GVI

In 2005 I took a career break and decided to travel around Central and South America with some friends. I researched destinations and decided to spend some time in Guatemala as I was fascinated by the local culture and dress. I came across GVI on the internet and loved the idea of volunteering whilst learning a bit of Spanish at the same time so I signed up to join The Phoenix Project in Guatemala - one of GVI's Indigenous Latin American community projects. I had an incredible time. Living in Antigua Guatemala was lots of fun (lots of great bars and restaurants!) and we had the opportunity to explore more of the country at the weekends. But the highlight was the teaching. I was saddened by how poverty stricken some of the children were in San Andres Itzapa, the village where we worked, and how many of them could not attend our school as they had to work in the fields to earn money for their family. We were welcomed into the homes of the community where they taught us how to make flour tortillas and fed us even though they clearly had very little money. Since my return I've continued to support GVI's charitable trust and my company and friends raise money for The Phoenix Project too. I donate money every month to contribute to the fruit fund, which supplies the children with badly needed nutrients every day. As I understand it things are getting better for these children - many families are now being offered scholarships by GVI in order that their children can attend school. And some of them are even applying to college!

Overall, I had a fantastic trip. I made a lot of new friends from all over the world because there were always new volunteers arriving, and at any given time there were about 20 of us on base. The staff members, Tamu, Thom, Lauren, and Dan were incredibly helpful, and were always making sure you were doing well emotionally and physically, took care to make sure your paperwork and visa details were sorted out, were always eager for suggestions and looking for ways to improve the base, and were genuinely fun to have around as well! The actual volunteer work was super rewarding, the construction portion of the expedition having more instant gratification that the childcare portion (not that you didn’t have as equally large impact on the community because of your efforts!) because the installation of the water tanks is a measurable job - once the tank is installed, that village will have 5-10,000 more liters of water than they had previously. You could always see the gratitude of the villagers as well - they always made us lunch when we were working and thanked us profusely. We've even seen the chiefs get emotional when the tanks arrive, and remark at how their village will no longer go thirsty. For the education project, it’s hard to measure your success, but you can see easily the joy the volunteers bring to the kids and to the teachers too! you really get out of it what you put into it... the days are long (8:00-3:00)and hot with lots of energetic children, so it’s easy to get tired, lethargic, frustrated, and even bored if you aren't prepared for the day. You need to plan a lot of lessons or projects to make things exciting for the kids and for yourself! They don't need to be elaborate by any means, crafts or games or something academic, but something to keep you going for 6 hours of school (1hr lunch break). The language difference can also be hard - English is their third language, and it’s easy to forget that when you are trying to teach. However, the kids are eager and are so much fun. They love all kinds of sports and the fun ideas and things that people from the modern world can bring to them. They are also incredibly musically talented! What GVI brings to the school is invaluable. The school's resources are so limited, and only a handful of the teachers there are competent at their jobs. When we are able to bring in stuff for the kids to learn with, they will have access to materials and knowledge that would have been previously impossible. Without the volunteers, kids would never get one-on-one attention that is necessary for some students' learning. Even the standard first-aid kit we bring to school every day is a huge help to them (the kids have open-wounds of all varieties along with other ailments pretty often and their medical center is severely lacking). Also, who better to learn English from than English speakers! (Although not all the volunteers were native English speakers!). I made some really great relationships with my students and some other kids at Ratu Meli, and I miss them so much. The conditions at base are decent... it depends how you look at it. During my stay, some people remarked at how great the living space was, while others were disgusted by the conditions. I didn’t really know what to expect when I went, and I was pleasantly surprised by some aspects and unimpressed by others. You have to realize that you are in the middle of nowhere really, and only so much can be done to make your stay comfortable. The dorms are all bunk beds and hold 10-12 people in each one. There is not a lot of space, so finding room for your belongings can be a challenge. Often the dorms will be extensively sandy and also very hot – ventilation is not great in there. My bunk seemed to always feel damp because of the humidity too… pretty gross feeling. The mattresses are pretty thin too... try and snag a spare one and double up to make sleeping comfortable!! Sand will become a part of your life, as it is in everything, on everything, all the time. The staff members do their best to create cleaning schedules so that the chores are being done fairly by everyone. Bugs and creatures will become commonplace to you. I can’t say how many times saw toads crouched on the ground, a gecko perched on the wall, a cockroach scurrying around, a rat dart out the door, or a giant spider lurking in the corner. Not only are these creatures common, but black flies, mosquitos, and sand fleas are also abundant. (Better or worse depending on when you go, the mosquitos got progressively horrible when I was there (sept-december) BRING A MOSQUITO NET!). There are also a couple friendly dogs on base, Mattie and Junior. You will become used to turning on the sink or shower tap and not being surprised if no water comes out… If the water has not been pumped or is on a shortage, the sink and shower won’t work, the toilet won’t flush. This sucks because you don’t know when it’s going to happen... you could be in the middle of brushing your teeth and then realize there’s no water to rinse with! You will be excited to see fresh vegetables for dinner, and it will be normal to have some form of pasta 5+ times a week. The staff does their best to order food requested by the volunteers (but they can only get so much!), and provide fresh fruit and veg when they can. Breakfast is always porridge, so if you don’t like it I would recommend bringing granola bars or something else to keep your belly full. Even if we have bread to make toast, it has to be rationed, so usually only 1pc per person. Most of the food is canned, and it is cooked by the volunteers who are put into cooking teams of 3 people per team. Teams are responsible for cooking a meal for all of base, and doing the dishes. We only had meat for really special occasions, otherwise you will be eating canned corned beef (I was not a fan) or canned tuna (BRING BEEF JERKY!). You will be lucky to use the internet once in a month, unless you bring your own laptop and Vodafone internet dongle – this is what the staff members use, and they will sometimes let you use their internet if it’s urgent or you ask nicely. Bringing an unlocked cellphone and getting a Fijian SIM card is a good idea – you can get a SIM card for free or for like $5, and the credit is also cheap and goes pretty far if you’re just texting. Incoming calls are always free. You can also buy a phone here for $30 FJD or so. However, getting credit isn’t always easy… you have to wait until someone has access to where they are sold (a resort, the ferry). Since there isn’t much other way of keeping in touch with those back home, a cell phone is a good idea. There is electricity from 7-10pm every night, make sure you have the Fiji-compatible plug adaptor. You will likely have some form of gastro-intestinal problems due to the change in diet and water (BRING PEPTO-BISMOL TABLETS AND TUMS). Bring your own first-aid kit – go to your doctor and see what they recommend you bring. Definitely bring something to help itchy bites. You may or may not get thoroughly soaked on the boat ride to the school (BRING A WATERPROOF JACKET AND CAMERA CASE!) because Ratu, the driver, is a little crazy. There are a few locals that live on the GVI property (their family owns the land that GVI leases) and you will see them around frequently. The ladies provide all sorts of services for a small fee: Lice (pronounced Lee-day) will do a large load of your laundry for $20 FJD, she sells cigarettes, cookies, and chips for a modest price, and she sometimes will bake the volunteers a batch of bubbacao (Fijian donuts!) for breakfast, just because! Terri, the other Fijian mother, is equally lovely and gives excellent massages for $20 FJD – about 45 minutes, and will teach you some basic Fijian language if you ask! (The most important words you will learn are “Kua!” (Don’t/stop), “Nalengoo!” (That’s mine!), and “Lamai!” (Come here)... not that my spelling is correct though!). Their children are always running around base as well, they love to play with you, anything from cards to volleyball to swimming! However, make sure you keep your belongings in places where they aren’t accessible by the kids! Two of my pairs of sunglasses got broken by them because I left them out on the table, packs of cards are never full, and one time the kids managed to sneak in the dorm and eat my entire bag of dried mango! When you aren’t working, you have plenty of free time. After arriving home in the early afternoon, you have the rest of the day to do whatever: swim in the sea, read, sunbathe, nap, play sports, go for a hike, drink wine, walk on the beach, visit with other volunteers, plan for your week at the school, do your chores, write in a journal... I loved the freedom the staff members gave you – you didn’t feel like a kid at summer camp. One bonus at base was the proximity to some of Fiji’s best resorts. Just on the other side of the island was the Nanuya Island Resort, which was too pricey for us to want to stay the night there, but offered a great lunch menu when we wanted to treat ourselves to a good meal (and a good hike across the island!). You can also make a weekend trip to Blue Lagoon Resort, Oarsman’s Bay Lodge, or Coral View Resort for really cheap. 3 meals are always included with the price, and very affordable. Blue Lagoon is the nicest in my opinion (they had the best food selection, and the dorm was air conditioned), and a night there (including the food!) was only $60 CDN/USD. Staying at Coral View is even cheaper – about $30 CDN/USD per night! Every other weekend or so some volunteers would go to the resort for the night (the transportation costs about $10 FJD pp), and it was a great chance to get to know everyone, have a good meal, let loose, and have a comfortable bed! The entire experience was eye opening. I made incredible relationships, had a chance to see what life is like on the other side of the world, made a real difference in the lives of the children at Ratu Meli school, all the while enjoying the beautiful Yasawas Islands.

My husband and I quit our jobs just prior to leaving for Fiji. The 12 weeks we spent volunteering with GVI were far more rewarding than any paycheck we would have received. The single greatest feeling, for me, is knowing your efforts have made a difference. Working with the students at Ratu Melli School, I could never get tired of seeing their faces light up, or hearing their morning greetings as the volunteers walked into the classrooms. Similarly, the hard work that went in to building the rainwater harvesting systems paid off every time it rained. We would return to the villages on the day after some rain and be able to immediately see the differences in the water tanks. In addition to the working times, I built lasting relationships with volunteers and staff from all around the world. Although there are minimal comforts on base, this contributes to the bonding experiences with other. You can relate when water runs out, or food rations are limited and you have to get "creative" with your cooking team. The staff was fantastic, easy going, and supportive. I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in giving of their time to help others!

Last April, I participated in the GVI TEFL training program in Krabi, Thailand. The program consisted of a couple of hours of teacher training in the mornings, followed by lesson planning in the afternoons. We teach at a local community center in the evenings. This is a hands-on program where you are planning and teaching your lessons immediately. Although this can be intimidating, it allows you to get used to being in front of a class quickly. There is a lot of help and resources available. The TEFL trainers are fantastic and very inspiring. Accommadations are basic, but totally adequate. You sleep in dorms located on the GVI base. There is a kitchen and an outdoor dining area. The volunteers are divided up into chore groups and every morning different chores are assigned. If everyone does their share, maintaining the base is pretty easy. Every third day your group will be responsible for cooking lunch and dinner for the whole group. So if you can't cook, like me, ask to do the dishes and leave the cooking to those that can. The program is based in Ao Luk, a tiny little Thai town with very few foreigners. This is great because you get to experience how the Thai actually live. There is a wonderful coffee spot and a great place for dinner next door to the base. Also there is a national park within walking distance where you can swim in a river. The only drawback is the constant vile smell wafting out of the palm oil refinery. But even that aspect has a certain cultural experience to it. This is an awesome program and i would recommend it to anyone who wants to try teaching.

My time with GVI in Fiji was unforgettable! Although I could only be there for two short weeks it has made a lasting impression! I felt that we truly made a difference, helping to improve the opportunities of the children at RMMS. Yes, the base was basic. But if you're looking for luxury you're looking for the wrong sort of holiday. The scenery is absolutely stunning and every day I was left breathless by the beauty of the Yasawas. The atmosphere on base, amongst the staff and other volunteers makes you forget the lack of variety in the food, the cold showers or the mossies! They were such an incredible bunch of people amongst whom I made some fantastic friends and who I miss all the time!

