- Seychelles
About Program
Join an internship program in the Seychelles where GVI staff, partners, and other international volunteers are all collaborating to create a sustainable impact. Each project focuses on habitat recovery, ecologies, or species research, and means that you work directly alongside field experts to improve your conservation skills and get ahead in your chosen career.
Whether you are; supporting the preservation of the country’s giant Aldabra tortoise, researching and protecting Lemon sharks, earning your PADI dive certification, or contributing to environmental awareness initiatives in local communities, the practical experience you gain is invaluable to your career development and future employment.
In your free time you could explore other islands, mountain rainforests, relax on tropical beaches, and enjoy traditionally prepared seafood, salads, and fresh local fruits.
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Program Highlights
- Increase your employability by developing professional conservation skills and earning your PADI Advanced, Divemaster, and Coral Reef Research qualifications.
- Live on the strikingly beautiful Mahe island, and explore other parts of Seychelles in your free time.
- Contribute to necessary conservation efforts that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Meet people from around the world who share similar passions for sustainable impact.
- Become a global citizen, learning about universal issues and expanding your knowledge on different cultures, languages, and customs.
Popular Programs

With the sea turtle and lemon shark both considered as endangered species, your conservation efforts support their long-term sustainability. You will collect, tag and measure data on the population growth of the lemon sharks and sea turtles nesting habits, hatching rates, while also earning your ILM leadership qualification.

Experience the striking beauty of Mahe island, while earning your PADI Advanced and Divemaster qualifications, and Coral Reef Research certification. Develop technical marine conservation skills by learning to identify and survey native fish species and coral groups.

In partnership with local organisations, earn professional marine conservation skills in researching, identifying, and surveying various fish species and coral reefs. You could also be a part of marine debris removal efforts and environmental education workshops.

Coral reef recovery is becoming increasingly necessary with bleaching events occurring world-wide. Contribute to local Seychelles National Park initiatives to protect coral nurseries, and assist in resettling larger corals onto the reefs. This is a way to gain first hand experience in the industry and expand on your conservation skills. You will also receive your PADI Advanced Open Water and Coral Reef Research Diver qualifications.
Response from GVI
Hi there,
Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to leave such a thoughtful review. I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed your GVI program overall and found surveying so much fun! I'm sorry to hear you were disappointed with the Covid and equipment-related struggles you experienced while on base. We have taken this feedback on board and are investigating the matter further. If you would like to chat with someone further about your experience please reach out to feedback@gviworld.com. We are a feedback led organisation and as such, place significant value on all input from our participants.