Professional
Apprenticeship

A Lung Full of Adventure

PADI Divemaster and Marine Conservation Apprenticeship in Fiji

Enter the world of scuba-diving by acquiring a professional diving qualification while gaining work experience in marine conservation.

GVI Hub: a home-from-home
Durations: 24 weeks

Program information

Your PADI divemaster qualification is one of many skills you will acquire while participating in this program. Participants undergo an extensive training programme and gain in-depth knowledge about the marine ecosystem, which is also put to work in the form of data collection and assisting with research on tropical coral reefs and fish species.

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Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Placements
What's Included
Life On Base
Experiences
New
Free time
Cultural Immersion
Speak to alumni
MEET THE TEAM
Parent Info
Arrivals
Flights
Your Impact
Our Ethics
Program ethics
Qualifications & Training Options
Careers
Support & Safety

Program overview

You will spend a large part of your time on this apprenticeship in the water and as such you need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent before you start the apprenticeship. While participating in the program, you will complete the first professional level in the PADI system while seeing some of the top dive sites in the region. On your work placement you will be placed in a dive centre where you will undertake your Dive Master course, practise leadership scenarios, receive mentorship from your instructors and assist the centre with the day-to-day operations.

The apprenticeship begins with a marine conservation expedition. On successful completion of the expedition, you will proceed to complete your PADI Divemaster course during your 12 week work placement with a local dive centre. This exciting opportunity will provide practical experience in the dive industry as you assist with daily operations. During your expedition phase expect long working days and early mornings. Diving days will begin with preparing the dive boat, followed by a short journey to one of the dive sites. Depending on weather conditions, we aim for everyone to have 1 or 2 dives/snorkels each day, 4 days a week, during which you will conduct underwater surveys after completion of your training. You will also learn identification techniques and how to monitor the marine environment.

Highlights

PADI Divemaster qualification

Gain diving skills while conducting underwater marine conservation surveys in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Explore Fijian coral and culture

Experience Fiji’s colourful coral reef systems and unique local culture.

Kickstart your career

Participate in three months of intensive fieldwork training to ensure you’re ready to launch directly into your conservation career.

Get a job placement

Work for a conservation partner for three months to get real practical experience and build a network of industry contacts.

Fast track experience

Join a targeted career-readiness program that’s based on two decades of experience to grow your leadership and career skills.

Get a career guarantee

Because our apprenticeships are so intensive and comprehensive, you’ll get a guaranteed job offer if you complete all components.

Advance your career

Gain international experience, receive four recognised qualifications and get a LinkedIn reference to boost your CV.

Get the edge

We know what it takes to work in conservation – that’s why our apprenticeships qualify for preferential recruitment when applying for GVI vacancies.

Is this program for me?

This internship is specifically useful for someone who has or is actively studying the below subject areas at school, university or college, or has an interest in these subject areas.

  • Marine science
  • Ecology
  • Population biology
  • Epidemiology
  • Biology
  • Environmental science
  • Zoology
  • Botany
  • Marine biology
  • Ecology and evolution
  • Environment management
  • Marine conservation

Activities

Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.

Fieldwork training

Learn species identification and survey techniques to contribute to marine data collection and Dawasamu’s species inventory.

Lead conservation surveys

Assist with benthic (coral) or fish target species surveys. The data will be used for your individual project or GVI’s ongoing flagship research.

Support community conservation

Deliver lessons on environmental awareness in the local community and participate in community-based work, such as improving water security.

Fast-track training

Get trained in impact & ethics, project management, effective communication, leading teams, safety, participant management & self-leadership.

Leadership responsibilities

Take on additional responsibilities such as entering data, writing reports and summaries, and updating species lists and fieldwork checklists.

Personal project

Work on an individual project that aligns with your current project work and personal interests.

Mentorship

Meet weekly in a small group with other interns and an experienced mentor to receive project guidance and feedback on your leadership style.

