GVI

My son's experience with GVI’s Seychelles Marine Conservation Program was deeply disappointing and concerning. I would strongly discourage anyone from considering GVI. After a full month on site, he had not completed a single survey dive — the central focus of the program. The base was severely understaffed, with no dive instructors, inadequate housing, and poor communication. GVI was aware of these issues before his arrival, and yet they allowed a fresh group of participants to arrive anyhow. GVI later admitted to “operational challenges” and “temporary staffing gaps” but refused to issue refunds, offering only credit toward future programs or an extension. However, given our experience, we had serious concerns in GVI's ability to deliver a quality program, even elsewhere, and no longer trusted the organization. We tried to be patient and give them the benefit of the doubt but after 30 days of 60 day program term, their repeated attempts to stall and continued unresponsiveness led us to pull him and hope for an eventual resolution. We submitted multiple formal refund requests and even reached out directly to the CEO. After eventually filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau (U.S.), GVI finally responded, offering a refund and asking us to remove the complaint. They provided a partial refund and promised the balance per their terms, 6 months later. They did provide another partial refund at about 5 months at our request. May 3 was the 6 month mark. Despite a written confirmation on their part that the refund should hit our accounts at the most, a few days after the 3rd, still no refund. The mysterious and anonymous "GVI Feedback Team" responded once this week saying their issuing a ticket with finance to see what the issue is. This company's tendency to shield the names of any responsible individual behind a generic email and their horrific communication with students and families, has led to incredible mistrust and angst. As can be seen in many other reviews, this is a pattern, not an exception. I have reopened the BBB complaint that seemed to finally get their attention and begun to file legal action in UK courts. It has now been 15 days since the promised refund deadline. ~ Rob Vaughn

Run by scammers avoid at all cost. I spoke to one of the course reps for the Seychelles internship who sold to me the perfect experience in order for me to put down a deposit. After I had, I arranged a call with another rep the following week who told me multiple things I had been told were not true and hadn't even heard of some of them. Things including the price of the course, a career guarantee and equipment provided were all mis-sold to me. Naturally, I tried to cancel the course straight away through the 'Escalation Form' (the only means for a refund) which details you will receive a reply within two working days. I submitted this form around 3 weeks ago, no reply, no help from seemingly the only person who works for them when you call the help number. The company is completely disorganised and more concerned with securing deposits from people trying to make a positive change in the world than actually making a difference for young professionals. I would hate to see anyone else go through what I have, please consider other options for your own sake.

The trip was one that was engaging and helped me gain insights into an ecosystem that I had minimal knowledge about. The staff was extremely welcoming and explained everything with great detail. Moreover, the experiences that I gained are ones that I will cherish forever. Overall, it was a great experience thanks to the staff and the support of GVI.