GVI Anmeldelser 1.073

While preparing for this program I received incredible help from Nikita, she always responded quickly to the many questions I had. The people in Huay Pakkoot were also super helpful and welcoming, I was sick for a couple days and my homestay checked in on me frequently and made me simple meals to ease my stomach. It’s easy to feel like an imposter while staying in someone else’s home, but I always felt well cared for and almost a part of the family.

During my time with GVI in Chiang Mai, there were a multitude of opportunities accessible to me that made my time during the program so worth it.

First of all, I became close with one of the staff members on base and he became a very important mentor to me in my life. Since this experience is something that I want to pursue, it was only natural that I found some to ask advice of.

Secondly, you get to meet likeminded people who become your friend almost instantly. I never knew that I would become friends with people all over the world ever in my life, this experience gave me that opportunity.

Lastly, you get to learn what it is like to do real rewarding work. Never in my life have I been so happy with working as I was in the village looking after elephants almost everyday.

I highly suggest working with GVI.

The Kèköldi indigenous reserve is an amazing place that I felt very lucky to visit. The staff were lovely, very knowledgeable and passionate. I learnt a lot from them and they were very kind and helpful. The other participants were also amazing with so many passionate and skilled people. The vibes on-site were great. However, the programme itself was not what I expected and I think what is advertised online is a bit misleading. I excepted to be conducting fieldwork all day, most days during my stay. This was not true and most of my stay I was dwindling my thumbs wondering what to do. Of course, the weather plays a major role in this and I acknowledge that this is obviously out of anyone’s control but I just think the website should be honest about this. Also, when we signed up to the programme it gave you the option to choose reptile and amphibians, mammals or bird conservation. We chose birds and up until we arrived on base, we had the impression that we would be conducting migratory raptor surveys. This was not true and while I thoroughly enjoyed the general biodiversity surveys that we ended up taking part in, I just think some transparency would have been great so that you know what to expect. What I expected from the experience based on what I signed up for and the information provided was not at all what I got. Again, I learnt a lot, the staff and participants were amazing and the reserve and wildlife was incredible but when people are paying so much money to be there, it would be great if what is advertised matches what is offered.

Hi! I participated in a two-week program in Mexico focused on diving. Although the duration was relatively short and I unfortunately arrived during a period of storms, my diving instructor (Ursula from Scuba Kraken) genuinely cared about my experience and tried really hard to get me as many dives as possible.

On the conservation side, we were educated on local fish species and learned about scientific conservation approaches in the area. We also had the opportunity to contribute to the cultivation of certain crab and reef species at a marine conservation ranch.

However, the overall structure of the program felt quite disorganized at times. The general goals and daily tasks can be unclear sometimes, and it seemed that a lot of pressure was placed on the local partner, Scuba Kraken, and the role and presence of GVI within the program were somewhat ambiguous.

Overall, this program could be a good option if you’re looking for a short, guided getaway or a first glimpse into marine conservation, especially if you don’t mind the cost.

The team where extremely kind and helpful especially when I was trying to decide if I would actually go on my adventure. Once there I was also supported and made some amazing friends while doing some good work.

Loved my time with GVI at the Seychelles, learned a lot about the beautiful marine life! Would definitely recommend, trustworthy!

GVI has amazing programs all over! I enjoyed being able to travel to amazing places but also do good while I was there. I connected with locals and schools on education in Costa Rica and Thailand. I visited community Gardens and soup kitchens in South Africa. I observed and studied marine wildlife in Greece and Spain. I wouldn’t have the chance for connections like these without GVI and World of Difference.

My experience with GVI was truly incredible and something I’ll never forget. From the beginning, the booking process was straightforward and easy, which made everything much less stressful.

What I was most excited about was getting hands-on experience and being able to contribute to something meaningful—and it definitely lived up to that. Working in the field and being surrounded by passionate people made the whole trip even more special.

Maria Ingreso helped me the most throughout my journey. She was always supportive, approachable, and made sure everything ran smoothly, which really made a difference in my overall experience.

I would highly recommend GVI to anyone looking for a meaningful and well-organized experience. It’s not just a trip—it’s something that stays with you long after you leave.

I had a really amazing experience with GVI. I was lucky enough to go on 4 trips with them. The trips I went on were: Under 16’s 2 week trip to Greece (turtle conservation), Under 16’s 2 week trip to Mexico (Open water class), over 18’s divemaster internship in the Seychelles and over 18’s diver master internship in Mexico (there’s a water theme here 😜)

I loved all of the trips I went on and got to learn a lot about myself and of course the beautiful world we get to live in. GVI make it a mission to involve themselves with the communities in which they reside in. This is something that is really important to me as well.

I was also with them for the very beginnings of Covid and they did an excellent job at getting us home in time before a full blown shut down.

I recommend any and all of these trips to those who might be considering them as an option. Thanks again GVI for the amazing experience!

Ive had a wonderful experience with GVI over the years. Ive found the organisation to be ethical and educational, it’s helped me grow as a person. It’s a company I know I can trust and will deliver on their values. I have always had great communication with them and have developed many great relationships from my experiences with them. I recommend GVI to many friends and family who want to do some good whilst gaining valuable experience in beautiful places!