Work placement

Complete a work placement at a local dive centre or with GVI in Fiji. Interact with customers, practice equipment handling and lead dives.

PADI Advanced Open Water

Gain more diving experience with 5 adventure dives: deep water, underwater navigator, peak performance buoyancy and two optional adventure dives.

PADI Emergency First Response

Learn primary and secondary care theory, practice 8 skills with role-playing scenarios, improving first aid and emergency preparedness.

PADI Rescue Diver

Enhance diver safety awareness, handle complex situations, practise direct intervention via rescue role plays (programs > 8 weeks).

PADI Divemaster

Organise and direct scuba-diving activities: classroom presentations, pool sessions, ocean training sessions, assisting on courses and guided dives.

Skills

  • Data entry
  • EMR training
  • Marine conservation
  • PADI
  • Species identification
  • Survey research

Partners

Some of the partners we work with on base.

Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA)

Program details

Dates and prices

Select a start date:

Nature, my happy place.

Ease into the new year with up to 15% off on selected programs.

Special offer valid only until 31 March 2024.
Payment plans. Flexible payment plans allow you to pay in instalments.

What happens next?

Once you apply, a personal Enrollment Manager will be assigned to walk you through the rest of the process.

Itinerary

The following itinerary is an example of the activities and project work that participants might get involved in on this program. More specific details of the program are finalised several months before each start date.

06:30

Start your day bright and early! Have your morning coffee on the beach and enjoy the sunrise.

07:00

Make yourself some breakfast and pack lunch for the day ahead! After breakfast, gather for the daily update.

08:00

At the start of your program, focus on dive/marine conservation training. Once you’re ready, it’s time to dive!

12:00

Lunch is enjoyed as a group. Lunch meals typically consist of sandwiches, noodles or a rice dish.

13:00

Continue with either dive/marine conservation training, or diving and conducting coral reef, seagrass and other surveys.

16:30

Either assist with base duties, start preparing dinner as a group, or enjoy some free time.

18:00

Enjoy a meal together. After dinner, it’s common to have reflection sessions and discuss the day’s work and its effect on the environment.

19:00

Time to relax or get involved in social activities. Make use of the common areas to spend time with your group, play a game, or do some studying.

Work Placements

After passing the first 12 weeks of your professional training and project work, you’ll get the rare opportunity of working directly for a conservation partner for the remaining 12 weeks! This is your chance to experience what it’s actually like to work in sustainability. You’ll get valuable on-the-job training and boost your career – and LinkedIn profile – with real international work experience. Your placement will be decided during the first 12 weeks of your professional apprenticeship, and could either be with GVI on base or at one of our external partner organisations. We’ll take into account your career direction, location preferences, and specific skills and passions to find the perfect match for you.

Partners

Here are some examples of partners where you could get a placement:

GVI

You will assist with leading dives and support staff with writing grants, creating marine education resources, analysing data, or writing research papers.

Local dive shop

You will gain hands on experience managing accounts, selling dives, booking clients, cleaning, sorting out equipment, and leading dives,.

What’s included?

What's included
General
Food
Safe and basic accommodation (usually shared)
Airport pick up (unless stated)
All project equipment
24-hour in-country support from local staff
24-hour emergency desk
GVI Experiences
Activities
Sustainable project work
Data collection and research
Leadership responsibilities
Personal project
Placement
12-week placement
Mentorship
Weekly group sessions
Internship supervisor guidance
Pre-program training
Pre-departure webinar
Pre-departure training (online)
University of Richmond endorsed specialisation course
University of Richmond endorsed leadership course
Welcome training
GVI welcome presentation
Health & safety
Local culture & environment
UN SDGs
Impact & ethics
Child protection
Advanced leadership training
Personal development record
Project planning and management
Fast track training
Self-leadership and well-being
Project management
Ethical engagement
Measuring impact
Developing intercultural competence
Effective communication (storytelling and social media)
Team management
Participant journey
Off-site safety management
Safety management in practice (OSSM part 2)
Standards, policies and procedures
Emergency first response (select hubs)
Career services
University of Richmond careers course
Career coaching sessions (x2)
Career guarantee
LinkedIn reference – upon request
Job portal
Preferential recruitment on GVI positions
Certificates
Program certificate
University certificate – specialisation (University of Richmond)
University certificate – leadership (University of Richmond)
University certificate – careers (University of Richmond)
Fast track training certificate
What's excluded
Not included
Flights
International and domestic airport taxes
Medical and travel insurance
Visa costs
Police or background check
Personal items and toiletries
Additional drinks and gratuities

