Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world.
GVI has engaged over 35,000 participants, set up 600 community partnerships, and currently runs hundreds of programs in five continents worldwide, and we’re proud to say that most of our participants describe their experience with us as ‘life changing’.
Our programs are operated by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of our local partners. We welcome participants from all over the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
All our projects are centered around making a positive impact. An experience with GVI is one that creates positive change and inspires students to continue making a difference with a deeper sense of global engagement.
We are driven to provide a sustainable, positive impact, alongside both our local project participants and our global partners. Using the UNSDGs as a framework, each project has long, mid and short-term objectives that are defined with each local partner. By working within these parameters, we ensure we are making the biggest difference possible, for all parties involved.
Our commitment to running high-quality sustainable development and experiential education programs has earned us recognition from numerous organizations such as Panthera, Save The Children, WWF, PADI, and the Seychelles National Parks Authority. The work of our staff and participants is also regularly featured in reputable international and regional publications such as National Geographic, CNN, The Independent, and The Sunday Times.
Come join us in creating a lasting impact for all parties involved, in becoming global citizens, and in having a truly life changing experience!
Tel: +44 (0) 1727 250250
Address : 1 Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park Exeter, Devon, EX1 3QS, UK
I've spent two month in Jalova scientific base in Costa Rica. It is located in Tortuguero National Park, in the middle of the rainforest just next to the Caribbean sea. It's been a wonderful experience, both social and scientifically enriching. I've loved my trip here and it taught me a lot about local species, biodiversity conservation and more specifically about jaguars, especially jaguar behavioring here in TNC, sea turtles and also birds. Everyday, we could learn something new or see species that we've never seen before as, around base, biodiversity is incredible and really unique.
Moreover, life on base was very basic. For example, we took water from a well and at night we were using torches; nevertheless it was such a good experience to live like this and we didn't feel like missing something, just adapting to live in the middle of the jungle without a lot of electricity and mosquitos instead.
People around here are really nice and friendly as well, and most of all very open minded which helps making your trip even better and enriching.
Finally, it was worth the trip to see all these different species of animals such as amphibians, reptiles, mammals, bugs and a lot of birds. I was impressed by the staff's knowledge about that and learned a lot in the field.
Finally, we could enjoy our free time by relaxing on the beach, reading a book, cooking for everybody, gardening, going birding in the coco plantation next to base or even building a new ping pong area at the time I was on base which was a really good experience too.
All volunteers feel involved in the conservation programs on base and all of our activities were important for the data, so I would say that volunteering in Jalova is really worth it.
In January/February 2020, I was fortunate to go on a GVI volunteer program in The Seychelles. It was at their Mahe base doing marine research.
Having no similar previous experience with diving and volunteering on this scale, I was a little nervous regarding the whole affair. However, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. This is thanks to GVI and their staff. The whole time there, I felt safe and appreciated for my efforts. I met some wonderful people from around the world and contributed a positive environmental impact.
I highly recommend GVI and I can’t wait for my next program which will be at their new base in Belize where I’ll be doing some more marine research.
I started my journey with GVI in Limpopo, South Africa as a Wildlife Conservation Intern. To say the experience blew my mind is an understatement. Safety, accountability and meaningful impact is of utmost importance to GVI. They value all volunteers, ensuring they gain experience and enjoyment during the time they spend on the project.
I returned back to Limpopo another two times and have now been to 5 of their bases, including Cape Town, Nepal, Fiji and Greece. Each base is different and unique in it's own way and brings with it beautiful cultural experiences.
From Conservation to Education, Health to Women's Empowerment, there is definitely something for everyone no matter what your age.
Furthermore, GVI has allowed me to successfully change my career from Nursing to Community Development/Engagement. I continue to volunteer in my spare time in animal conservation, using the unique skills I gained whilst in South Africa.
I highly recommend GVI to anyone that has ever thought of volunteering. Not only will you make a meaningful impact, but you will leave with memories of a lifetime and amazing new friends from all around the world.
Last year (in 2020), I was looking for opportunities to learn and have some experience with Wildlife Conservation. I found GVI from a simple Google search and saw that they have virtual opportunities. I immediately signed up for a 4-week long internship and I do not regret. I was positively impressed with how they were able to put a program together in such short notice (due to COVID) and it was amazing. I had to opportunity to learn and work with their Jaguar conservation in Costa Rica, we had meaningful discussions about conservation and sustainability, and even got to work on our resumés and professional skills. I am looking forward to booking an in-site trip with them for next year.
I‘ve been participating in the marine conservation project in Fiji for two months and I enjoyed every single day! The island where the project is located is very small but a real paradise. The dive sites around it are very beautiful as well; during the project you will have plenty of time to see how great they are because there is at least one dive per day for everybody!. I‘m very glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of the GVI community and the great important work they are doing. And I’m especially grateful for all the amazing people I met there and who made my experience a very funny, unique and unforgettable one. Sometimes, it can be a long day on base but the knowing that you are actually making a difference is worth every effort!
I can only recommend this project to everybody who likes to dive (or is interested to learn it as I did) and want’s to save the world (or at least a very beautiful part of it😉)
