Global Vision International

Global Vision International (GVI) is a private travel organisation that places groups and individuals on volunteer projects around the world. They facilitate volunteering projects, conservation research expeditions, internships and teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) courses.

The company was founded in 1998 by Richard Walton to provide support to the bay islands of Honduras who had suffered during Hurricane Mitch. 300 people applied to volunteer making it a huge success. Since then it has become one of the largest volunteer travel organisations in the world employing over 100 people with offices in the UK, US and Australia.

In 2003 GVI set up its careers abroad service for those wanting travel and to make a career out of helping others. The following year GVI set up the Global Vision International Charitable Trust which works on various conservation and humanitarian initiatives worldwide.

Over 150 critical conservation and humanitarian projects worldwide now rely on Global Vision International (GVI) for volunteers, promotion and direct funding. GVI offers projects that make a GENUINE in-country difference, only working on long-term sustainable projects, set up in conjunction with local organisations. All benefits of the project remain in-country and nationals are trained for free in the skills we teach our volunteers. GVI actively promotes sustainable development through environment research, conservation and education.

Volunteer options include expeditions, projects and courses.

EXPEDITIONS

Fixed durations of 5 and 10 weeks

Expeditions involve intensive training and communal living amongst an expedition team. Volunteers live in some of the most dramatic and remote locations on earth, and gain practical, often biologically-based, field work experience. Extras are always included eg. rafting, snorkelling, canopy tours. Run in conjunction with governments, world agencies and pioneering charities, GVI supplies all science and expedition staff as well as the technical equipment to ensure the validity of these programs well into the future. Former expedition members benefit from a Careers Abroad service. Ten-week expedition members are eligible for an internship, to stay on for a further research phase free of charge.

10 expeditions worldwide:

Marine research in Mexico or the Seychelles - conducting coral reef transects using Scuba – for qualified and non-qualified divers, extra qualifications available.

Wildlife conservation in the Amazonian or Costa Rican rainforests – various surveys including turtle, bird, jaguar, amphibian and reptile. Amazing adventure side-trips.

Research and exploration in the wilds of Patagonia for 6 or 12 weeks - includes Condor surveys and extreme weather training.

Predator research, animal tracking and marine mammal studies in Kenya or South Africa – crucial conservation work tracking big game in South Africa, and also with dolphins and primates in Kenya.

Gain a TEFL or TESOL qualification and teach in Mexico’s stunning Yucatan peninsula, or in the kingdom of Thailand. Further work opportunities and GVI job placement assistance.

PROJECTS

Flexible durations and start dates from 1 week to 2 years. Work with organisations which have been specially selected for their commitment to conservation and humanitarian needs. Accommodation is often with a local family.

Over 50 opportunities including: Teach indigenous children in Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, Ecuador Short-term construction projects including building fuel-efficient stoves Volunteer with children in Africa and India Volunteer with the Jane Goodall institute Work with the Dian Fossey gorilla fund international Work in a primate sanctuary in Africa or Thailand Conservation in the Galapagos Islands.

COURSES

TEFL/TESOL worldwide and in the UK Train as a safari field guide in South Africa Outdoor survival training in the UK and the USA Language courses worldwide Scuba-diving courses.

Quick guide to Global Vision International:

GVI sends over 2,000 volunteers away every year to aid-reliant projects worldwide.

Volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world.

Qualifying international charities, non profits and governmental agencies are eligible for GVI’s services free of any charge. GVI’s mission is to offer qualifying projects the necessary financial and volunteer assistance required to achieve their goals in conservation and community development. The project’s research rights and successes remain with the organisations supported.

GVI staff members are of the highest calibre, from the office personnel to the staff in the field. Expedition staff are fully trained as full-time members of the GVI team. GVI does not use the services of contract personnel, short term workers or part time leaders on expeditions.

GVI’s UK office personnel visit expeditions and projects regularly to ensure that safety protocols are maintained, goals are kept in focus, volunteers are enjoying their experiences, and to develop new, exciting and fulfilling volunteer opportunities. By visiting the expeditions and projects personally the office staff can provide the most accurate information possible to potential volunteers.

GVI is one of the most well respected and prominent international volunteering organisations in the UK, USA and Australia. GVI volunteering opportunities have been featured in various international newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, Geographical magazine, BBC Wildlife magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Mail, Virgin Blue Voyeur Magazine and various international television programmes including a six part series on the Sky Travel channel and BBC's Holiday.

GVI has been chosen to work alongside some of the most leading and prominent conservation and community development organisations in the world including, The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Rainforest Concern, The Jane Goodall Institute, South African National Parks and the Mexican National Parks Board amongst many others.

See also

Volunteer Vacation

References

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