I spent the most wonderful and rewarding eight weeks with GVI Kerala. To work with the children from both the orphanage and Auxilium School was an experience that I wish I could re-live on an almost daily basis. Going into the program, I had no idea the impact it would have on me and the difference I would make to these children's lives. I taught and hence became very close to a group of 7 children who, as cliched as it sounds, changed my life in a very dramatic way. I was responsible for their education and while it may seem as a very daunting task, the children along with Ridhi and Ross (the program manager and coordinator respectively) make the experience the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. We volunteers worked a very hard but extremely satisfying 46 hour weeks. Of course, these long weeks were rewarded with nights at local cafes drinking tea and eating cake, at restaurants throughout Fort Kochi experience all of the local food while our weekends were spent taking trips away to places such as Munnar, Varkala, Periyar experiencing the beauty of the mountains, the Arabian sea and the nature respectively. GVI Kerala gives you the perfect balance of working hard and building up your skills whether it be through teaching or seeing how an NGO works first hand, experiencing local culture and the lovely and welcoming locals of Fort Kochi, having many adventures via the numerous side trips they organise for you and encountering an entirely new and amazing culture in everyday Indian life.

My husband and I are retired and love to travel. We also like to 'give back'; we are lucky to live in the US and have been able to take advantage of it's bounty. So GVI's volunteer/adventure opportunities suit us very well. We can combine our love for travel together with the chance to maybe help the local community in some way. Also when you travel this way, you can truly say - I know what it's like to live in such and such a country. The adventure projects are even better because they involve somewhat of a challenge with your adventure. We had always wanted to get a glimpse of Mount Everest and this adventure trip offered us a chance to do just that plus do some volunteer work with the wonderful Nepalese people. The trek to Everest Base Camp, at the beginning of our six-week project, was challenging but breathtaking and led by two exceptional guides who helped, encouraged and laughed with us. There were 7 of us in our little group together with two guides and three porters. At the end we felt like family. Our arrival at Base Camp was exhilarating and joyful; better still was the view of Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse at sunrise the next morning from Kala Patthar. Our orientation week was comprehensive and unique - language lessons, stays at a farmhouse, a typical home and visits to heritage sites in and around Kathmandu. We completed our volunteer project in the mountain village of Bandipur - starting point for several treks including the Annapurna tour. We worked with children ranging in age from preschoolers to ten and eleven in various childcare centers and schools throughout the day. We also completed a painting project and did some restoration work on a Newari architecture library. Our accommodations were basic, but the hot showers were luxurious. There wasn't too much variation in our food choices but it was plentiful and nutritious. Overall a great experience and we wouldn't hesitate to take another trip with Global Vision International (GVI).

I took things away from that experience I never thought was possible. Though I was only on a fish phase, and learned primarily fish, I also learned the importance on preserving the coral, and how it effects the rest of the ocean. I have gained more knowledge, and less fear of the marine world. I joined the program mainly for the diving but by the end, it wasn't because of the diving I wanted to be in the ocean, it was because I wanted to see what new things I could discover, and then learn more about it. I have spent any opportunity since my GVI experience to learn more about the Ocean and it's inhabitants, and helping others understand, appreciate, and have less fear of the marine world.

This is an amazing trip. It is full of cultural immersion and extreme outdoor adventure. If you like getting out in the world and leaving civilization behind, this trip is for you. You live on an island in a small village with no running water, limited electricity and no roads. You get to interact with islanders daily and eat locally grown food prepared by the villagers. The project is awesome. You hike through the jungle at night and go and monitor the sea turtles as they lay eggs on a remote beach. Tasks include: taking measurements, turtle I.D, tagging turtles, nest locating, counting hatched eggs. If you are really lucky, you will be there when the babies hatch and you will see the hundreds of turtles running to the sea, it's a priceless experience!! One word of caution, this is a very challanging trip, physically and mentally. But the experience is well worth it.

Imagine living on a Caribbean beach miles down a bumpy dirt track in the middle of the jungle... make sure you paint in the palm trees, the sun, the sand, a blue vastness of sky and sea and to ground the image a bit be sure to remember the bug spray. This is life at Pez Maya. Day to day your life is distilled in the most amazing way down to: what are my chores? when am I diving? when am I diving again? and what's for dinner? However, days are surprisingly full. You and your fellow international community of volunteers are responsible for much of the goings on and operation of the base helped along and instructed by the highly knowledgeable and skilled staff. Your knowledge of marine life and science will increase, you will become a better diver, you will McGyver dinners together from the simplest of ingredients (you may find yourself pursuing the elusive leftover porridge cookie) and you may dance the night away under the stars. Potential challenges you will encounter: stormy weather, mastering the art of flushing the toilet with a bucket, close quarters, and isolation. AND it is absolutely worth it. I am so glad I participated in this program! I met some great friends, had some great times and now have some great stories. Truly a unique experience!

Going on a three month expedition to Fiji was honestly the best decision of my life! It was an amazing adventure and an eye-opening experience. I helped construct water tanks that were used to store rainwater for drinking water purposes. The lack of potable water is a huge concern in the Yasawa Islands and this construction project was incredibly helpful to the villages suffering from water shortages. The work was often tiresome, especially on the hot days, but it was more-importantly rewarding and constructive. I also taught fourth grade at a local government school. The kids were often difficult to manage, but being around them was really special. I taught them some English vocabulary, basic Math skills, as well as science and history. Their English is quite good considering it is their third language. Some kids are shy and some need extra attention. Overall, GVI is making great strides in improving the education levels at this school!

My trip to the seychelles did exceed all my expectations. Nor just to live in a paradise, for me it was also about all the information and knowledge I received. It was much more than I ever hoped for. I learned so many new things, everything from diving, earth, nature, to friendship, first aid and life. It all started pretty intense, it was a lot of knowledge to take in and also to get adjust to the new home and group. But after a few weeks life was more of a routine. During the expedition we dived 1-2 times per day (excluding weekends), which was absolutely fantastic! To get the opportunity to feel as one with our "underworld" that you hardly sees a glimpse of otherwise. An other cool thing was to learn the scienceway of the ocean and be a part of making a difference for it. Living on a beach on a deserted island for 10 weeks with no electricity, phones or internet forces you to spend time in the old fashon way. Many card games done, but mainly a lot of deep discussions about life. In that way you get very close to people quite fast. So what I also recieved was many awesome friends all around the world!

I was on the programme with Lisa and Caitlin who have already posted their testimonials saying how fantastic their experience was in Fiji. I have a similar story. I decided it was time for a career break and wanted to do something worthwhile whilst visiting another part of the world. The GVI childcare programme in Fiji sounded just what I was looking for and I have to say that it far exceeded my expectations. I loved the place, I loved the people and I definately did not want to leave. Everyone is so friendly in these beautiful, unspoilt villages in the Yasawa islands. The staff and children at the school were some of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege to meet. The base was fairly basic and cooking for about 20 people on limited rations was a challenge at times but everyone worked as a team to make things happen. The staff were always on hand to help and support and encourage where needed. I felt we were making a significant contribution to the school and the villages whilst having the most fun I have ever had. I found a new family in Fiji and now have friends to visit all around the world. Living so closely together for 3 months forms and incredible bond which I think will last a lifetime. I would highly recommend GVI and this particular project to anyone thinking of doing a volunteer programme. I am already looking at other places I can go with GVI and I haven't actually made it back to the UK yet. I would like to thank GVI for giving me this fantastic opportunity, one that I will certainly never forget.

I had been fascinated with the ocean ever since a family trip to the Cayman islands. Since I have been pretty much certain I wanted to make a career of it but wasn't quite sure what it would be like and if it was 100% what I wanted to do. I applied for the trip in Mexico to get acclomated with marine work and what to expect. That was a great decision! I have never been more certain of something in my life and this was easily the greatest experience of my life. Just nothing negative to say about the program (The weather was irregular but you can't compain aobut that). The Staff and volunteers are amazing characters and will provide nothing but fun for the entire duration of your stay.

Lots of knowledgeable staff and work to be done in Kisite & Mpunguti National Marine Park, you definitely feel like you're part of a team no matter your age or where you come from while based on Wasini Island. I was only there two weeks, but had the trip of a lifetime and miss being on the boat everyday, conducting dolphin surveys and snorkeling during our free time. Wish I could've stayed longer! I recommend this program to anyone who loves marine life and wants to help out as much as they can. This will give you more than just a vacation, it'll be an experience that changes you for the better - in ways you won't realize until months after returning home. Do it now and don't think twice about it!

I went to Costa Rica because I was looking for addition experience with wildlife conservation as well as an opportunity to see a new place and meet new people. I had an absolutely amazing time. I had to opportunity to work hands on with wildlife and new make friends. My highlights were having a Green Turtle shower me with sand while I tried to measure her, watching hatchlings running down the beach at night, and seeing tapirs on the edge of the canal. Having the base camp situated next to a deserted beach was also a bonus! The only thing I didn't expect were the bovine beach invaders (who knew cows liked the ocean??) and the iguanas who liked to chill out in the dorm rafters. They seems totally cute and harmless until they started pooping!

In 2011, I decided to take a career break to do some travelling. I found the GVI website and was immediately interested in becoming a volunteer. As I am a diver, I decided to join the marine conservation project in the Seychelles. It was an amazing experience and I found it very rewarding using my diving skills to do something worthwhile. The project was very well run, and as everyone had different levels of diving experience, we went back to basics and safety was the highest priority. During the 5 weeks that I volunteered, I met loads of great people, learnt about corals and how to identify them, learnt about turtles and turtle behaviour as well as undertaking turtle research dives, lived and worked on a base camp, filled tanks, helped cook for 40 people (eek), did turtle nesting walks, plankton pulls and the highlight was swimming with a manta ray! At the weekend, we had the opportunity to explore the islands. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do the project and I would highly recommend GVI to anyone wishing to volunteer abroad.

The early morning wakeups, I thought, would be a hassle. Yet with the scenery, and the somewhat vocal roosters, it was a joy to wake up to the beautiful village with a warm breakfast not too far away. After breakfast in the peaceful village, depending on the day; Ele Grass Cutting and other events (e.g. Basket Weaving, English Teaching and base duties), or casually trekking through the forest with 5 wonderful elephants and their mahouts would occur at 8am. What may seem like a barrier to an outsider, the language (Packinyo) proves an excellent tool to get well acquainted to your host family- even if there are a few miss communications every once and a while. This, however, would have been my favourite experience within my time spent on the program. Being at the forefront of learning and developing a handbook to learn a new language is phenomenal, and sharing this experience with a bunch of diverse individuals only inspired us even more! Not to neglect the elephants, though as they are, of course, wonderful. From your first day feeding your elephant bananas, to health checks every second day, it seems as if there is an instant connection. The beauty of walking with them comes not only from Tong Dees' ridiculously slow pace, but the time that you then get to spend with the other volunteers and their somewhat distressing Elephant Baby Voices. Hiking, personally, was a breeze. If you are a little unfit, it may be a struggle, however no one (in my time) couldn't finish a hike. They generally span for 2-3 and half hours, with every second day being data collection. This would involve, observing their behaviour in terms of trunk touching from one Ele to another, eating, defecating (always exciting to prod poo!) and who they spend most of their time with while foraging naturally. While the Ele's favourite meal seems to be musah-toh (pounded chili)- from the Mahouts perspective; as a volunteer you start developing an understanding of the plant biology to really double think when that answer is given. Rather, you quickly find that Va Su (Bamboo) and Boo Kay Sah (Corn) is on the menu. Luckily, this information has been offered to be analysed by a behavioural analyst, and along with our own interpretations- we are able to determine whether one Elephant is spending more time alone or with a particular Elephant instead. In between data collection, there is a lot of free time where you can choose to visit top shop to buy 2 baht cookies and other food, or rather spend time with your host family and help them cook: it's really up to you! My time spent in Huay Pakoot was unforgettable, unimaginably rewarding and overall one thing I would definitely tell others to do. It's easy to leave a footprint on such a recently developed program, are you ready to leave yours?

What an amazing adventure! From thes daily teaching, art and fun activities in the public school kindergarten to the weekend trips to different island resorts to just lounging on base creating lifelong friendships with other international volunteers, this was definitely the best experience of my life so far! The staff is so amazing and supportive and the locals are so generous it definitely makes you want to do your very best for them every day you are in the field. Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the project and how it has changed me as a person. I also cannot speak highly enough of GVI- what a fantastic organization! If you are looking for a fun, rewarding, life-changing way of making a difference and aren't afraid of basic living conditions or the craziness of 10 person dorms I highly recommend this project! You won't regret it!

