Hosted by GVI

GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteering for Teens

Read 18 reviews

4.56 Rating

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Location

Multiple Locations +7

Spain
- Tenerife
South Africa
- Limpopo
Nepal
- Pokhara
- Pokhara
Greece
Thailand
Mexico
Costa Rica

Length

1 - 4 weeks

Program Categories

Adventure Travel Cultural Immersion Language Immersion Service Learning Teach Abroad Volunteer Abroad

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Program Details

Housing

Dormitory Host Family

Language

English

Age Max

Pricing

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: Nov 02, 2023

Last Reviewed: Mar 30, 2024

Wish List

69 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation, and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you will acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in oceans of Greece, explore the jungles of Costa Rica, or the breathtaking sunset in Nepal, all while contributing to ethical impact, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices, and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

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Program Highlights

Improve your education and employment opportunities with practical skill development in cross-cultural communication, marine and wildlife conservation, and community development.
Have an opportunity to receive the University Award by ASDAN, for participating in a GVI teen program.
Expand your knowledge and experiences of coastal Tennerife, biodiverse Costa Rica, breathtaking Nepal and limestone isleted Thailand.
Contribute to the 17 UN SDGs, and learn about ethical volunteering and impact.
Become more familiar with global issues collectively affecting the environment, community and wildlife while also making friends with like-minded teens from around the world.

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Program Reviews

4.56 Rating

based on 18 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread High School

5 rating 88.89%
4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 11.11%

Growth 4.55
Support 4.5
Fun 4.5
Housing 4.45
Safety 4.5

Good for Under 18, Adventure travelers

Showing 17 - 18 of 18 reviews

Every moment with GVI was amazing. From the first step out at the airport to my very sad departure 9 months later. The staff were extremely welcoming and always there when i needed to ask any questions- and i asked alot. With GVI you have that support all the time while still having that complete freedom of doing what you want also. Besides that, the children and adults in Nepal are the nicest people you will ever meet. Completely welcoming and generous.
Loved it!!!

What would you improve about this program?

Only thing is the housing which is expected in a third world country but even then everyone goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and at home

Response from GVI

Hey Brydie, thanks for your great review! I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us as much as you did. Your hard work and efforts have certainly impacted this project in a meaningful way. Please do keep on spreading your love for GVI. And obviously, we would love to see you back on base soon!

By GVI on July 28, 2021

Read my full story

I was horrified to learn after I arrived in Thailand that 1--my money wasn't going to the community but to the owners of GVI to perpetuate their lavish lifestyles, 2--that their excuse for poor living conditions and bad food, namely that it was for the good of the Earth, was a lie, 3--that we were in very real danger on the other side of the world and GVI would not protect us, and 4--that if anything bad did happen, GVI would cover itself before looking to our welfare. I don't know if all GVI programs are like this, I only know that they have a practice of lying and fraud in Thailand that extends to the owners at the top.

Response from GVI

Hi there,

I am extremely sorry to hear that this was your experience. This feedback has been passed on to our feedback team who will be conducting a full review on the matter.

Amanda - Head of Alumni Services (Global)

By GVI on June 22, 2021

Questions & Answers

Should I be able to speak the language of the country?

It is actually not necessary to speak the language of the country you are going to, all programs will feature guides in English. If you desire to speak the language, there will be lots of opportunities to practice and learn.

By Amy Love on August 27, 2016

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

dancing

Why did you pick this program?

In late 2013 I won a scholarship to volunteer with GVI. I was over the moon to have this opportunity! After looking through all the wonderful options I chose Nepal because it had everything I wanted- a mostly vegetarian, beautiful people and helping those who actually need help!

I love children so getting to work with kids in a variety of ages and backgrounds was also a big plus.

What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?

Lots of research! Make sure who you volunteer with actually has the funds going back into the projects and benefits the kids. Also don't hesitate, once you have decided on a placement just book. You wont regret it!

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Expect the unexpected! In Nepal hardly anything runs to schedule, and noone cares. Its very relaxed and no point in stressing yourself out on things you can't change.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

One time after a busy day at the Daycare Centre we all noticed a local wedding happening over the road. Without any warning the Nepali Teacher we worked with dragged me (alone with all the other volunteers just watching) over to dance with all the wedding guests. After about 30 minutes of dancing and laughing the Bride filled my pockets with wedding treats and sent me on my way home.

The hardest part about volunteering?

Coming home!! After almost 9 months in Nepal my heart just broke thinking about coming back to normal life. Ive been home since June and I still think about Nepal everyday and look back through all of my photos a couple times a day too. Make sure your heart is big enough for all the love you'll receive!!

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Travelling to the UK has to be my favourite trip ever! It was one of the UK's hottest summers in 2018 and I couldn't have been happier to have great weather for my first time abroad.

London is definitely the city to be in and I really enjoyed shopping till I dropped in Oxford street. This trip was definitely everything I imagined it to be and more!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have acquired more knowledge in a short space of time than I have in any other job I've been in. As an intern, I have been given the opportunity to make decisions and bring ideas to the table that I feel may help the company succeed.

I've also learnt to ask for help when needed because the support is reiterated constantly and they make sure that you know that you're not alone.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

The best stories I've heard are of students who have grown as individuals as well as in their different careers. I believe growth is one of the most important aspects of life that we need to go through and to know that our company helps you grow in those different aspects, makes me happy. I also love it when students say that they would love to come back for another program, which just shows the impact our programs have on people's lives.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Definitely our women's empowerment program. We live in a world where gender inequality still exists and I would love to contribute to making women's rights heard as well as empower women to take charge of their lives and know that they can also reach their goals be it personal, educational or, business goals.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

All our programs are beneficial in some way. Whether you're on a virtual program or an in-field program, you are bound to learn something new and gain a new perspective. Our programs provide you with valuable life skills, meaningful relationships, support as well as the opportunity to make an impact while you learn.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Passion, passion and more passion! If a team is passionate about the work they do and produce, it shows on the front end. Everyone at GVI has a passion for seeing the company succeed in many different ways.

One or more of our company's values present themselves within individuals and that also helps with being aligned with the company itself.

Amy Paton

Volunteer Coordinator

About 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...