Life On Base

Boasting magnificent sunset views and swaying palm trees, our base is located on the edge of a traditional rural village, in the district of Dawasamu. We have Tova Peak on one side (the third highest mountain on Viti Levu) and the beach on the other. From your bed you can listen to the sounds of the crashing waves. A short boat ride away, you will find the famous Moon Reef with its resident pod of spinner dolphins.

Participating in a GVI program offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into Fiji’s culture of hospitality and warmth, and to experience what it’s like to be part of the community. On arrival, you’ll get to experience a “Sevusevu ceremony” – as a sign of respect you present yourself to the community to ask “permission” to stay. The ceremony is an age-old tradition that marks the formalisation of the community accepting and welcoming you, and celebrates your arrival.

Accommodation

Accommodation during your stay includes basic mixed-gender dormitory style rooms in a Fijian bure with wooden walls and a tin roof. There is a co...

Transportation

Transfers to and from the Nausori Airport in Suva take about 90 minutes and can be arranged with GVI in advance for the day before your program s...

Communication

You will have limited access to long-distance communications while on the program, so make sure friends and family know how often they can expect...

Meals

Food on base is mostly vegetarian, consisting of locally-sourced seasonal produce which participants take turns in preparing for the group. Break...

Climate

With a warm tropical climate, Dawasamu temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, at roughly...

GVI experiences included in your program, at no extra cost.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!

We want you to make the most of the chance to live in – and contribute towards –  the most diverse and unique wildernesses and communities on earth. Introducing GVI Experiences – immersive adventure, cultural and wellness activities exclusive to GVI that have been specially designed in collaboration with our local partners to support and stimulate sustainable economic development. 

Enhance your impact. Expand your adventure. Explore your world.

Learn to cook iTaukei food
Feast with friends
Make a traditional drink from kava root
A ritual cup
Learn indigenous plant medicine
The plants will heal
Hike to the top of Tova Peak
To the mountain
Fish with iTaukei women
Reading the tides
Weave a traditional mat
What weaves us together
Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
Living wild
Boat to Leleuvia Island
Island myths

Free time

Joining a GVI program not only allows you to collaborate with communities or work toward preserving unique ecosystems – but it also offers plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area or travel further to see what other parts of the region have to offer over weekends.

Field staff are a great source of advice and have helped us put together the following information on local travel options. You can choose to travel before or after your experience with GVI (subject to immigration restrictions), solidifying the lifetime friendships you’ve established on the program. Please note that the below options are not included in the program fee, and would be up to you to arrange at your own expense.

Weekend Trips

Coral Coast

There are many day activities to choose from, such as ziplining and forest walks, as well as a variety of backpackers, resorts and beautiful beaches to visit. It’s a three-hour ...

Leleuvia Island Resort

Leleuvia is a coral island with beautiful white sands which can be reached by boat in 1.5 hours. This is a popular, although costly, destination along the Moturiki passage. Loca...

Dawasamu surrounds

Go for a hike into the nearby forests, swim in the hidden freshwater waterfalls, or visit some of the black volcanic sand beaches. If you feel like a more luxurious weekend, and...

Levuka

This is the old colonial capital of Fiji and a World Heritage Site – which makes for an interesting day trip. Levuka is located on the nearby Ovalau Island which is accessible b...

