Program Reviews

My experience in Tenerife was fin-credible and something that has changed my life for the better. As someone who wants to work in conservation after completing my masters, GVI Tenerife was another educational and inspiring project for me to do, furthering this idea. I cannot wait to undertake another project with GVI (or come back to Tenerife). The time spent on the boat was an aspect of field work I've not experienced before and I loved the data collection and analysis! The team is incredible and make you feel right at home, I've made some incredible memories and friends from this trip and wish I could stay longer! Ale is an absolute legend and boss, she flies round the boat giving us so much info, she's a mad chef too and has put up with my shocking jokes and I'm so glad she didn't sacrifice me to poseidon! Big love to Ale, Woj and Tiny, their knowledge and expertise makes this project FIN-sane!!!

I absolutely loved my volunteer program in Chiang Mai and had already booked to go back before I left! I was originally meant to volunteer to teach on the Phang Nga base, but unfortunately it had to close. This meant I went into the program not too sure what to expect - I was instantly pleasantly surprised. The staff are all lovely and work hard to make sure everyone feels at home. From the moment I started it was obvious how much each of them cared for what they were doing and it was truly inspiring. The volunteering itself was amazing. There are always millions of different opportunities for teaching, such as going into school or nursery aswell as teaching individuals in the evenings. I also really enjoyed learning about the elephants. I went in as a teaching volunteer so knew very little about asian elephants in general, but was able to join hikes, take data and watch presentations. I have now learnt so much more about conservation and what they experience in Thailand/Asia. My favourite thing about the program as a whole was the community feel, you truly begin to feel like a family - which is encouraged through the homestays. My homestay, the staff and everyone on base were super friendly and enhanced my experience. The village itself is gorgeous and the views indescribable. There are always activities to do such as, camping, learning the language, campfires, night hikes, ect. I loved every moment of my program and would recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad!

Honestly, it was one of the best internships I had so far!!!
I volunteered in Kekoldi, Costa Rica, for two months, where I had the opportunity to meet the amazing field team. They are so passionate about what they are doing, it really makes a difference. I will proudly admit that I enjoyed every day, with all of the activities, there was always something new to see and learn about. I would definitely recommend it to people who want to experience how fieldwork is in this field and for those who want to expand their expertise in tropical ecology.

It’s hard to put into words how much I loved my time in Ghana!! Simply put, all my expectations were exceeded. The staff was welcoming and prepared, the community was friendly and exciting, and it was the perfect combination of work and pleasure. I adored my time both on and off base, creating lasting friendships with other participants and staff. We got to know each other very well through projects at schools, nights out, and exciting weekend trips that allowed us to see more of Ghana. It was definitely a full immersive experience of Ghana’s beautiful culture!!

I volunteered with GVI’s Elephant Conservation Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from January to February 2024. This was my second time with GVI, and it was just as rewarding as the first. The main activity involved daily elephant walks, where we observed and monitored the elephants' behavior in a semi-wild setting. It felt meaningful to support the shift from traditional elephant camps towards a more natural habitat.

The experience included hiking, camping, and even a dip in the (shallow) river. I appreciated the chance to connect deeply with the local culture, participate in village activities, and even teach English. One of the highlights was visiting a village home to teach English to two kids – a really sweet and memorable experience.

Traveling with my partner was seamless, thanks to GVI’s organization of our homestay and activities. The community feel was incredibly strong, and the support from the GVI team made everything run smoothly. I give this program a 5/5 and would recommend it to anyone keen on wildlife conservation. I’ll be returning to volunteer with GVI again and have already booked my next trip to South Africa!

My time at GVI's base in Kokrobite, Ghana has been absolutely amazing. Not only is the community and local partnering schools (where we teach) great, but so is the staff, who are living at base with you. The staff make the base a safe and fun communal space to live in from the moment you set a foot through the door. I am certain that the experience would not have been the same if the staff and fellow participants were not as welcoming, openminded and including as they were.

Furthermore, it is obvious when you walk through the community that the locals respect and appreciate GVI's presence here - which is rewarding to experience as a participant, because you know that you actually make a difference here in the local community.

I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who are interested in volunteer work in Africa.

I had an incredible time at GVI Dawasamu! The Fijian staff were always so friendly and welcoming, making me feel at home from day one. I was lucky to meet amazing friends from all over the world, and together, we explored untouched reefs filled with stunning marine life. Living in the village gave me a deep appreciation for Fijian culture and community. GVI Fiji offers a perfect blend of adventure, conservation, and cultural immersion. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a life-changing experience!

I just returned from a 4 week internship in Tenerife, Spain with GVI and it was a truly life-changing experience. Ale, the program leader, has perfected the art of balancing fun with work, and is an inspiration to all the participants along with the other staff. Let's not forget Tiny, the base cat, who likes to think he runs the place. I am leaving with new friends from all over the world, more self-confidence and being a conservation student, a clearer perspective on my career goals. Also, the local pilot whales are super cute, which always helps. I could not recommend GVI, and GVI Tenerife enough. Thank you!!

GVI Limpopo has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Arriving on base you are met with well trained staff who perfectly reflect the core values of GVI, as well as many passionate, friendly and helpful volunteers. Life of base is incredibly fun and the time you get to be able to meet and form friendships with the other participants and staff is incredibly valuable. On the two drives you go on each day you are driven by an incredibly knowledgable staff member who knows a literal unbelievable amount about the wildlife on the reserve and are always up for chatting with us and going on fascinating tangents about all sorts of wildlife. It is clear that GVI and the staff working on base care an incredible amount about the participants, our life on base and our life before and after GVI.

GVI has been a time of formative experiences and has helped guide my thinking in the weeks after landing back in the UK.

My experience with the GVI Marine Conservation program in Tenerife was nothing short of extraordinary. Although I participated for only two weeks, it was an incredibly enriching period that stands out as the best two weeks of my life. The hands-on experience I gained, particularly in pilot whale conservation, was both educational and profoundly impactful. The program's structure is outstanding, giving participants multiple opportunities to learn and contribute significantly to marine conservation initiatives.
The staff members are knowledgeable and professional - they make sure that every part of the program is carried out with the highest care and precision. Additionally, the community within GVI is remarkable; I had the pleasure of meeting passionate and like-minded people who made the experience even more memorable. The GVI family has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on me, and I hold the program in the highest regard. Without a doubt, I plan to return and keep doing my part in making the world a better place.