I have been working with your children for a few years, particularly those with special needs and thought it would be fun and a good experience to volunteer with children somewhere else in the world who could really use the help. That's when I cam across the Fiji Childcare project online. The 2 months I spent in Fiji were probably the best 2 months of my life-I fell in love with each of my kindergarten students and felt that I was truly making a difference in each of their lives. The amount of support I felt from the staff and other volunteers was amazing and we really did become like a family and I know that we will be friends for a long time to come as we all shared such an incredible experience together. I feel that this project not only made me a better educator but a better person. I cannot recommend GVI enough to anyone who is looking to volunteer abroad and truly help others in need while also having the experience of a lifetime. I'm so glad I went and already miss it so much!

This GVI experience completely changed my life. I arrived a novice, slightly scared 19 year old who had never stretched outside her comfort zone, to a confident, creative, energetic individual! The kids absolutely captured my heart, and got me climbing up the Andes every morning! I made so many awesome friends, and shared a lot of crazy nights out, and memorable experiences with them. I learnt so much about myself, but also discovered what I'm passionate about in life, and the tools GVI gave me have enabled me to move forward and pursue a different career and study path. I highly recommend this project, and GVI, and I can't wait to return asap!

This trip changed my life and it is all thanks to GVI. I was researching volunteer projects online and I eventually came across GVI. I wanted to volunteer with children and I have always been fond of Africa, which is why I chose this program. My life changed the second I arrived in Mombasa, but the best part about the trip was being with the kids at the school. They made such an impact on me. It was a pleasure teaching those kids at the school that I taught at. The kids were so excited to see the volunteers everyday. The school is there second home and we become parents to some of those kids. They mean the world to me and I was able to learn so much from them. Other than the school, I was able to learn from the people who live in the village. The conditions in which the people like are inhuman and it was great to see that because that is true poverty. It gives me more motivation to go back and help, but the more people who go, the more the word will get out. I heard so many stories and every story changed my perspective on life. This was a trip I will never forget and I was able to find what I love to do. Thank you for the opportunity GVI and for future volunteers, maybe I will see you in the future.

Volunteering with GVI was without a doubt the best way to spend my 2 weeks of vacation. The hardest part about the entire thing was readjusting to "real life" once I came back! I loved getting a crash course in the project's conservation work and learning about a bunch of awesome wildlife while also experiencing and exploring a completely new and foreign ecosystem. I met an amazing group of volunteers and was inspired and impressed by GVI field staff who are accommodating, personable, and incredibly passionate about what they do. I was concerned about being more of a hindrance on the project than being able to effectively assist with their efforts but the program is excellently structured so that volunteers are able to get to work quickly and efficiently, performing meaningful work with clear results. I can't speak for other GVI programs, but if they are all as well-organized and staffed as the operation at Jalova in Costa Rica is, I would go on another trip in a heartbeat.

Everything about the program was wonderful; it was well organized, you were with kids for 8 hours a day, the staff was wonderful and helpful, the culture was rich and influential. The only thing I would say is more consistency with the lessons for the children. They already have people going in and out 2 weeks at a time! But my experience was exactly what I wanted and they needed. South Africa is a beautiful country with amazing people and hopefully through this program we will give them the tools to better themselves and their communities even more!

This was my first time out of the country and it was absolutely incredible. From the moment I got off the plane the GVI staff was extremely accomadating - waiting for me at the arrival gate. When traveling to a country such as South Africa safety is obviously a major concern and not once on this trip did I feel like I was in harms away. At the same time, you get a hands on experience in the townships working directly with those who need it most! Leaving was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. South Africa and GVI has a special place in heart and not a day passes without this experience crossing my mind. GIV and the Cape Town Pediatric Project comes with my highest endorsement! Skills Developed/Improved: - Practical training on lesson planning & teaching strategies - Strengthened presentation skills - Utilized reflective practices - Developing sustainable program initiatives - Greater understanding of community-based prevention programs - Deepened interpersonal skills & enhanced cultural awareness

I spent six of the most incredible weeks at the Nceduluntu nursery and Ikhayalethmba orphanage. Ones that i will never forget for my whole life. My most favourite memories of Nceduluntu were when one of the little boys from my class, Maurena known to be a trouble maker would greet me every morning. "Good morning teacha, owa you?" I would respond and ask him, how he was and receive no response. He had no idea what that question meant (as all of the children spoke little English with xhosa being their first language) but he knew that it was the polite way to greet someone when you saw them at the start of the day. Between Maurena, the 60 2-4 year olds screaming TEACHER TEACHER TEACHER as you walked through the door in the morning and having a child curl up to you with their head in their lap after nap time, i will never forget my 4 weeks at Nceduluntu. The ikhayalthemba orphanage was where i spent my last 2 weeks of my trip. At times it was easy to become sad by remembering why the children were there and that some of them may well remain their until they begin their adult lives. But with their smiles, cheekyness and constant mischievous plans against the volunteers, it was a thought you quickly forgot. My favourite memory of ikhayalethemba was when we took the kids on an excursion to monkey town thanks to a generous donation by a previous volunteer. The children were so excited as they hadn't been many places in a while and they LOVE monkey town. It was a great day and the kids were all so thankful. There is so much love and happiness in Ikhayalethemba that i feel happy when i think about it. I loved everything about GVI and if you are thinking of volunteering (which you should!) go with them! :)

I decided to apply for GVI whilst taking my gap year. It was the best decision I ever made. Seeing the elephants throughout the week and then enjoying the amazing company over the weekends! I've only been home 3 weeks and I am already dying to go back. I cannot recommend it enough

As a Marine Science student in the United States, I had to complete an internship for my graduation requirements. I decided to do something completely different and once in a lifetime instead of the normal internships at my university. I joined the Seychelles Marine Conservation Expedition and loved every minute of it. We got to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and all kinds of fish and invertebrates. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for beautiful diving, amazing scenery and life long friendships.

After completing my Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Ecology, I decided to take a break from studying and took part in the PADI Dive Master Internship and Marine Conservation Training in the Seychelles with Global Vision International in April 2011. It was such an amazing experience! I couldn't believe that I found a programme that combined my love of the sea with the chance to stay with a group of volunteers from all over the world in a tropical paradise! For the next few months my world would be filled with beautiful coral and fish and I'd spend most of my time underwater! What a dream... The first thing that hits you when you arrive in the Seychelles is the heat, humidity and incredible beauty. There are beautiful flowers, fruit trees and jungle wherever you go and the sea really is as blue as it looks in photos. I spent 10 weeks at the Cap Ternay base which I absolutely loved. You stay in very simple dormitories with about 7 or 8 people in each dorm. I really recommend a mosquito net! The base is situated in an ideal location. It is nestled in a valley between hills covered in spectacular granite boulders, palm trees and jungle and there are beaches about a 5 minute walk from both sides of the base. It couldn't be more like paradise! I loved the fact that I could get a break from city life and things like traffic, television, computers. It allowed me to become so relaxed and enjoy the important things in life! In the first few weeks you have lectures about life in the Seychelles, marine conservation and you start learning how to identify different fish or coral. On my phase we studied coral. I was a bit disappointed at first to find out that we didn't focus on fish, however, I ended up finding the coral very interesting and it has made me more appreciative of coral reefs. I also found that I normally would not have studied the coral and so it was nice to be able to identify different coral species - all things I probably would not have noticed before. We also had access to the fish notes and slides and so we could learn their names in our spare time. I initially thought I'd never be able to learn all the names of the corals or be able to identify them but the GVI staff are very helpful and made learning the names lots of fun. Once we'd passed our written exams and could identify the corals underwater, we were allowed to do the coral reef surveys. I really enjoyed diving twice a day, being surrounded by beautiful things and doing our bit to help marine conservation in the Seychelles. We even got a PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty! Whilst learning all about the marine environment, I also completed my PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Rescue Diver, Emergency First Response and BTEC in Supervision of Biological Survey Techniques-so a lot of good things to add to my CV! I was a bit embarrassed about my lack of diving ability in the beginning. I had received my PADI Open Water about 2 years before I joined GVI and hadn't dived much at all. I was amazed at how quickly my diving improved and how much I enjoyed it. I'm now addicted to diving! I also became involved in the GVI community projects where we’d take orphans from the President's Village Orphanage to the beach and teach them how to snorkel. It was so wonderful to see how much fun all the children had. We also used to go to the beach to give marine conservation lessons with children from the International School Seychelles, which was really enjoyable and I loved playing games with the children. Not only could we help out by doing the biological surveys but we could help to educate the local children which meant a lot to us. Towards the end of the phase we took part in a 'Marathon Snorkel' to raise funds for the President's Village Orphanage. It was a lot of fun as we all set off in fancy dress outfits and snorkeled around the coast. GVI also organised beach and reef cleans and we were amazed at how much litter we had collected. It was so nice to know that we were helping the Seychelles in so many ways. I loved living with so many different people and learning about their lives and culture. The base is about a 20 minute walk from the bus stop and then about 1 hour to the capital, Victoria. Since we had food provided at base there was little need to go to the shop. Occasionally we would treat ourselves and walk to the nearest shop (about 25 minutes away) to buy chocolate or ice-cream. The food is simple but very tasty. There are various fruit trees around the base so picking delicious fresh fruit like guavas, mangoes, paw paws, pineapples, bananas, starfruit and coconuts is a must! Every Friday there is a massive barbeque with superb food and it's definitely the favourite day for those who eat meat. Friday night is also the time to get creative and make a fancy dress outfit-you'd be surprised how many things you can make from a coconut leaf! Each week you are part of a different group that is responsible for certain things-cooking food, recording information on the boat, communicating with the dive boat using the marine radio, filling tanks and keeping an eye on the compressor and making sure the dorms and bathrooms are clean. This system worked really well because it helps you to get to know all the volunteers and makes doing chores fun. In our free time we would go for a snorkel, hike up to the top of Cap Matoopa to have a look at the amazing view of our base, hunt for fruit, sun tan in the garden or on the beach, play games, paint cool murals in the bathroom, relax on the giant hammocks or just chat in our dorms. On the weekends, we'd often go into town and explore Victoria, go to the internet cafe, have lunch at a restaurant or go into Beau Vallon for delicious local Creole food on the beach. We would spend most of our time sun tanning and swimming at Beau Vallon beach and then those that were energetic enough would go through to the bar La Faya and the club Tequila Boom for some pool and dancing. To celebrate the end of the fifth week we went to another island, La Digue (such an awesome experience and the most beautiful place I've ever been to) and then we splurged after our tenth week and went to Silhouette Island for a weekend of luxury at the Hilton. I really recommend travelling to see some of the other islands because even though it may cost you a bit, they are all very unique and have a variety of different animals and vegetation, however, beautiful beaches are common throughout! After 10 weeks at Cap Ternay, I spent 12 weeks working at the Underwater Centre as a dive master and living with 3 of my friends. I loved being able to take people on dives and also to teach those who needed help. We also assisted the Instructors on courses which was lots of fun. We saw the dive masters from other dive shops quite often - either underwater or at their houses. It was good being able to cook for ourselves and to live close to the shops. Towards the end, we all knew the dive sites so well that we could find and point out a lot of the animals because we knew where they lived. Being able to surprise clients with turtles, white tip reef sharks, eels and rays was very satisfying! Spending every day with the dive shop staff like the skippers, instructors and dive masters was probably what made the experience for me. We made lifelong friends and had such a wonderful time, even if it was raining or we had difficult clients! After the dive master internship I had planned to go home but I was faced with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I simply couldn't resist. I was offered a place on the Whale shark Internship under Dr David Rowat of Marine Conservation Society Seychelles! I spent the next 2 months living with 5 other volunteers helping MCSS undergo their whale shark research and taking clients out on snorkel trips to view the beautiful animals. We also got involved in other projects and I was fortunate enough to see a turtle nesting, help catch lemon sharks and watch them being tagged and help to find stingrays to be tagged. When I left home I had no idea what I would experience - who would have thought that I'd spend 8 months living on the beach with adventurous people, seeing things like manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and their hatchlings, all different types of sharks and rays, dolphins, sailfish, eels and beautiful fish and coral almost everyday! I learnt so much about myself, other people, the Seychelles, diving and the natural environment. I would recommend this expedition to anyone looking for a change of scene, a chance to meet new people and for those who love the marine environment. I wished I didn't have to come home...

