t ask for anything else in this world than to travel and GVI gave me that opportunity.

The world would be a better place if everybody could have these experiences and learn about different cultures with hands on experiences. It’s a completely different feeling to learn by experience than sitting in a classroom watching videos from places we’ve never been to or problems that don’t perosnally affect us. It’s a completely different thing to see people struggling in person, to lend a helping hand to someone in need, to understand that even though we may have it so good that we can pay to help others, there are people out there that need that help.

It was also extremely refreshing to go to an area that appeared to be stuggling only to learn that the people there are happier than those in my home time. The people and the kids I got to work with had better attitudes and more spirit for life than any person I had ever met in my day to day life. It’s incredible what living in poverty can do to someone’s life. It does not obviously equal unhappiness, but motivation, appreciation for the things they do have, and a simpler expression of happiness.

I will forever cherish the experiences I have received from these programs.

My experience with the GVI Under 18 program was quite unique compared to my fellow participants. Although we all did the same activities, my experience is one that I will never forget because although it was rough it was one of my best memories and my dumbest actions. It was the second and last week we would be in Thailand so we went to see as much of it as possible and we stayed at a new housing every night. This particular housing was one of the best, the view was mountains and greenery, actually breathtaking. After we ate dinner we all went to our rooms and my room had a porch so my roomate and i were talking and having fun with everyone. They sat out on the lawn and we were on the porch. For some reason I needed to run back into my room and I didnt see whether or not the glass door was open. Running towards the room it seemed open. It was not open, my whole body smacked right into door and i just felt numbness everywhere. I fell back and when i got up I could not stop laughing, the thought that I had actually done something that dumb was shocking. My lesson to future participants is to not make the same mistake I did. Be aware of your surroundings. When I got home I went to the doctor and we discovered my busted lip, bruised knees, a concussion and a fractured nose. The next morning the staff saw what had happened and automatically raised concern. As it was my last week I didnt want to miss out on any activities but the staff definitely took care of me the best way they knew how. I would not change a thing about my experience and I would definitely continue with more GVI programs in the future.

I was recently involved with GVI on their under 18s program in Thailand. One of the highlights was when we were doing construction work in an education centre for Burmese refugees. This is a picture of me playing football with some of the younger children who are the beneficiaries of our work there. I was able to ride on a Samlor (motorbike + trailer sidecar) full of rubble and plants with two Burmese boys of around 16. Even though we couldn’t communicate in each other’s language we were working together to achieve a common goal- to better the lives of the community. I especially remember being passed bricks out of the side of the samlor in the sweltering heat with sweat dripping down my bright red face. In that moment, I felt as though I was finally doing something genuinely meaningful. The outdoor classroom we created together will exist as a testament of our efforts and benefit the lives of many hundreds of children. I would thoroughly recommend GVI thoroughly if you are interested in going abroad as they provided me with an experience that I will never forget.

GVI Under 18s in Costa Rica is the perfect mix of meaningful volunteer work and adrenaline pumping activities. Working within the local communities is much needed and you feel the work you do every day is important. You'll have plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish and maybe even learn how to cook in an authentic Costa Rican kitchen. Outside of volunteering there is time to visit the beach, see local markets, surf, hike, rappel down waterfalls, camping and go white water rafting on one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. Get ready for a truly once in a life-time trip- complete with monkey and sloth sightings! As they say in Costa Rica, come and live !Pura Vida!

Every moment with GVI was amazing. From the first step out at the airport to my very sad departure 9 months later. The staff were extremely welcoming and always there when i needed to ask any questions- and i asked alot. With GVI you have that support all the time while still having that complete freedom of doing what you want also. Besides that, the children and adults in Nepal are the nicest people you will ever meet. Completely welcoming and generous.
Loved it!!!

I was horrified to learn after I arrived in Thailand that 1--my money wasn't going to the community but to the owners of GVI to perpetuate their lavish lifestyles, 2--that their excuse for poor living conditions and bad food, namely that it was for the good of the Earth, was a lie, 3--that we were in very real danger on the other side of the world and GVI would not protect us, and 4--that if anything bad did happen, GVI would cover itself before looking to our welfare. I don't know if all GVI programs are like this, I only know that they have a practice of lying and fraud in Thailand that extends to the owners at the top.