Absolutely loved my time on Karongwe Game Reserve!

Saw a lot of animals, including numerous sightings of lions, elephants, and buffalo!

The highlights of the trip included:

1) spotting a leopard in the wild.

2) a close encounter with a spotted hyena.

3) a close encounter with elephants.

4) four separate lion sightings.

5) the chance to part-take in a cheetah walk-in!

6) community day at a local school teaching the children geology.

Would highly recommend!

WARNING – Please read before considering GVI internships.

I need to share what happened to me because I don’t want anyone else going through this.

After paying a deposit, I had NOT confirmed any dates, duration, or final agreement for going to Thailand. Despite that, £924 was suddenly taken from my account without my clear permission. I never authorised that full payment.

When I contacted them, I was initially reassured that I could get my money back. That turned out to be completely false. They refused to refund me, despite me never attending the internship at all.

In total, they have taken £1019 from me, including the deposit. I never went on the program, never finalised anything, and still lost over a thousand pounds.

This has been ongoing since 24/09/2024, and I STILL have not received my money back.

Please be extremely careful. Do not trust verbal promises, do not assume your money is safe, and do not proceed unless everything is 100% confirmed in writing. Learn from my experience—once the money is gone, getting it back may be impossible.

Protect yourself and think twice before using them.

Update- they have responded to this and said this is in accordance with their terms and conditions but again just to confirm I never agreed to any dates and the timescales for how long I will be going for just proves how much of a scam company they are i will be taking this to the smalls claims court.

Amazing sea turtle conservation experience in the Maldives. Learned so much, met incredible people, and felt genuinely part of meaningful marine protection.

Update: Since GVI replied to this post advising my refund has been processed, I can confirm I did not get any refund and have had no response from the company.

GVI is nothing short of a scam. They are so unethical in that they charge a lot of money for an experience, and when they cannot give you what you paid for, they refuse to give any refund or credit. I paid for a research fellowship which is heavily project focused. In week 7 of my 8 week programme I still hadn’t managed to get the one research coordinator to meet with me to start my project - there were 15 other participants in the same boat. We spent most of the time sitting around the base. I complained and argued with GVI, but months later I still never got to do a project. I could have volunteered for half the price.
It is very unclear where the money goes as the standard of accommodation is so poor (broken doors, nails sticking out, broken chairs, bug-infested broken showers) and most staff are unpaid. I cannot recommend them to anyone.

My time on base was wonderful! I had a great time diving and researching dolphins. The staff was incredibly nice and facilitated a community where everyone felt comfortable and could be themselves. I absolutely loved my experience in Fiji.

I did the Under 18’s course in Tenerife for 2 weeks volunteering with whales and dolphins, it was very out of my comfort level but i knew with this being my passion i had to fulfill, pushing myself to do this was the best decision i ever made and gvi made that happen. All of the staff were amazing and made me feel so comfortable. I learnt so much about things i thought i already everything about. It has pushed me even more to persue my dream of working with these amazing animals. I’m thinking of doing an internship in Fiji next year, and absolutely cannot wait. I loved every single thing about my experience and wouldn’t have chanted anything for the world, not forgetting making friends for life who i still speak to today, after 2 years 🥰 Not only did we learn about Sea animals i learnt about the culture of Tenerife which has again opened my eyes on how fascinating every country is and to always stay respectful.

Such a unique experience, meeting amazing people and being immersed in a different culture. Fairly basic amenities but everything you need really!

I spent 6 weeks in Tenerife at GVI's base three years ago on the Marine Biology Internship, and it was six of the best weeks of my life. Being with an organisation doing conservation, you get a more detailed experience of the environment and learn things the public will never hear, and get a totally different overall experience. Living minutes from the coast meant accessing the sea was easy, and you also get free time to explore the area, eat out, and visit different parts of the island with new-found friends. Food, accommodation and transport is all provided, and we even got a trip up Mount Teide on the island as part of the internship, 3700 metres above sea level!

I have a disability, and GVI were incredibly supportive in finding the best base for me. When they say that they're open to everyone, GVI really is - I've had problems going to places before but this was never an issue here!

This was an amazing experience and I'd recommend it to everyone, everywhere. I've not had the time yet, but next year I plan to do one of GVI's other internships - hopefully in Greece or Thailand!

Amazing participants and staff members

From the beginning gvi has been so helpful! I had no stressors on communication to what we needed to bring to Huay Pakkoot. Since I stepped off the bus from Chiang Mai I always felt like I was welcomed by the community. Even meeting staff at the hotel in Chiang Mai I felt very comfortable and welcomed. Being a new person in any environment is nerve racking but there I felt like I’ve always been apart of the community. There is so much love, support and respect for each other and the environment. From learning about the relationship between elephant and mahout, the biodiversity and for them just the everyday spider was so special. Being able to learn and hear from and about the people in Huay Pakkoot and their relationships with the earth and their elephants was something I will forever cherish and honor. No matter how long you choose to stay I don’t think it will ever be enough.