If you have any questions please feel free to contact, having a good understanding of what the program is about is the first step to applying.

I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending anyone to volunteer with GVI, in fact, I would actively encourage absolutely anyone too. The time that I spent teaching disadvantaged children in Kenya was an incredible and eye-opening experience. I not only got to make friends with a lot of the locals, as well as the children who I was teaching; I still think about them all the time! But I also made a huge group of friends with the people I was out there volunteering with, many from completely different walks of life with entirely different stories, all of which owed to what interesting people they are; one's that I have no hesitation in now calling great friends. Aside from the experience of teaching I actually got time at the weekend to travel in Kenya, I travelled up and down the coast seeing the amazing landscapes and amazing types wildlife that it has to offer. This included dolphin spotting, snorkeling in the Indian ocean, exploring the Gede ruins and going on safari in East Tsavo - we even saw 7 lion cubs in the wild! Volunteering with GVI was, simply put, the most incredible experience I've ever had the pleasure to be involved in. I feel that it has not only given me a renewed outlook on life but has undoubtedly changed me as a person, for the better.

An incredible two weeks in South Africa. GVI kept me safe, fed and entertained. They arranged the whole volunteer experience, which was as fulfilling as it was fun. The kids at the orphanage are wonderful, funny, sad - all at once! Thanks to Beth and Ali for their hospitality while I was so far from home.

I had an awesome time on the teaching project in mombasa! This was my third trip out there. The work is awesome, the staff are great and the kids are amazing!!

I decided to volunteer with GVI between A levels and going to university, as I couldn't take a gap year. The only thing I regret is that I couldn't have stayed for longer, two weeks flew by in a blink of the eye. Conditions were basic on an island off the Kenyan coast in the Indian Ocean without piped water and a generator for electricity used sparingly, but the sense of community on site and the enjoyment you get from working in and on the ocean just means these things add to the experience. Spending each day on the boat watching dolphins and doing snorkeling surveys was idyllic and well worth doing. I didn't know what to expect travelling on my own into the unknown, but the people I met and the experiences I had will probably stay with me forever. I want to go back now and hopefully in the future I can stay for a lot longer.

The project was phenomenal I enjoyed every aspect. I went out there for 8 weeks but unfortunately had to leave a week early due to visa issues. We arrived on a Sunday after a very long journey from Chiang Mai as it is fair to say Huay Pakoot is in the middle of nowhere. The staff, other volunteers and locals were so friendly that I felt at home incredibly quickly. The living conditions are pretty basic but you get used to them quickly and after hiking and all the other activities I could fall asleep on anything. On the first morning we hiked and met the elephants and then we fed them some bananas which was amazing, the elephants are truly magnificent and so friendly. The elephant interactions from then on were three days a week we hiked behind them and collected data, the other two days were health check days which was very hands on and were incredible. Other activities in the community were learning how to weave a basket from bamboo, making bamboo cups with the mahouts and machetes and cooking classes with the locals. the whole trip is the best experience of my life and would encourage anyone to go out and see for themselves how amazing it is

My first "outside the country" experience was to here and it was absolutely amazingly life changing! I could not have picked a better program to go with! GVI was very well run and organized! Everyone was there for the same reason! Those turtles numbers would be a lot less if we weren't there. Staying in the jungle in Jalova with the heat and bugs was well worth it, everyday! Waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys every morning, walking right out onto the beach whenever you wanted, and seeing huge turtles every night was breathtaking! I even got run over by a female turtle on her way back to sea. Where else could that happen?! Only with GVI. AMAZING experience and I wish everyone could go! I got new motivation to get done with school even faster now and I can't wait to go back and do it again!!!

Where to start... I stumbled upon GVI on accident. I had never heard of it before and I was looking for an experience to add to my resume that would enhance my Zoology degree. My experience at GVI was the best of my life, hands down. I was there for ten weeks in total at both the Karongwe and Venetia locations. Such beautiful places with such beautiful people. Everyone always asks, what was your favorite experience - I never thought such a question could be so hard. But I always answer it with something different, whether it be when my group was mock charged by a herd of elephants, walking in on a cheetah kill or walking in on a female rhino and her, still nursing, calf. Not one day is the same there. You may see the same animals but it will always be a new sighting and that's what is the most exhilarating - it truly is always different. I never got enough. I would highly recommend GVI to anyone. I can promise you, you will not regret it.

Being made redundant twice in under a year led me to re-evaluate everything I was doing. A friend had been on the 5 week programme in South Africa and mentioned that it was a good way to travel on your own and gain heeps of experience at the same time. She suggested I take a look at the website, so I did. However the Big Game Programme she had done was not for me, the Marine conservation programmes kept catching my eye. Being totally honest the thought of getting to dive everyday was the main draw for me and the choice between Mexico or Seychelles was the only decision I had to make. Although it was more expensive, Seychelles won everytime and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I made. It was amazing, getting to dive everyday in the Baie Ternay Marine Park, Mahe was just stunning and is still one of my favourite dives. On top of the diving you are also learning about either fish or coral and the survey techniques needed to carry out the research. The knowledge will stay with you so when you go out diving it makes it much more fun when you actually know what you are looking at! I stayed at the main base at Cap Ternay, it does have running water, toilets however the showers are cold....its not the Hilton but it is home for 3 months. You make it your own on each phase so just enjoy it for what it is.....a fantastic experience. I was only booked for 3 months but extended it to include my Divemaster for another 3, why not - it beats being stuck in the the cold and wet winter of Edinburgh. This experience has changed my life, I am currently looking at doing my PADI Instructor course, working in the sunshine is much more enjoyable that sitting in an office at home. I enjoyed my experience so much so I came back for another 3 months on a different programme to study whale sharks but I still stay in touch with GVI. I love the Seychelles, so would highly recommend it.

Being made redundant twice in under a year led me to re-evaluate everything I was doing. A friend had been on the 5 week programme in South Africa and mentioned that it was a good way to travel on your own and gain heeps of experience at the same time. She suggested I take a look at the website, so I did. However the Big Game Programme she had done was not for me, the Marine conservation programmes kept catching my eye. Being totally honest the thought of getting to dive everyday was the main draw for me and the choice between Mexico or Seychelles was the only decision I had to make. Although it was more expensive, Seychelles won everytime and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I made. It was amazing, getting to dive everyday in the Baie Ternay Marine Park, Mahe was just stunning and is still one of my favourite dives. On top of the diving you are also learning about either fish or coral and the survey techniques needed to carry out the research. The knowledge will stay with you so when you go out diving it makes it much more fun when you actually know what you are looking at! I stayed at the main base at Cap Ternay, it does have running water, toilets however the showers are cold....its not the Hilton but it is home for 3 months. You make it your own on each phase so just enjoy it for what it is.....a fantastic experience. I was only booked for 3 months but extended it to include my Divemaster for another 3, why not - it beats being stuck in the the cold and wet winter of Edinburgh. This experience has changed my life, I am currently looking at doing my PADI Instructor course, working in the sunshine is much more enjoyable that sitting in an office at home. I enjoyed my experience so much so I came back for another 3 months on a different programme to study whale sharks but I still stay in touch with GVI. I love the Seychelles, so would highly recommend it.

I was pretty nervous getting off the plane in South Africa, that is until I met up with my GVI team member that was there to pick me up. Right away he put my worries at ease and answered all of my questions. When I got to the apartments I was very impressed with the safety precautions in place for volunteers, which set my parents worries at ease. The training day was a great way to learn about the project, see the township, and learn some Xhosa words. Teaching at the orphanage was well structured and the GVI staff was very helpful when brainstorming ideas for lessons. The children, of course, were by far the best part. They have so much spirit and soul, you end up learning more than you're teaching. Leaving them was hard, I can't imagine how volunteers do it that have been there for a long time. The culture was AMAZING, I loved the side trips that GVI offered such as the township tours. I would definitely recommend GVI to anyone looking for a safe, fun way to help the world. I am hopeful that there will be more GVI trips in my future.

From my first phone call to arrange my booking and throughout my whole trip I felt I was in good hands with GVI. Airport transfers and even our first nights accommodation were arranged before our project participation started. During the project the benefits, both to the elephants and the local community, were demonstrated and we were able to feel that our contribution was real and worthwhile. Yes, the living conditions were a little basic (as we were warned about) but if I'm honest they were an improvement on those that I have experienced at a number of music festivals in the UK. We left Thailand with a feeling of having done something to improve the life of the project animals, as well as having made new friends and new memories. I would definitely recommend travel with GVI, and am already planning my next trip with them.

I have just got back from the South African conservation volunteer holiday with GVI, and I miss it so much! It was an absolutely brilliant experience. The project is based at Karongwe game reserve in the north of the country. It's basically like a safari... but so much better! For a start, you know you're doing good. Instead of my money going to travel companies, it's going to GVI to allow the research on the reserve to continue. That's the second feel-good thing, we were actually contributing to some brilliant research into conservation and reserve management. The team who work there are trying to improve knowledge and understanding of reserve management which could lead to big improvements in the area. And that's the 3rd thing - you're there as part of a team. You get to make friends with people from around the world. The staff and the volunteers I was there with were great! In fact, the staff really wanted us to get the most out of our relatively short time there. They really went out of their way to enable us to see all the animals we wanted and more. They were more than happy to share their knowledge of animal behaviour, explain how they were tracking the animals, or go for a walk in the bush to experience it in a different way. If you want to really contribute to some research, unfortunately you need to go somewhere for longer than 2 weeks. It would take too long to have fully trained us. The staff and GVI however tried to involve us in the research as much as possible, and I know we definitely helped. You can go for 5-10 weeks though :) There were 2 standout moments for me. The first was getting to walk in on the cheetahs. I never expected to get so close to any wild animals on foot. It was so exciting and a great opportunity to get some close up photos! The second moment was watching the pride of 7 lions hunt. They passed within a few metres of the car whilst stalking their prey - a group of Impala (the ever-present antelope). 100% unmissable as a safari.

I have just got home from 4 amazing weeks in South Africa where I was doing the Volunteer at an Orphanage programme, based in Fish Hoek. It was the most incredible experience I have ever had and if I could fly back I would do so in a heartbeat. The women who donate their homes and entire lives to helping those children are absaloutely amazing, inspiring people whom I feel proud to have met and worked with. The children themselves are all incredible little bundles of joy who have the ability to provoke emotions you may not have even realised you had! Finally, the people I met and lived with became like a family to me and I know I have made some life-long friends through GVI. The Coordinators and Project Manager on my programme were all amazing, hard-working, dedicated and genuinely exciting people to be around and they will all be extremely missed. Without them my experience would have felt incomplete. Thank you GVI for the most amazing experience of a lifetime, and I sincerely hope to return one day!

Fresh out of 6th form, I had planned to volunteer abroad in South Africa, working with children in the township of Nomzamo, in the Ikhayalethemba Orphanage - it turned out to be the BEST 14days of my life.The people I had the honour to meet were simply amazing and they are my inspiration - from the GVI team leaders, to the locals, to other volunteers, and right down to the children I had the pleasure to spend such a short time with. Its astonishing how quickly, such strong bonds form between you and the people you meet and work with. Within the two weeks I was there, we all accomplished so much together, both in terms of the children's learning and our own; we helped to implement lesson structures and plans, had a mini safari, taught the children songs, and were even privileged to see a baby's first steps - I left with so much more than I with, my confidence grew from the moment I arrived on project and I learned a lot about myself and what I want from life, and that's only the beginning . The sights I saw and the people I met will forever be in my thoughts, and although its only been just over a month since I've been back home, not one day has passed that I haven't thought about how much I wish I was back there now. There is no doubt I would recommend GVI projects, there is something so addictive about volunteering, and once you know where it is you want to be, there's no way you can keep from being there.

