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Visit GVI's website to learn more about their programs abroad
Overview
Overview
GVI is an award-winning organisation that tackles critical local and global issues by operating education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world. All our programmes are run in in partnership with acclaimed international partners like Save The Children, WWF, The Red Cross, PADI, Project AWARE, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the National Parks of South Africa, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Mexico and Thailand, among others.
Formed in 1998, we have been operating our award-winning programmes for over two decades and over 25,000 participants have volunteered or interned with us. GVI consists of a vibrant group of friendly staff members who regard each other as family and passionately work together towards making a difference in the world.
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Editorial
By Sarah Vandenberg
Director of Partnerships
Sarah has worked in the volunteer travel industry since 2004. She supports all of our partners, and shares stories, trends, and advice for travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.
Global Vision International (GVI) is an award-winning organization offering conservation and community development programs. Founded in 1998, GVI places more than 2,500 travelers on volunteer and intern abroad programs each year.
Sustainable and responsible travel
GVI’s high-impact programs last one-week to six months, with short-term trips designed for younger volunteers and high school students. Longer-term programs are perfect for gap year travelers, students pursuing internships, and even professionals embarking on career breaks.
The programs you can choose from with GIV are designed to address the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which build upon the Millennium Development Goals. These focus on sustainable development in social, environmental, and economic areas within local communities.
Staying connected to communities and travelers
GVI builds long-term partnerships with the communities that they serve, and the NGOs and entities they support. A few of their partners include Coastal Jaguar Conservation, the WWF, and the South African National Parks. Because each partner organization is different, GVI offers different degrees of support and resources, including fundraising and PR in addition to volunteering opportunities.
And through GVI’s alumni program, participants are encouraged to stay in touch with fellow travelers, connect to new friends, and even receive discounts on new adventures! By staying connected, you may also have the chance to live and work abroad with GVI: 60% of their employees are alumni.
Read on to see what travelers have to say about GVI!
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Fiji
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Ben Vaughn
8 May 2026
My experience with GVI’s Seychelles Marine Conservation Program has been deeply disappointing and concerning. I would strongly discourage anyone from considering GVI. After a full month on site, I had...Read more
My experience with GVI’s Seychelles Marine Conservation Program has been deeply disappointing and concerning. I would strongly discourage anyone from considering GVI. After a full month on site, I had not completed a single survey dive — the central focus of the program. The base was severely understaffed, with no dive instructors, inadequate housing, and poor communication. GVI was aware of these issues before my arrival, and yet allowed a fresh group of participants to arrive anyhow. GVI later admitted to “operational challenges” and “temporary staffing gaps” but refused to issue refunds, offering only credit toward future programs or an extension. However, given my experience, I had concerns in GVI's ability to deliver a quality program, even elsewhere, and no longer trusted the organization. I submitted multiple formal refund requests and even reached out directly to CEO Andrew Valentine. I eventually left and moved to another organization that was great, since we had no timeline after 30 days as to when GVI might correct conditions in the Seyschelles. It became obvious that GVI was simply stalling for time. After eventually filing a formal complaint with the Better Business Bureau (U.S.), GVI finally responded, offering a refund and asking us to remove the complaint. They provided a partial refund and promised the balance per their terms, 6 months later. They did provide another partial refund at about 5 months at our request. May 3 was the 6 month mark. Despite a written confirmation on their part that the refund should hit our accounts at the most, a few days after the 3rd, still no refund. The mysterious and anonymous "GVI Feedback Team" responded once this week saying their issuing a ticket with finance to see what the issue is. This company's tendency to shield the names of any responsible individual behind a generic email and their horrific communication with students and families, has led to incredible mistrust and angst. As can be seen in many other reviews, this is a pattern, not an exception. I'll be reopening the BBB complaint ASAP after attempting to resolve everyday this week. ~ Ben Vaughn
Mandy Store
23 Apr 2026
Wouldn't dream of booking another GVI programme. Look at all the 1 star reviews. Just money grabbing. Extremely poor customer service. It's just voluntourism for profit, for GVI. Disappointed. Avoid...Read more
Wouldn't dream of booking another GVI programme. Look at all the 1 star reviews. Just money grabbing. Extremely poor customer service. It's just voluntourism for profit, for GVI. Disappointed. Avoid at all costs.
Jessica Truong
31 May 2025
Unethical company! If you ever need a refund, good luck because they are strapped on cash! I canceled my trip and requested for a refund in September 2024. I was...Read more
Unethical company! If you ever need a refund, good luck because they are strapped on cash! I canceled my trip and requested for a refund in September 2024. I was told I wasn’t entitled to one because I didn’t pay the cancellation waiver fee, which I did. I showed them the receipts and they apologized and let me know that my refund will be sent within 6 months because they need to “maintain a healthy cash flow” and support their staff. Guess what, it’s been over 8 months and I haven’t seen a cent! First of all, are you incompetent or were you lying about me not paying the waiver fee because you didn’t want to pay me? It’s not my problem you need to maintain cash flow. I AM NOT A BANK! Response on this matter has been untimely and communication is lacking. To potential volunteers, please reconsider giving this company any of your money because who knows where it goes. This is company that won’t deliver on its promises.
Ewa Wigenheim
6 Aug 2024
Project cancelled no refund. DO NOT CHOOSE GVI! Project cancelled - no refund issued I bought a volunteer trip to Thailand that was supposed to start on January 6, 2024....Read more
Project cancelled no refund. DO NOT CHOOSE GVI! Project cancelled - no refund issued I bought a volunteer trip to Thailand that was supposed to start on January 6, 2024. A week before departure, GVI canceled the whole project for me. They blamed problems with VISAS, even though I had a visa A reputable company would have immediately refunded the full amount because it was not my fault. Not GVI. Even though I took out cancellation insurance, now 7 months later they haven't paid anything back. Now they have stopped responding to my emails and it is impossible to get hold of people. So GVI has stolen both my experience and my money of GBP 3235.00. Google around and you will see that Global vision international is a scam.