Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum age of 18.

This varies from project to project. On most expeditions the minimum stay is four weeks while on most projects the minimum is two weeks. Most expeditions have a maximum of 20 weeks although generally, there is no maximum volunteering period. You can extend your stay on any expedition or project as long as there is availability. This can be arranged through your expedition leader or field coordinator, or through the GVI office. Contact a GVI representative who will advise you of availability and dates.

Expeditions, projects and internships run all year round. Expeditions and internships have set departure and arrival dates while most projects allow you to arrive every two weeks. Please review the general information section of your chosen experience for more information on when you can go.

If you a returning volunteer you may be eligible for a discount on your program cost. Check with your nearest GVI office for details, some exclusions apply.

Yes. We accept many international volunteers every year. GVI field staff are fully trained to guide you through the reservation process and can help advise on any special visa and travel requirements. Although we try to meet with potential volunteers before the start of the expedition you will find the GVI pre-program support package sufficient in providing you with all the information you need.

Expeditions are normally booked up 8-12 months in advance while projects tend to have more availability. Contact us to check availability for any program that interests you!

Yes. Couples and friends are welcome, dependent on availability and the size of the group. Please be aware that we cannot always guarantee private accommodation. So far we have had four weddings resulting from our expeditions!

No experience is required for expeditions. Most projects do not require experience either. Those positions that do require certain skills or experience have these details listed on their respective program pages under Skills Required. Where required we provide full training and supervision. All we ask is for you to keep an open mind and bring passion and enthusiasm.

Yes, a completed application form is required for all expeditions and projects. This is essential for your safety and enjoyment as well as the projects ultimate success. You will receive a call to discuss your eligibility for the program you have applied for from one of our dedicated advisors.

Yes, you can! Many volunteers arrive early to start exploring or join a GVI expedition / project half way through a longer trip round the world. A GVI expedition / project offers volunteers the chance to slowly acclimatize before you head off alone in a new country, as well introducing you to a large group of potential travelling companions. We are happy to assist post project travellers with insurance policy alterations as well as flight arrangements. We can arrange your placement wherever you are in the world!

The minimum age is 18, and there is no maximum. If you are age 15-17, please visit GVI Foundations to learn about programs designed for your age group. We are happy to talk through the ages of those booked on to the expedition, internship or project you are interested in, just give us a call!

GVI is one of the most well respected and prominent international volunteering organisations. Our volunteer opportunities have been featured in various international newspapers and magazines, including The Times, The Independent, The Guardian, the Geographical magazine, BBC Wildlife magazine and various international television programs including a six part series on the Sky Travel channel and a feature on the BBC Holiday program. We work with some of the most prominent organisations in the field including Rainforest Concern, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, and the South African National Parks. Since 1997, we have sent more than 3,000 volunteers away each year for enjoyable and fulfilling experiences. In 2011, we were announced as “Best Volunteering Organisation” at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. You can also meet us and our network of ex-volunteers at any event we attend throughout North America, as well as listen in to webinars hosted by our dedicated field staff.

Costs vary between projects and expeditions and are dependent upon our partners’ requirements, requests and geographical locations. View individual program home pages for specific information on dates, costs and what is included.

You can pay your deposit and balance by bank transfer, debit or credit card. We can accept payment in British Pounds (GBP), US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR) or Australian Dollars (AUD). Please note that if paying by credit card or non-UK debit card, there is an administration fee to cover the costs associated with processing the payment.

This is dependent upon your chosen program. Expeditions, projects and internships include all your food, accommodation, training, project equipment and global support unless stated otherwise (see your specific program page for more detailed information). The only extra money you will need is a small amount for spending money. As a rough estimate we recommend around US$250 a month for spending money on all our programs.

Yes, with prior planning and hard work you can raise all the money for your expedition or project. Get in touch with us for more information on fundraising advice!

We recommend consulting the various flight comparison and airline direct web pages online to get the best possible flight price to your chosen GVI program destination.

Absolutely, this is an essential part of joining an expedition, project or internship. You will not be allowed to join unless you have fully comprehensive insurance. Information on insurance is contained within your field manual which we will send you upon receipt of your application form and deposit.

This depends on your country of origin and the location of your project, expedition or internship. The GVI field manual contains further information on Visa requirements for each specific location.

On most programs you will be met by a GVI representative at the airport if you arrive on specific dates prior to the program start date. Please ask our dedicated advisors to explain the arrival logistics if you have any further questions.

The very best! We pride ourselves on our local knowledge and network of enthusiastic and well informed staff and representatives. On our expeditions and projects you will be working directly alongside full time GVI staff with the experience and skills to make your expedition fun and fulfilling. Our partner projects are chosen for their commitment to the projects and to you as a volunteer. We provide you with regular updates before departure and we are always there at the end of the phone or via email throughout and after your trip.

Accommodation will often, though not always, be more basic than what you would expect on a tourist holiday or guided tour and are often shared with your fellow volunteers. For detailed information on accommodation check the program homepages or contact your nearest office.

The food will be nutritious and healthy throughout your stay. Most locations will serve vegetarian meals, utilizing locally sourced produce.

Most of our locations can provide for special dietary requirements. However, if you have any specific concerns we would encourage you to contact your nearest GVI office to discuss.

Most locations require a moderate level of fitness especially if you want to get the full amount out of your time there. If high levels of fitness are required this is highlighted on the program homepage.

This depends on your chosen program. We always try to allow weekends off to explore surrounding environments and to make trips to other locations however, there are some exceptions to this where the requirements of our project partners dictate otherwise.

The health and safety of all GVI volunteers is paramount. In view of this, GVI has compiled strict systems and procedures, including the presence of long term staff on the ground who work closely with local partners to ensure they are up to date with local developments. We periodically review risk assessments for each location and project, and have emergency actions plans in place for a variety of scenarios, protocols for incident and near miss reporting, and weekly reporting to senior GVI managers to ensure we always up to date with local and regional developments. All our volunteers and staff receive a full orientation, always have permission to decline to participate if they feel unsafe, and have access to a 24-hour emergency support system, including senior experienced staff on standby both in country and regionally in case of incident or concern. GVI programs also all host regular health and safety meetings to review incidents, near misses and concerns, on top of the standard briefings and edit procedures if necessary.

GVI staff and field representatives are fully trained to deal with any type of emergency and all our projects are linked with GVI staff in the UK 24-hours a day. In case of an emergency we would link up with field members to arrange local medical treatment or air evacuation.

All volunteers will need a sign off on any disclosed medical conditions from a qualified GP/Doctor and admission to your chosen program is subject to consideration of all medical conditions so we can ensure the safety of all volunteers. Marine projects may require a diving medical assessment as well. Exclusion from one option for medical reasons does not necessarily prevent participation on all of our programs. Our professional advisors will always be able and happy to help you find the most suitable volunteer experience.

Occasionally field positions do arise for new projects and expeditions as well as within the GVI office network. Please visit GVI Careers Abroad for all current job listings.

Please send a brief description of your requirements and project aims and objectives to info@gviworld.com. A GVI member of staff will then be in touch to discuss your application.