In August 2011, I spent four truly incredible and adventurous weeks on GVI's Teaching English to Buddhist Novice Monks and Local Communities program in Luang Prabang, Laos. I had never been to Laos beforehand, so I spent an extra week prior to the program in which I got to see the country's Capital, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang, the town where I would spend the following couple of weeks. I most definitely recommend travelling to your future destination at least three or four days before your program starts, in order to get to know your new surroundings. As Luang Prabang is a pretty small place, with no public transport since everything is in walking distance, I had enough time to do all the sightseeing I had planned within these few days, and had the chance to immerse myself in the Lao culture. Even though I was travelling alone, I was hardly ever on my own- all the Lao people I met were wonderfully curious and welcoming. Whenever I told someone that I was there to teach English, they started to practice their English skills on me, and I often spent hours in places where I had actually just wanted to stop for a quick coffee. For practicing your teaching skills, I can definitely recommend Big Brother Mouse?, a non-profit bookstore that publishes and sells Lao and Lao-English children's books to promote literacy. Every morning from 9-11 a.m. everyone is welcome to stop by and chat with local teenagers and young adults. In this very relaxed atmosphere I had some of the most interesting conversations with people that often have no other opportunity to practice their English. Just like everyone else, I felt unprepared and very nervous about the task of teaching an actual class- but just after a few days I felt comfortable enough to teach by myself. I was fortunate enough to have a more experienced volunteer with me for the first two weeks, and in some classes we were also working with a Lao teacher. Even though I am currently studying English and French at Uni to become a teacher, I would not have expected teaching to be so much fun! The students were simply amazing- they were motivated, funny and working quite hard. Even though I couldn't always get them to do their homework, they participated well in all of the lessons, and they always turned out more lively and funny than I had expected. Of all the wonderful memories I made in Laos, teaching was simply the best. Preparing for the lessons sometimes might have taken more time and effort than I wanted to put into it, but it was definitely worth it. Also, I usually had some other volunteer to work with, so even preparing turned out to be fun. This is another point that made this experience simply unforgettable I was working with such a cool group of people, volunteers and staff. Probably like in most cultures, food was what we most bonded over. Whether it was the mandatory banana pancakes at our guesthouse, five-hour long lunches at Arthouse Cafe (where Debra, the owner, prepares the most delicious food and often treated us to some free cookies and cakes), or late dinners at Lao cousin or another nearby restaurant there was always someone to share your new experiences and impressions with. As it is with any human interaction I guess, sometimes I had negative encounters as well - but as the Lao say: Baw penyang no problem! On the weekends we had lots of time to do whatever we wanted- we had the opportunity to visit a nearby village (Ban Laksip) to teach some English there, see a boat-racing festival, sit in on the mesmerizing Chanting at the temples that takes place every evening, take trips to nearby waterfalls and caves or just ride the bicycle around town and enjoy the breeze. My highlights though were the day we went riding and bathing elephants in the Nam Khan and our visit to the Ock Pop Tock site where we learned about silk producing and even had the chance to prepare dye from leaves and then dye our own silk scarf. Even though Luang Prabang may seem like a very small town, and it actually is, there is a lot to do and see. What I most recommend though is to just go with whatever comes your way- planning is really not needed and often things go very differently from what you expected. Exactly this is what made this trip the best experience I've ever made- it was exciting and surprising, and I did and saw things I would never have thought I would or could!

Where to begin?! It was by far one of the greatest things i've ever done in my life! Living on a remote tropical island, 4 degrees south of the equator, diving everyday and spending time with new friends is just pure bliss. I decided to do the GVI expedition as I am studying Marine Biology at University and i thought it'd be amazing experience, and a perfect way to spend my summer before i started Uni. I was right. GVI made the whole trip worthwhile. The staff members are all proffessional, fun and know their field. They are passionate about what they do and really give you the drive and motivation. Life on the expedition in unbeatable: who can say they've snorkelled with a whale shark? Been face to face with a white tip reef shark? Followed a hawksbill turtle for 20minutes watching it's every move? Seen endless numbers of some of the most amazing fish in their own pristine habitat? It is a truly amazing, and educational trip that i would reccomend to anyone without hesitation.

After I graduated high school in May, I wanted to do something constructive during my nine months before Australian universities started. Going to Seychelles with GVI was exactly what I was looking for. Going there was an Amazing experience, with a capital A. I learnt so much about myself - whether I really wanted to be a marine scientist in the future, how well I could manage on my own (it was my first overseas trip without parents or my school)… I also improved my diving skills greatly, being able to stay down for way longer than 45 minutes on a single tank of air. Being around people who were like-minded in a beautiful country whilst having the opportunity to learn about the marine environment and swim with amazing creatures like whale sharks, dolphins, sailfish, various species of rays… After growing up in Canberra, where there is no sea, and living in Hong Kong for the past decade, where the sea is practically a desert, being able to experience diving with a huge abundance and diversity of fish was something I could only dream of. Being able to make friends from all over, of all ages, and all careers was so great - like it said on the wall of the dorm. A night we won't remember, with friends we won't forget! I am definitely going to join GVI on another expedition again, as soon as I can!

I literally had the time of my life on this trip. It absolutely exceeded every expectation that I had! If you think that the information provided by GVI sounds amazing, then prepare to be blown away. Waking up to the sounds of Hyeanas, Hippos or Lions literally outside the base acts as a constant reminder at how you are in their territory, you are the intruder here! You get such an adrenaline rush when you are literally right there, just a few metres away from WILD African animals, big and small. Although at Karongwe (where I was based) you are in a relatively small reserve, you get to see so much, and everything IS wild. The animals are used to the presence of the vehicles so behave in a completely natural way, which is fantastic. You undertake a strict training week where you are taught everything you need to know, and what to do, including a first aid course. OH yes, and not forgetting the numerous amounts of Risk assessments that are read to you. During the programme itself, you carry out research on a daily basis over 2 drives. Each day you have a different duty within your team, this also includes a Base Duty where you don't head out on drive but stay behind to cook and clean for everyone else. This does mean that you get more time to do what you want on these days, i.e. washing & contacting home. However just because you aren't out on research doesnt mean to say you arent going to see anything. I myself came face to face with a heard of impala when i went to hang my washing out!. The mountain phase was equally amazing to the time i spent on the reserve; spending just 5 days in such a breath-taking setting, knowing that you are helping to carry out vital research. The sundowner sitting on top of the Blyde canyon is one of my best memories of the trip. As for the Staff, they were outstanding! They were much younger than I expected, but worked so well together. They were so enthusiatic about their job, and so willing to help you and pass on their knowledge. As for my fellow expedition members, they were also really enthusiastic, and genunie people who wanted to get the most out of the expedition. In all honesty I've never met a crazier bunch of people in any one go. But I wouldn't have changed any one of them! I have such amazing memories, faced so many of my fears, and literally fulfilled a dream whilst I was out there. I couldnt have asked for anything better. This isn't the end for me,it's just the beginning.......

I've been working in GVI projects all over the world for the last 6 years and this has changed my life.

I just spent an amazing 5 weeks in Kenya on the combined Community and Conservation expedition. This was an amazing experience and I would totally recommend it to anyone. The only thing I would say is that 5 weeks just flies by! The first week was spent in the forest, surveying primates, birds and butterflies and generally helping to conserve the forest. The second week we focused on the local community - teaching in the local schools which was an awesome experience - the children were so enthusiastic and wanted to learn. As it was over the holiday period GVI also ran a summer school which was pretty cool as we played games with the children, organised drawing/painting etc, ran a first aid course and even had a sports day which the children really enjoyed. The third week was spent out near Tsavo West helping a community of ex-poachers to develop an alternative livelihood. Seeing how the community have stopped poaching and are determined to try and change the way they live was awesome and really inspirational that they have nothing yet they are really making an effort to try and develop an alternative way to live. The final two weeks were spent doing marine research - this was primarily spending time on the boat, snorkelling and watching dolphin behaviour. This was also a great experience and one day we actually saw over 1000 spinner dolphins from the boat and stayed with them for about 2 hours. It was an incredible experience. The whole GVI experience was great fun - All the staff were really friendly and always willing to help and share their experiences and it was really cool to meet other volunteers from all over the world. I'm already planning when I can go back :)

I was looking for a volunteer experience with wildlife before going into the final year of my Zoology degree. I had the most incredible time in my 5 weeks away starting from the moment we arrived. The staff were amazing and seeing this wildlife so close was amazing!! The lions on a giraffe kill, the cheetahs and their cubs, all this once in a lifetime stuff that we managed to see! I gained useful skills whilst there as well, with my first aid, BTEC in biological surveying and much much more. Would definitely recommend. AMAZING!! Thanks GVI!x

I have just visited Kenya doing a construction project through GVI. I had the most amazing time and I would defiantly recommend it to anyone! We built a 15ft x 35ft storage building for animal skins and hides which will help generate an income for the community we were living with. The community were very welcoming and it was interesting to see how different their lives are to ones we lead at home. Simple things such as head torches and cameras, they were fascinated with. On a typical day we were working until about 4pm with a long lunch break over the hottest part of the day. Often we would play football with the community after work. We also visited some nearby places and saw Kenya for all that it is including the tourist side, the rural community side and the city/town side. Working and living so closely with the community and other volunteers meant I made friends really quickly. On the construction, we did not finish it all which was a shame not to see the final outcome but I know we made a good contribution to the project and I am confident that it will be soon finished. After the construction, which was 10 days long, we went on safari with the other volunteers. This was 4 days long and we saw Kenya's big 5! I really did not want to leave Kenya and I am so glad to still be in contact with all the people I met! It was such a great experience and GVI offered fantastic advice, they were easy to meet at the airport/hotel and organised everything very well!

I found that the PADI divemaster internship with GVI in the Seychelles is the most inspiring, educational, and fun-filled experience to help begin a career in marine conservation. There's nothing better than waking up on a tropical island in the Indian ocean every morning, grabbing some fresh guava or mango from a nearby tree, then setting out for dives in crystal clear water filled with turtles, whale sharks, octopi, sharks, lobster, sting rays, countless reef fish, and endless coral reefs. The first ten weeks of the internship is spent on the GVI base in a remote part of the island where volunteers participate in marine science classes, research dives, and community education projects. The remaining part of the twenty-two week internship is spent working at a dive shop and participating in the PADI divemaster course. I came away from my trip with a PADI divemaster certification, PADI rescue diver certification, Emergency First Response certification, BTEC in biological surveys, and PADI wreck diver specialty certification. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in marine conservation and looking for a fun yet challenging experience.

I found that the PADI divemaster internship with GVI in the Seychelles is the most inspiring, educational, and fun-filled experience to help begin a career in marine conservation. There's nothing better than waking up on a tropical island in the Indian ocean every morning, grabbing some fresh guava or mango from a nearby tree, then setting out for dives in crystal clear water filled with turtles, whale sharks, octopi, sharks, lobster, sting rays, countless reef fish, and endless coral reefs. The first ten weeks of the internship is spent on the GVI base in a remote part of the island where volunteers participate in marine science classes, research dives, and community education projects. The remaining part of the twenty-two week internship is spent working at a dive shop and participating in the PADI divemaster course. I came away from my trip with a PADI divemaster certification, PADI rescue diver certification, Emergency First Response certification, BTEC in biological surveys, and PADI wreck diver specialty certification. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in marine conservation and looking for a fun yet challenging experience.

I have lived in a few different places already and worked with many people. But only living and working in the rainforest made me realise what life is all about. I was on a well paved career path but constantly looking for another challenge, constantly questioning my work as an architect. Finally I had enough after a year of hard work it was time for me to start volunteering. There is a lot on the internet and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do and how. When I found GVI, things got very easy. I was glad everything was so organised that, with no previous volunteering experience, I felt safe to go with them. The living conditions were better than I expected. We even had showers! Of course it was hard work, but being in the forest 24/7 was so much better than sitting in an office. The science work for me was super interesting as I have a totally different background. Having the possibility to learn about this great environment and applying that knowledge and the skills we learned was absolutely rewarding and I am glad GVI gave me the opportunity to do that. I always had this childish dream to be a scientist, and there I was. Trapping butterflies, catching frogs, amongst many other activities. Working in camp and especially on my placement in a Amazonian community made me use all my skills I had gained so far in my life and all the new ones I learned there. The science work as well as the teaching was the most satisfying work I had done so far. Volunteering with GVI has changed my life. It even made me find my passion for my job again. It is just a matter of finding the right projects. I am now full of energy to work on new ideas that combine working for the rainforest as well as sustainable building and community development. A year ago I would not have thought it is possible to be so content with my life. Thank you GVI. I can just recommend it to anyone who wants to be happy and is on the look for a meaningful life.

