Q: Could you give us a short background on Global Vision International:

A: Global Vision International runs Marine Conservation Expeditions, Wildlife Research Expeditions, Volunteer Projects, Courses and Career Opportunities around the world Global Vision International (GVI) is a UK based organisation which promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by providing support and funding for long term pioneering conservation and community projects in 20 countries worldwide. GVI volunteers fill an essential void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. To date over 2000 volunteers have joined projects, resulting in increased manpower and the direct financial support of over $1,000,000.

Explore - Conserve -Teach – Learn – Research - Protect

Adventurous individuals can join challenging Expeditions as diverse as; Coral Reef conservation in Mexico and the Seychelles, Wildlife Research in the Amazon Rainforest, Costa Rica, Kenya and South Africa, Community Development in Mexico and remote exploration in Patagonia.

Choose from over 20 volunteer projects worldwide such as: working with indigenous children in Guatemala, turtle protection in Panama, environmental education with the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund, teaching in Nepal and Gibbon rehabilitation in Thailand. GVI also offers training courses, TEFL qualifications and Career Development Opportunities at Expedition bases across the world and in National Parks and protected areas throughout Mexico.

Joining a GVI Expedition gives you the opportunity to be part of a team, develop new skills and immerse yourself in the surrounding language, culture and way of life whilst contributing to critical conservation and humanitarian issues. Your experience will give you a deep understanding of the area, habitat and local community that you visit making your visit much more worthwhile than seeing a country as a surface tourist. The skills you develop, experiences you enjoy and even friendships that you make are sometimes even life changing.

No experience is necessary, ages 18 – 65, departures throughout the year from 2 weeks to a year.

“A truly remarkable experience - one that I will not forget. GVI is an excellent organisation that I won't hesitate in recommending”

Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?

A: GVI runs over forty different programs in over twenty different countries, each with a different focus on either community development, teaching, wildlife, conservation, marine research, education and more. GVI is proud of its international partners such as the Jane Goodall Institute, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the South African National Park’s board. GVI’s biggest operation is based in Mexico working in conjunction with ASK, where GVI now runs what is probably the largest Marine Research Expedition in the world. Expedition Members can come to the Expedition and receive dive training and take part in the Marine surveys for the local partners. As well as the Marine Research, due to the success of the Expedition’s involvement in the local Mayan community, GVI now runs a new Expedition focusing on English teaching and community development. So expedition members can learn Spanish and receive an introduction to teaching English as a foreign language, as well as being fully immersed in the Mayan community.

Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?

A: Expedition life starts early, often by cooking breakfast by candle light! But those early mornings are certainly rewarding with glorious sunrises as the team prepares for the daily activities. All Expedition accommodation is basic, but this ranges from formal dormitories to shared tents and jungle cabins. Most Expeditions only have electricity supplied by a generator in the evenings and some do not have access to running water, so you have to go back to the simple life. Bathing in the stream or using bucket showers to get clean and making your own entertainment in the evenings.

Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?

A: Go with an open mind and be prepared to muck in and get involved with everything. You will get much more out of your experience if you throw yourself into it and will find yourself involved with activities which you wouldn’t have dreamt of at home. The same goes for the people that you meet, be prepared to meet people who are all ages and from all walks of life from all over the world.

Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?

A: Getting used to expedition life always take a week or so. It is mentally quite challenging to find yourself in a remote location, in a foreign country away from home comforts and familiar faces. And of course it is physically tiring to get used to some of the Expedition activities.

Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?

A: The fun, adventure, exploration, personal challenges and opportunities for learning and growing, not to mention all those wonderful people that you meet.

Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Global Vision International? How is the money used?

A: Without GVI, many of its project partners and host country charities would be struggling to survive as they are in need of financial assistance and manpower but do not have the skills or the resources to promote themselves within the global marketplace. Through GVI they are able to be seen by the wider world, to be recognized as valuable projects, and be supported by a steady stream of hard working volunteers and financial donations. The amount of money that is given to each organization depends on the project that you are visiting. Depending on the project between 45-100% of your fee paid goes directly to project. The project is free to spend it on their own priorities, these might be research equipment, safety equipment, food and lodging for the volunteers for example. The part of the feed paid that GVI keeps is spent on the running of GVI’s office, staff salaries, insurance, marketing, communications and the GVI website. Here is a quote from one of our partners “We are incredibly appreciative of the support that GVI gives to EHRA and indeed with out this partnership we would be unable to provide support to the local people of Damaraland and protection for the desert elephants.” Rachel Harris, Director EHRA Namibia, June 2005

Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad? (Fundraising, Budgeting, Scholarships etc…)

A: GVI can supply a fundraising pack which gives you information and ideas about how to fundraise, with examples of successful fundraisers achieved by past volunteers.

Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?

A: As part of a structured program, volunteers can make a real difference by not only providing funding for long-term projects but by physically providing man-power in the field.

Q: Why should someone volunteer with Global Vision International?

A: High levels of Safety: Each project is visited regularly by UK staff to make sure that is meeting GVI’s health and safety standards and to assure that the volunteers work is in line with the GVI mission.

Experienced and full-time paid staff

Pioneering Projects and Project Partners

Opportunity to talk to an ex-volunteer before you travel

Support before you travel, airport pick up and transfer, support by UK staff and Project staff in-country, training (where applicable), 24 hr access to emergency phone line.

Q: How can someone get in contact with Globe Aware and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?

A: The GVI website is packed with information about GVI and all of the programs on offer. www.gvi.co.uk You can also call the UK office on +44 (0) 870 608 8898 or email on info@gvi.co.uk GVI also attends shows throughout the UK and hold bi-monthly open days at London Zoo, where you can talk to staff and ex-volunteers, which you are welcome to attend