
GVI
Why choose GVI?
GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local organisations like the National Parks of South Africa, Madaga...
GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local organisations like the National Parks of South Africa, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Mexico and Thailand. We’ve been connecting thousands of change-makers, like you, through an extensive range of nature conservation and social development programs in some of the most vulnerable habitats and communities around the world for over twenty years. Our projects tackle a number of critical global issues from turtle and elephant conservation to citizen scie...
GVI Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Run by scammers and sales people, avoid at all costs
December 03, 2025by: Will Thompson - United KingdomProgram: Marine Conservation & PADI Divemaster Internship SeychellesRun 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.
Great experience thanks to the staff
March 31, 2025by: Maurya VaidyaProgram: Thailand Coastal Conservation ExpeditionThe 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.
Provides lots of great sightings found nowhere else in costa rica
March 31, 2025by: Daniel LakeProgram: Wildlife Expedition in Costa RicaI had a great time at Kekoldi. Its a special place that provides lots of great sightings found nowhere else in Costa Rica The staff are incredibly knowledgable and show constant attention to your wellness and wellbeing. Even a 4 or 6 week stay is plenty as well you'll experience so much in that time.
GVI Programs
Browse programs you might like

In Northern Thailand, support local community members and elephant mahouts to reintegrate these intelligent land animals into expansive forest gr...

Travel to a country known for its equatorial climate and enter a year-round summer in Seychelles. Spend your days diving in the supreme clear wat...

Live on a private reserve in Limpopo, surrounded by wildlife in their natural habitat. Collaborate with GVI staff and other participants to contr...

Volunteers will live and work in a wonderful beach location and travel to indigenous communities to help improve the infrastructure that supports...

Take part in this wildlife conservation expedition and be an active member of GVI's research team in the Costa Rican rainforest. Work on a variet...

Join our international team in the spectacular city of Cape Town and work with children from the local townships while developing teaching experi...
Media Gallery
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Marine Vinais
Participated in 2019
Marine is from France. She is a working girl who loves traveling around when she has vacation time, and making them meaningful experiences through volunteering.

Marine Vinais
Participated in 2019
I was inspired to travel abroad because I love traveling, meeting new people, and discovering new cultures. Plus, February is the perfect month to go to Thailand!

Anna Sabrina Petry
Participated in 2018
When Anna applied for GVI’s marine conservation program, she had just finished her open water diver certificate. She was so happy to have found someth...

Anna Sabrina Petry
Participated in 2018
When I was 10 years old I was fascinated by watching documentaries about other countries. I wanted to become a marine biologist, and after I did my open water diver when I was 15, I knew that I wanted to do diving for the rest of my life. But, Germany is not the right place to do so, that’s why I decided to go to Australia for five months after I finished school.

Richard Walton
Interviewed in 2018
Richard founded GVI in 1997 when he decided that there is a need to make sustainable and educational travel more widely available to people from diffe...

Richard Walton
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
GVI has become a leader in quality volunteer abroad programs. What makes GVI different?
Ready to Learn More?
GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local organisations like the National Parks of South Africa, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Mexico and Thailand. We’ve been connecting thousands of change-makers, like you, through an extensive range of nature conservation and social development programs in some of the most vulnerable habitats and communities around the world for over twenty years. Our projects tackle a number of critical global issues from turtle and elephant conservation to citizen scie...

GVI

GVI
Ready to Learn More?
GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues through our travel-based volunteer, internship, fellowship and apprenticeship programs as well as online courses, and virtual programs. At GVI, we believe that long-lasting impact is locally-led, which is why our programs are run in partnership with local organisations like the National Parks of South Africa, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Mexico and Thailand. We’ve been connecting thousands of change-makers, like you, through an extensive range of nature conservation and social development programs in some of the most vulnerable habitats and communities around the world for over twenty years. Our projects tackle a number of critical global issues from turtle and elephant conservation to citizen scie...
Articles
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions GVI has received






