Hi everyone, if you are reading this then you are considering a volunteer program and the website you have just logged onto is exactly where I began in 2010. I think that is why my program, my completion all went according to plan because of this very informative, constructive and supportive website. My program was teaching english in a school on the outskirts of Arequipa, Peru called Sachaca. The school being Victor Maldonado although I worked along the road at an Inicial school, 4 years to 6 years - 29 lovely, brown eyed children who were such a joy to work with. The teacher Carmen was totally focussed and will always remain a lovely memory for me having met both her and the children. The most important aspect tho was the great supportive team that are based in Arequipa who made sure we were all safe, happy and totally informed at all times regarding their expectations of us and our safety and enjoyment was at the forefront of our experience. Their hard work on the program just made you want to give your best and as they emphasised during my stay that what you put in is what you will get out of the program. I loved it and now I am home miss the children heaps but no that there is always a volunteer who is right behind you to carry on supporting the children. I have made great friendships and still continue to keep in contact with them and enjoy reading the other programs they have continued onto in other areas of GVI and only wish I wasnt so far away in NZ to be able to hop on a plane tomorrow and spend time on another program - maybe next year. Whoever reads this DO IT. I am 56 years old so ITS NEVER TOO LATE!!

I'd worked in Telecomms for 25 years and wanted a change. I decided to leave work and take a break for a few months and to mark this big change in my life I started looking for a trip that was a bit unusual. It had to meet three criteria! The first was that it was useful to others. Second that it was somewhere interesting and third that it involved something I was interested in. I was already a scuba diver and Seychelles trip fitted the bill perfectly. I had an amazing time. I did a 5 week phase (go for longer if you can!) and it was a great mix of learning, travel (we travelled to different parts of the Seychelles every weekend), socialising, team work and fun. The whole trip was very well organised by GVI and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. The staff in the Seychelles were good fun, knowledgeable and hard working. Both locations (Mahe & Curieuse) are beautiful and you will meet some great people in the other volunteers.

I volunteered on the GVI Costa Rica Sea Turtle program in mid-June of this year (2011). The experience completely blew me away. Everything I saw and did was more than I ever expected. It was amazing to meet people from all over the world and work together with them to study and promote the conservation of sea turtles. We would walk the beach at night looking for nesting sea turtles. If we came across one, we would count the eggs as they were being laid, mark the location of the nest, and measure and tag the turtle. My first night walk, I was able to count the eggs of a nesting Green Sea Turtle. No words can describe how amazing this was. To be so close to such a huge creature in the wild and to see and feel the beginning of a turtle's life was life changing. During my time there I also saw a Hawksbill Turtle, which is very rare. Also I witnessed baby leatherback turtles making their way to sea. They had survived against all odds, when most of their nest had died before reaching the top of the sand. They just needed a little extra help from the GVI team to make it out of the nest. It was so amazing to be a part of this. To actively help and give these turtles another chance. The wildlife I saw, people I met, and memories I made will remain with me forever.

Along with 15 other students and 2 teachers from my college I travelled to South Africa to volunteer at a township school, running a holiday programme for local children. We were split into 3 groups and each group spent 3 days on each part of the holiday programme. The 3 parts of the project were - teaching maths, english, and creativity to children aged 8 - 13, teaching sport to children aged 8 - 13, and teaching maths, english, creativity and physical to children from the local nursery. The whole experience was absolutely amazing, and for me extremely life changing. Memories of the children, with their massive smiles and chants of 'Teacher teacher' will definitely stay with me forever! They were a pleasure to teach, and they love to learn - some even preferred to stay in during their break to learn more maths and english. I couldn't think of a better organisation to have done this trip with. GVI staff were so kind and caring from the moment we landed in Cape Town, to arriving back in the airport for the flight home. They were always around if you wanted to ask questions, or even if you just needed someone to talk to, and I have already recommended the organisation to friends who are wanting to go on programmes like this. If anyone is thinking of volunteering abroad then look on the GVI site for all the programmes available - I'm absolutely sure you won't regret it!

I was extremely impressed with GVI's approach to volunteering. I saw that the staff on our team cared deeply about our project and the children, as well as making sure that we had an excellent time ourselves. The Ecuador project was very well organised, and i was able to be completely informed before I left home. We had an amazing time working with the children in a beautiful location. The Spanish lessons were brilliant, one on one teaching enabled us to get the absolute most out of the hours we had. I would definitely choose GVI as an organisation to go with again!

In June 2011 I decided to go ahead and participate in a GVI project in Kenya and involve the students of St. Stephen's School in Rome, where I currently am a 1st year History teacher, sports coach and service/environmental coordinator. I spent two weeks with GVI in the Tsavo/Taveta region working with communities of former poachers who had put aside their poaching past to follow more sustainable livelihoods and assist the KWS and the WSPA in protecting the incredibly rich biodiversity of the Tsavo National Parks. The experience was truly remarkable, in that it allowed us to partake in everyday life in four different villages of Masai and Kamba people at the foot of the mighty Kilimanjaro. We assisted them in construction and development projects, teaching and learning much from them, as well as getting involved in several fun activities which allowed us to interact on several levels with the welcoming and enthusiastic villagers. The project taught us a lot about sustainable development, the local culture and the importance of preserving communities alongside the surrounding wildlife. The cherry on top of the cake was the remarkable safari in the national parks which provided us with a significant understanding of the richness and importance of the Tsavo ecosystem. I will treasure my fun time with the children of the villages, playing incredible African style football games, the community meals with the villagers, the friendly chats around the campfire and the stunning views of the Kilimanjaro and African sunrises. Thank you GVI!

I had an amazing time in Gordon's Bay, South Africa! I worked two weeks at the nursery and two weeks at the orphanage. The children at both locations are absolutely incredible. I fell in love with them all and will never forget them. The entire experience was nothing like what I had expected, yet is irreplaceable. The coordinators and staff are so wonderful and I met some truly awesome fellow volunteers from all over the world. Working and living with them was so great and I don't think I could have asked for better people to spend my month with. Though we were there to teach the kids, the month was a wonderful learning experience that was invaluable. I can't wait to go back!

I decided to volunteer with GVI at this particular project because I have always loved working with children. I had never volunteered abroad before, and going by myself was kind of daunting, but I settled in pretty quickly. I met lots of fantastic people: other volunteers from around the world, coordinators and senior staff who supported me all the way, and the project partners who were so inspiring in their generosity and their passion for the kids they take care of. I really liked the fact that GVI organizes side trips to different places around Cape Town. I would never have gone around by myself, and I am so glad that I was able to visit the penguins at Boulder's Beach, the Langa township, a safari, Table Mountain, Cape Point and more! It just rounded out the experience because I was also able to do some tourist-y stuff on the side. The eight weeks I spent in Fish Hoek, South Africa just flew by! But what can I say, time flies by when you're having fun. This experience in educare has been life-changing and I am truly grateful for this amazing opportunity to work with children in the Westlake community and in Masiphumelele. The kids I worked with were all so precious and each one has a special place in my heart. After these two months, I feel so much more appreciative of what I have. I can't wait to go back or do another project with GVI!

I have never learned so much about nature (and consequently, about myself) in such a short period of time. When I look back on my time volunteering, my head hurts from being so full of colourful memories! Every day was filled with hard work, fresh and delicious food, and more animals, plants and bugs than I can count. I remember our first nature walk through the jungle and gaping at every oddity. But the nature was not the only mind-blowing thing. The volunteers and staff that I got to work and celebrate with were as vibrant as the Amazon. Teaching english to the local children was very rewarding and I felt like we had time to connect with the local communities as we shared the space of the Yachana reserve. I would love to do another GVI project and I recommend it to anyone who likes to learn, explore, and have fun with beautiful people!

In April 2011 I went to Tortuguero National Park to take part on a wildlife expedition with GVI. The base was incredible; set on the edge of the rainforest, miles of private beach to enjoy in between surveys and great food. The mammals, reptiles, amphibians and reptiles we saw were fantastic; snakes, toucans, parrots, sea turtles and jaguars. Yes I saw four jaguars. Not just fleeting glances, but full on clear views with time to take pictures. We worked surveying leatherback and green turtles in the night, birds on the canals in the mornings and mammals and reptiles in the afternoons so there was a good variety of work. The program was well organised, with knowledgeable passionate staff. Survey and free time was well balanced with plenty of hammocks for volunteers to relax in the heat of the day. If I really do have to pick one negative, then it would be the thin mattresses on the beds, as I hadn't necessarily expected a bed at all this really is stretching!

I lived one of my dreams and came out the other side a much better person. I met the most amazing people and found a second family away from home. I held hands with some of the most beautiful little children in the world, saw their incredible smiles every day and became friends with their massive personalities. I woke up each morning awaiting the sound of their giggles and excited about the day ahead. I learnt more about myself than even I knew and had the privilege to be a part of a culture that I never anticipated existing, full of the most grateful people I have ever met. I experienced more in these four weeks than I probably will in years and years of my life and I had the most fun ever possible at the same time. I only have GVI to thank for all of this, for giving me the safest, best time of my entire life, providing me with a heart full of memories that will stay with me forever, a million special moments, the passion to make a difference and for giving me that focus that there is forever something to smile about. Always do what you think you can't, because nothing is impossible.

I had such an amazing time in India and most definitely want to come back and continue exploring and creating adventures in this country. The program was great however, with anything there is still room for growth which i would love to take part in and be a part of.

My experience with GVI Thailand was wonderful. The application process and support before the program started was simple and easy and there was always someone available to answer my questions. I got help and suggestions for travel planning and flights from them as well as support on how to change money. Once I arrived in Thailand I was greeted personally by the regional director and she helped hook me up with a cab to the hotel. The staff, in addition to being good at their jobs, were simply fun people to hang out with. It's clear that the program is well established and respected within the community. It felt good to be part of a program like that and was an unforgettable travel experience.

In January 2011 I decided to take 3 months off from my current job to volunteer with GVI in Kenya on their south coast project. I had been planning on volunteering with GVI since I graduated from University in 2008 and finally got around to doing it. It was the most unforgettable experience of my life and I would strongly recommend volunteering with GVI for anyone who is looking to, not just travel somewhere new but actually become part of a community. I met some amazing people from all over the world and learnt so much about myself in the 10 weeks I spent with GVI. Teaching English and being involved in community projects in Shimoni was so rewarding, it was amazing to see how eager to learn the kids were and how well they responded to our help. One of my highlights of the community work in Shimoni was taking adult English classes and seeing how improving their spoken and written English was impacting on their lives. The most memorable week of my expedition was my week at Satellite camp at Kasani-Lapolisi, where we were involved in teaching ex-poachers in the community about alternative livelihoods. Sleeping on the floor of a hut with no roof, no showers or running water for week with a view of Mount Kilimanjaro was tough at times but so rewarding. The weeks spent looking for bottlenose dolphins and snorkelling in the marine park were never dull, and there was always something to keep us entertained. The last three weeks of my expedition were spent surveying Colobus monkeys and hornbills in the Shimoni forest and seeing monkeys in the wild everyday never gets boring even if it is the Baboons coming to steal your fruit and veg! To anyone looking for adventure and something different I would encourage you to apply for a GVI project.

Volunteering with GVI was a remarkable and unique experience. There were challenges but the rewards were worthwhile. I participated in the Summer School project which I am really happy about. It allowed me to enjoy my time in India and teach. Our project site was amazing. The house was great and clean and Ridhi, the coordinator, was always seeking advice and new ways to improve it! We were in a great location and took advantage of the site seeing and weekend trips. Overall, the fellow volunteers were great and seeking similar experiences. My time abroad helped me to become more confident and learn a lot about my strengths and capabilities.

