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’.
Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each 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.
So, 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: 01727 250250
Address : 1 Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park Exeter, Devon, EX1 3QS, UK
It was an enjoyable time, I got to help out the community with various volunteering activities and at the same time experience the Thai culture, I will never forget this amazing trip. In addition to the trip, I also met a few inspiring tutors and also fantastic volunteers from all over the world, it’s cool.
I volunteered in the community development program in Silana, Fiji. We worked on different constructional projects, teaching, environmental and community projects. The people of Silana are incredibly welcoming and you will feel like you are leaving Family when you have to go.
Volunteers have their own area and actually have flushing toilets and running water! Only tough part about accommodations is rats are a real problem so you have to be diligent in keeping your bure free of anything flavored (even my chapstick got eaten). We were provided 3 meals a day (mostly vegetarian) and you get a lot of evenings and weekends as free time. Highly recommend!!!
I volunteered on the GVI Chiang Mai program in May this year. It was an incredible experience. I was volunteering to help to reintroduce elephants into the wild by collecting data to prove that elephants health and well being is better in the forest than in the tourist camps. It was tough at times as sometimes the treks were very steep and quite long but always worth it to see the elephants living in their natural habitat.
As well as taking data with the elephants there were opportunities to teach English both at the local school as well as to the villagers which was extremely rewarding. My homestay family were wonderful, made me feel very welcome as well as cooking me delicious meals. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming as well as supportive and I met amazing other volunteers and interns too! Would highly recommend this program!
It was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone. I think especially a long-term stay is impactful. You meet a lot of great people and you will be able to laugh a lot. The students loved the education program and that made it very enjoyable for us volunteers. I would go to Laos with GVI anytime again.
I had a fantastic time in South Africa, coordinating a holiday sports programme at the local primary school and doing construction in a local crèche. It feels great knowing I took part in such an amazing project, and managed to make a difference in the community as well as leaving something permanent behind. My time in Cape Town has taught me so much about myself and has allowed me to take part in activities I never thought I was capable of. I've loved working in the community and making a change, and I've had so much fun along the way. I'd thoroughly recommend GVI Cape Town, and I'd love to go on another GVI programme and help even more!