In February of 2011 I left my house with a friend to go teach English. I was taking a break from university. I had taught a little bit of music to children before but I had never taught English, so I was very nervous. I first went to Thailand to get my TEFL certificate. I spent a month there learning more than I could ever hope to teach. Getting to spend quality time with both the Thai people and other volunteers from other countries. I completed the program and with a heavy heart left for India, where I was to spend another month. The heat, color, and people took my totally by surprise. I spent quality time with some the most intriguing and brilliant students I have ever met. In India I experienced my first real culture shock. I wasn't ready and did not like the amount of people and confusion that seemed to be present in most parts of Indian society. A little stressed but still miserable to leave friends and students I left for Nepal. The month spent in Nepal was absolutely amazing. I spent most of the entire month in a quite village that rarely sees westerners with only my traveling partner and the local people to keep me company. It was the fastest month I had ever seen go by. The land, food, and people were enough to make me wish that I did not ever need to go home. But it was time. After returning home I experienced a real and horrible culture shock. I knew within 10 minutes of being in JFK airport in NY that I would return as soon as I had enough money to get out of the United States once again. I was told about the ambassador program and went crazy with joy. I can't wait to be out in the world again.

Hello! I would recommend this program for all ages! Learning about the elephants and their Karen caregivers community is an incredible opportunity. The volunteers work right along with members of the remote community. GVI programs are very thorough and participants know what to expect. The community benefits from the sustainable project. There is a mutual respect of all persons and it is loads of fun!

In March 2010, I had the privilege of volunteering with GVI in South Africa. I split my time between two programs. The first half of my visit consisted of working with the beautiful, fun children living at Mama Lumka's orphanage. We planned lessons for them, helped during feeding time, and played! The second half of my trip was spent teaching English and math at a township school. My time on the projects was wonderful! The country of South Africa is absolutely beautiful and GVI staff was knowledgeable and supportive. I would highly recommend GVI for anyone thinking about volunteering abroad. I have volunteered overseas twice and noticed a big difference between the first agency I went with and GVI. GVI was organized, easy to get a hold of, and truly involved in the communities they serve.

Travelling to Guatemala with Global Vision International was an eye-opening cultural experience made easy and fun. Everything from transportation to housing was organized before our arrival. Working in the homes of the Mayan community at such a close range gave an insight into their world that simply travelling could not have achieved. The amount of positive impact we were able to make within a mere week was extremely fulfilling for the volunteers and the recipients of the stoves alike. I recommend GVI highly.

2010 was a big year of change for me, and the year that I decided to stop talking about doing things and actually do them! I had always wanted to go to Central or South America and so the project in Esteli sounded perfect for me. What can I say? There was absolutely nothing bad about this trip! From the minute Aaron the project leader met me at the airport, to the day he put me back on the bus to return to Managua to fly home I loved every minute! Esteli is a fantastic place, warm, fun, friendly, relaxed and slightly crazy at the same time! The locals are great and I made some good friends that I am still in touch with. My host family was brilliant, really welcoming, - I felt 100% at home straight away and don't even get me started on my host-mum's cooking, - I think I came back a good stone heavier!!! All the other vounteers that I met there were great, the group worked really well together and all got excellently! In regards to living conditions I was expecting to live in a hut or something, - but the homes were pretty plush - my host family had a better 3 piece suite than mine at home! (Haha!) All the host families had lovely houses, - more basic than at home but really comfy with all the mod cons you would need (not that I did!) just prepare for cold showers! Also if you're planning on going in the first half of 2011 then be prepared for Chiriza, - the school currently only has a roof, - at Chiriza you struggle to keep the kids in the school...but on the flipside at the more situated and complete La Thompson, you can't keep the kids out of the school! I think what really made the trip though was the children. I have never met a more crazy bunch of kids in my life! They were loud, excitable, and never kept still....but were so talented, loving and intelligent. The best bit was really feeling like you were making a difference in a child's life, - seeing how proud they were when they got something right, or suddenly understood was a brilliant feeling, - some children really needed that one-on-one attention and what GVI are doing allows them to get that, - something that they probably wouldn't get in the public schools. I think if you look at the pictures on the website that the volunteers have put up it speaks volumes, - cheeky smiling faces are what you see every day and all you'll want to do is take constant pictures, - and you'll get sick to the teeth of hearing a constant "¡profe enseñe, enseñe!" ("Teacher show me, show me!") as soon as you do! Don't get me wrong, it was really tiring and hard work but so rewarding and I just fell in love with the kids, - it was very hard to leave! Actually to tell you the truth I have already started planning my trip back in May 2011, to volunteer some more and do a sponsored volcano hike too to raise money! I would most definately recommend a trip to Esteli, - it's the best thing I've ever done and everyone there works so hard and makes such a difference, - it will really change your life for the better.

After finishing university I wanted to do a bit of travelling in Africa and when I came across the GVI website, the idea of volunteering and travelling was very appealing. I decided to go on a Kenyan construction project in Tsavo West. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It was a life-changing experience and I loved every minute of it. Working with the locals everyday and learning about the culture was an experience in itself, but seeing how welcoming the community were and how much they appreciated what we were doing was awesome. The relaxed lifestyle almost made you forget that you were just visiting and camping in the shadow of Kilimanjaro, watching the sunset behind it was just breath-taking. Visiting the crater at lake Chala and travelling through the national park shows just how beautiful the country is. And of course, the other volunteers and the GVI staff were incredible. I can't wait to go back!

I had the time of my life on this expedition with GVI! The staff were so friendly, I've made friends for life with other volunteers and the conservation experience was simply incredible. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity abroad to do in my summer before going to university, and the GVI site was organised and told me everything I needed to know about what the trip would involve. The staff at the British office were very helpful too, answering any questions I had by email or on the phone. We stayed on a game reserve with an abundance of African wildlife and carried out research and conservation in the area. This involved research on the behaviour of the predators and large mammals, prey identification and counts, and repairs and conservation on the reserve during morning and afternoon drives through the bush. The accommodation was simple but sufficient, and really made me realise how little I really need to get so much out of life. The staff explained why the research we were doing was important and what end goals it helps to achieve, and with that why the volunteers are to vital in the whole process. This gave a brilliant sense of purpose to every outing and motivated the volunteers to work hard and enjoy every minute. I learned so much about the wildlife there including how to identify different species, how to use radio tracking equipment and behaviour and features of the focus animals. The staff were very knowledgeable and would tell us extra facts on the drives on top of what we learned in the training week. Saturdays were our day off, which gave us a chance to explore the local area including visiting Kruger National Park, local towns to soak up a little more culture and the surrounding mountains and canyons to take in the beautiful landscapes. They are also involved with local schools, taking a day out each week to teach children in poor areas and giving them their own safari experience on the reserve. The kids loved this, and many of them had never seen some of the incredible animals that they share their country with so got very excited! I would recommend GVI to anyone with passion looking for a rewarding experience and the opportunity to improve the world. I intend to go on many more programmes with them in the future myself!

I found GVI by accident whilst looking at volunteering programmes abroad, I instantly fell in love with the programme and everything about it. I've met some people that I hope I'll stay in contact with for a long time and have already met up with some of them. Even though I was only there for two weeks, it has changed my life and I honestly enjoyed the whole experience. I am already looking into going away next summer somewhere else with GVI but for alot longer this time!

In November 2010 I traveled to Thailand to take part in the Elephant Program. I was astounded at the treatment of Elephants in Thailand, and became increasingly grateful I chose this project to participate in. I was extremely impressed with the organization and detail in the project. Dr. Pak and the GVI team in Heuy Pak Kood are extremely dedicated and helpful. I loved all of my 2 weeks in the village. I loved the other volunteers and staff, the village people, the villager's way of life, the activities that the staff had prepared for us... and most of all, THE ELEPHANTS! The up-close encounter with these beautiful animals was one that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Due to my wonderful experience within this GVI program, I endeavor to continue helping the Asian Elephants in any way I can and look forward to any other GVI program I chose to participate in, in the future. I HIGHLY recommend this program as the potential of the project is overwhelming and the experience (in my opinion) is one in a million! GO VISIT THE PROJECT IN THAILAND!

My 17 year old daughter and I went with a small group of others from Canada to Guatemala. We worked on a short term Community Construction Project (PR111) which involved building environmentally friendly stoves up in the mountains in a pretty remote, but very beautiful, area in the Lake Atitlan area. We enjoyed a home stay with a local family and GVI looked after all the transportation, a few excursions and made sure we were well looked after. It was a great experience and and would totally recommend it to anyone looking to volunteer abroad or just experience a different culture in a real and meaningful way.

I knew that I wanted to travel somewhere in Africa and do something worthwhile at the same time. I came across GVI as a part of my general search but found that the programme was perfect for me and was less expensive than some other organisations I had looked at. The whole trip was so well organised and I felt safe throughout my time in Cape Town with all of the co-ordinators and other volunteers. We learnt alot about the culture whilst being there and no one was ever too busy to answer any questions we had. I enjoyed my trip so much that I am already planning another one for next year.

The GVI expedition that I participated in was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I would have to say that Mombasa, Kenya is by far one of the most culturally rich and diverse communities I have ever come across. The locals in Mombasa are the most welcoming and friendly people I have ever met, no matter where you were located there was someone with a smile on their face, embracing 'Mzungu's' which is their word for foreign white people. The locals interpretation of whom we are as tourists, yet alone volunteers is phenomenal. When people find out that you are in Kenya volunteering, regardless of construction projects, teaching projects, sustainability projects or conservation projects they are more than grateful for the support and aid we provide that practically everyone smothers you with acceptance. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you are so accepted and appreciated by all around you. The actual project itself was spectacular and inspiring. The two schools that are provided assistance from GVI which are Precious Vision Centre and Olive's Rehabilitation Centre along with the Jambo Jipya orphanage offer volunteers to experience time with the most amazing children the community has to offer. The schools are quaint and need some work, but GVI is in total control of these projects with the help from the GVI Charitable Trust and support from all volunteers. The children at these schools are some of the most intelligent, gifted and creative kids you will ever meet. The amount of knowledge that they know about their Kenyan surroundings, and the amount they wish to know about the rest of the world is refreshing and inspiring, which enlightens you to teach and do so in a manageable fashion. Not only will you experience teaching these children curriculum needed to proceed in their academic career, but also they will teach you extremely useful information to become a part of the Kenyan society. My time spent with the children at these schools produced the majority of my fondest memories that Kenya offered, the children really are impeccable students. My other fondest memories came from being a part of GVI itself and living in a house full of other volunteers with the same incentives. The bonds you create with your house mates and the activities you participate in together are memories that will put a smile on your face for the long run. Everyone in the house including all volunteers, interns, and staff members are there to support you and be of assistance to you when needed. The entire project in a whole was unforgettable and I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in teaching; you will be grateful for every moment you are with GVI!

I had wanted to travel to South Africa and do some Voluntary work there for some time. Whilst searching for opportunities I came across GVI and found that there programs in South Africa were exactly what I wanted. There time scales fit me really well as I wanted to volunteer for just three months, and unlike other similar organizations I had seen they wern't overly expensive. My time in Gordon's Bay was just amazing, I have never met so many amazing loving people! Everyone was just so welcoming, and working on the project was some of the best fun I have had in a long time! IN other GVI volunteers I met out there, I have found some life long friends and it is an experience I don't think I will ever forget.

My trip with GVI was truly magical. I left my two weeks in South Africa a happier, more confident and inspired individual than I was when I arrived. It was the best risk I have ever taken in life. I laughed so hard I cried at the silly games we played at the orphanage and at charades with the fellow GVI staff at our weekly social night. It was quite simply the best chapter of my life so far. It was my first time in Africa and I can definitely say it won't be the last. The place was stunning, the scenery was awesome and the people's spirit was infectious. To anyone who is thinking about taking the leap into a project with GVI I would strongly encourage you to do it. It will be one of the best things you do and it will give you some of the best memories. The staff were all really lovely and very welcoming within no time you will feel like part of the team. I would love to wish anyone who is about to embark on a GVI project luck and good wishes you won't regret it : )!

I think that I am in a unique position to comment on GVI, having just returned from 10 months of traveling and doing 3 GVI projects in a row. My aim was to take some time to see the world, immerse myself in cultures and to try and give something back to the world. My first project was 'Teach English to Buddhist Novice Monks and Local Communities in Laos'. The support here from both the GVI staff and the other volunteers was amazing. Living in a guest house with our own rooms gave the best of both worlds in that we were able to spend as little or as much time together as we each wanted. I went into the project with no teaching experience but by the end I was taking smaller groups of novices for lessons on my own. To have a young novice monk grab my arm and say 'You are a very good teacher' was as rewarding as anything I have ever done. For anyone wondering how your contribution is spent on these projects the blog for the Laos project at http://gvilaos.blogspot.com/ lists some of the things that they have been able to do. My second project was 'Teaching and community work in Nepal' and it was a completely different situation to Laos. Here I was on my own in a small village and looked after kids in an orphanage. Support was from the manager of the hotel where I was staying and eating and he was able to quickly and easily supply me with anything I needed. Working with children was completely new to me as well but it was hard not to fall for them and to be able to live the life of a local with such enthusiastic guides gave me a view of Nepal that couldn't be matched by any standard trek. The third project was 'Wildlife Research Expedition in South Africa' and here the emphasis was on animals rather than people. Early starts, long days and mind blowing close up wildlife encounters were the norm. Living was in communal style and it was a bit of an adjustment after being so independent in Nepal to have to fit in with a group again. As in most communal situations the cooking and cleaning was a group effort with some meal noticeably superior to others. :-) The emphasis here was learning about the local environment, fauna and flora and regular lectures gave us a deeper understanding of what we were seeing along with the practical lessons in maps, telemetry and reptile handling etc. Many of the other volunteers had biology backgrounds or an interest in going into the field but I feel, even though I was only there for the 'experience', that I came away with a far greater understanding and appreciation of the work being done than I thought I would. In the end I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of the projects that I did or GVI as an organisation. I had great communication and assistance throughout and have seen firsthand what they are managing to achieve in the field. Ask questions. Volunteering may not be for everyone and it is important to be aware of the field conditions before you go but I can say from the unique position of having done 3 of them that a GVI project will change your life in ways that you can't even guess now. I also want to let everyone know that I have created an Unofficial GVI Volunteers forum at www.gviforum.com . When I was first trying to find out info about GVI and its projects I found facebook was not a real good way to create a long term discussion. It's too easy for responses to get lost in the crowd if you're looking for questions that have probably already been asked. I always thought that they should have had a proper discussion forum set up. I ended up doing 3 projects in a row with GVI and kept asking other volunteers what they thought of my idea. They all said that it would have been handy when they were looking for information so, now that I'm home, I've set it up. It is unofficial though, so all posts are the opinions of the person making them. I don't work for GVI, I am just an ex volunteer who saw a need for a place where questions could be asked by those wanting to know and answers given by those who have actually been there. The GVI site will always give you the official details regarding a project but the forum is where you can go to find out the really important stuff, where's the best coffee in town, is there wifi, should I bring my own shampoo or can I get it there. Like I said, this just an ex volunteer doing something so there will never be any advertising and I'm getting nothing out of this apart from the idea that I may encourage others to volunteer like I did. So please check it out, sign up and participate. I only put it online today and it's looking a little bare at the moment.

The GVI expedition was truely an experience of a lifetime, and one of the best decisions I ever made! I learned more about myself in those 5 weeks than I had in years. I was able to test and discover my limits. I learned skills that are not only valuable in the field, but in all aspects of life. Dealing with strangers, living in such close quarters with the same people for so long, compromise, responsibility, all things I thought I knew but only truely learned on this trip. I was able to discover the Patagonian wildlife beyond the borders I would have had if I had travelled alone. The Expedition opened my eyes to new horizons, new adventures, new ways of living. It really changed me, for the better. I will take all of this with me, and hopefully others will too.

The time I spent on the projects from Guatemala to Peru was absolutely amazing! Helping the children and working in the communities was a different experience everyday and always in a good way. Seeing the progress the children make with their school work or with the english they have learned from YOU, makes the hard work always worth it. You know you made the right choice when you are standing on the hills of Hauyrapungo Ecaudor and a cloud slips into your classroom as the children are learning their multiplication time tables! Or arriving in Itzapa Guatemala and seeing the very long que of childrn waiting with anticipation for a LONG day of lessons......I never remember queuing for school! Each child and family will touch your life with their warming welcomes and their funny little personalities. I have to many stories about too many children I wouldnt know where start but I will always remember them. I would truly recommend GVI to anyone interested in enriching their lives through volunteering, and I would definately look forward to returning to Central or South America to work with GVI again.

After working on the construction project for almost two weeks, a few of us went on safari for several days and had the opportunity to see exactly why our contribution was so important. Kenya is a country that recognizes the value of its natural resources and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) works very hard to promote education and training on protecting and preserving wildlife. Kenya Wildlife Service recognizes that Kenya's tourist industry would rapidly decline if there were no more animals to see on safaris. The Kenyan tourist industry makes a significant contribution to Kenya's GDP and the economic status of the country. I thought a lot about the contribution Kenya's wildlife makes to the development of the country when we drove for days looking for the 'Big 5' animals. Our safari guide said the animals use to be everywhere just 10 years earlier and they have become fewer and fewer. But we already knew this from the project when had just worked on. But you don't really get it until you see it. On safari we 'got it'. There was a sense of how fragile it all was, nature hanging in a balance. To understand this: Approx 2000 lions are left in the whole of Kenya. Every time one lion is killed for ANY reason it costs the economy/people of Kenya 1 million US dollars per year in tourist revenue! That's just 1 lion! Consider if you dare ALL the animals that go missing. For some reason the story Sara (a staff member at GVI) told us about 200 dik diks being poached by one man each year sticks in my mind. As I drove around in the safari truck standing up in the back looking at the endless beauty of the Amboseli and Tsavo horizons for 4 days I got it! I understood the urgency and determination of the project we just helped complete on so many levels; the villager's basic survival and the ability for its families to thrive just like anyone else who wants a good education for their children, clean water and security in their lives. GVI and all of us who participate in any of the programs are helping to give alternatives to very good and deserving people; to raise awareness and bring viable concrete solutions by the commitment of a lot good folks. We worked hard but I'm telling you the people in the Kidong community worked dawn to dusk in a way that I will remember the rest of my life. Profound thanks to GVI's Sara, Gibby, Joseph, Emmanuel, Miriam, and Matilda for the time of my life & which is & just beginning. Chris Hartridge

It may have been well over a year since my GVI expedition in Kenya, but I honestly think about the time I spent there every single day... I had the most amazing experience in Kenya and gained so very much; new friends and contacts, amazing work experience, increased confidence in my abilities and myself, a greater understanding of culture and religion, the opportunity to sample new foods, and time spent in glorious locations with fantastic company! The people, both GVI staff and locals, were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend a GVI expedition to anyone interested in expanding their horizons, who has a passion for wildlife conservation or community development work.

Spending time on the GVI Patagonia expedition has truly changed my life. 18 months ago I was working as a Project Manager for a software firm. A good job, yes, and in many people's eyes I had done well. But....there was always a nagging feeling inside of me that it wasn't quite right for me. It paid well and I was succesful, but my passion had always been for the outdoors and for sport, and I was keen to see if it might be possible to combine my passions with a career. I had heard about the Patagonia expedition through a friend that worked for GVI. Initially, I thought that it would all be too hard - the cold; weeks of camping outside. But Patagonia looked so beautiful, so remote and so far away from what I was doing at the time. So eventually I signed up. And I haven't looked back since. My first 10 weeks on the project were as a volunteer. My fellow volunteers were great and I don't know that I have laughed and smiled as much in my life as I did in those 10 weeks. Yes it was cold at times; yes we were living a basic lifestyle, but we were all in it together. On top of that we were in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The scenery is incredible. From the dry and arrid esteppe to the Auracauria Forests; all of it was incredible. Much of our work involved monitoring condors and the other raptors in the area. One of my favourite memories is of hiking up high to sit in a cave watching Condors fly in to to roost for the night. They have a wing span of up to 3meters, so when one flies above you, it is hard to be unimpressed. Other projects involved monitoring the Cachana (South American Parakeet); tracking Wild Boar and Red Deer; collecting data on wild fungus and studying the Araucaria tree (I never thought that I could become obsessed with a tree, but it's fascinating). After 10 weeks of expedition life I was hooked. So I successfully applied to do another expedition as an intern, and then I did one more in the winter as a fully fledged member of staff. I have been home for 4 months now and I think of Patagonia every day. I miss it a lot, but I remain incredibly grateful for the wonderful experiences that I had and the opportunities that it has opened up to me. Since returning I have started my Mountain Leader Training; I volunteer with my local Duke of Edinburgh scheme; and I have work as a freelance expedition leader. I left my job hoping that there was more to life than the normal 9-5, and I have discovered that there is. I'm not as financially well off as I used to be; but I have a whole heap of experiences, which mean so much more to me.

I had an amazing time learning to dive and monitor coral reefs in Mexico thanks to all the great volunteers and the GVI staff, in addition to the beautiful location. Everyone was really nice and the program was well organized. We worked hard during the week and had time off on weekends to explore the area around us. The staff made sure safety was a top priority. It was an experience of a lifetime!

I decided to volunteer in Guatemala with GVI after graduating high school and beginning college. The decision to volunteer in another country was the most influential choice in my life. I was unsure of which trip would fit me best but the team at GVI guided me in towards making the right choice and they were right. I think back to my experience everyday, especially my students. Just a hug from my students at the end of the day meant the world to me and made them feel loved back. It amazes me how happy the kids are when I think about what their reality is like outside of school. The gifts I received from my students are the best gifts I have ever gotten and I would not have been able to appreciate them if I hadnt left high school early. The things I took with me from my experience will never get old and nothing will be able to compare to them. My students are my inspiration to achieve anything in life. I can achieve any obstacle that comes my way with the thought and imprint my students left on me.

My first trip with GVI was very well organized and fun. I only had a week to spare, but I was able to get involved right away in the classroom because of the structure that was already in place before I went. All of my questions were answered before I left, so there were great resources available to me before I went, and I ask a lot of questions. I was so pleased with my trip that I decided to book another - I'll be going to Italy in May to do dolphin and whale conservation. I've really enjoyed my experience with GVI and would recommend it to anyone who has an adventurous side. Just be open minded and you will experience a great culture and learn a lot!

Would I recommend Global Vision International to someone who has interest in travelling and volunteering abroad? Without the slightest degree of a second thought. Based on conversations with prospective volunteers I have had, they all sound a common theme. Ex-GVI volunteers seem to be the most excited and willing to talk about their experiences. This is for good reason. I volunteered through the six month combo program in Latin America from November 2008 to May of 2009. I volunteered as a teacher in indigenous communitites in Guatemala, Honduars, Nicaragua, Ecaudor and Peru (we built stoves for a week in Nicaragua). The experience was more than I could have ever hoped for and the children remain so special to me. Here is a quick glimpse of what I experienced and saw during my six months: beautiful children who are hungry to learn and whose ancestors have historically been excluded from bettering themselves, wonderful host families, the opportunity to meet volunteers from all over the world and to meet not only new friends, but new best friends, the opportunity to travel and see some of the most amazing sites ever: Machu Pichu, the Colca Canyon, Lake Atitlan, Mayan ruins, Rain Forests, wildlife, etc. Adventure trips to include mountain biking, cliff diving, volcano sumitting, ziplining. Last, the chance to improve my Spanish and to learn the history of remarkable people and to see how different cultures of Latin America are from one another. Not once did I feel my safety was compromised while I was with GVI and I always had my questions answered. GVI employees are filled with a drive and energy unmatched and this flows down from our amazing director, Dom Williams. If you are considering volunteering and making a real difference, give GVI a thought and I would be surprised if you don't enjoy your experience. Good Luck and Salud!

I went on a GVI program because I wanted to travel whilst experiencing another culture and giving something back. I would definately recommend being fit before going as the trek to the turtle beach is physically demanding. Even if you don't know much about turtles, as was the case for me, I still found it very interesting and the locals who trekked to the beach with us were funny and friendly. During the day there is a lot of quiet time but at the beginning you get to coordinate with the group and project leader some activities you'd like to do such as weaving, canoeing, cooking, helping out at the primary school etc. The children are so cute and funny so I'd recommend spending lots of time with them. If you have any specific questions about the program feel free to contact :)