Historical excursions

Explore the history of this island nation by visiting the Fiji Museum in Suva, where you’ll find ancient tribal artefacts, and one of the best exhibitions on tribal art in the P...

Suva

The colourful capital city of Suva is known for its relaxed atmosphere, nightlife and

Diving

If you have diver’s training, you can enjoy scuba-diving at the various resorts and dive sites in the region. This region is home to abundant marine life, colourful corals and s...

Moon Reef dolphins

Take a short boat ride with a local fisherman to visit the famous pod of spinner dolphins that reside on Moon Reef all year round. This is a great way to meet the local communit...

Further Travels

Shark dive

Dive with bull sharks in Beqa Lagoon, one of the world’s most famous shark diving destinations.

...

Nature parks

Consider a trip to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, where you’ll find a miniature desert of rolling sand dunes, or for a more relaxing option you can visit the Coral Coast...

Adventure

From Pacific Harbour, you can join a jetski safari, or go white-water

Sabeto hot springs

Located midway between Lautoka and Nadi on the main island of Viti Levu, you can indulge in a day of luxury and pampering. The hot springs are believed to have healing propertie...

Nadi

Explore the town of Nadi, which is about five hours away. Here you will find markets, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, beautiful beaches, resort...

Cultural Immersion

Engaging intimately with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in the modern marketplace. Local and cultural immersion is encouraged on all our programs around the world, and will also be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience. Luckily, there are many different activities that you can get involved in during your free time, or before and after your program.

On our community programs, the focus is on cultural topics, while on marine or wildlife programs the emphasis is more on the environmental element. Use your evenings and weekends to explore topics like local cuisine and religion, or how sustainable development challenges are affecting local contexts.

The local community

Fijians are some of the friendliest people in the world, provided you respect their traditions and customs. The local community is typically warm...

Languages

Fiji has three official languages: English, Fijian and Fiji Hindi. Fijian is spoken as the first language by most indigenous Fijians while Indo-F...

Spirituality and religion

Christianity is the dominant religion practiced in Fiji, followed by Hinduism and Islam. Prior to the nineteenth century, indigenous Fjians practiced various traditional religio...

Local handcrafts

Fiji has a thriving souvenir industry. Local artists produce various intricately carved wooden items.

...

Cooking

The national dish of Fiji is Kokoda, which is a combination of fresh fish, pickled in lemon juice. Coconut milk is then added, along with tomatoes and chillies. The dish is seas...

Festivals

There are festivals throughout the year, the most notable being Fiji Day, celebrating Fiji’s independence. This is celebrated in October with a week of religious and cultural ce...

Speak to alumni

If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.

We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.

Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.

Get a first-hand perspective

Meet us

Meet the team

Get acquainted with the GVI Australasia, Fiji, Dawasamu family

Michele Comber

Program Manager

Meet Michele, our brilliant Program Manager in Fiji. She has travelled widely in the US,

Reynold

Marine Science Coordinator

Meet Reynold (aka Rey) who is our Marine Science Coordinator in Fiji. He is passionate about marine conservation and Octopuses, the most intelligent animals underwater. He can&# ...

Taione

Marine Dive Officer

Meet Taione, our Marine Dive Officer in Fiji. He is passionate about all things conservation, working with communities, and especially our diverse volunteers and experts in this ...

Lino

Marine Boat Captain

Meet Lino, our Marine Boat Captain on our diving programs at GVI in Fiji. Born and bred in Silana, a village in Haryana, India. He has a son and can’t wait to have you on ...

Ana

Marine Science Officer

Meet Ana, our friendly Marine Science Officer in Fiji. She delivers our ethical and impactful marine coastal programs through data collection and impact reporting. She is passio ...

Samuela

Marine Boat Captain

Meet Samuela, our Marine Boat Captain on our diving programs at GVI Fiji. He was born in Silana, a village in Haryana, India where grew up and lived before joining us in Fiji.

Parent Info

‘If only every student could do this. It changes your life in all the right ways,’ says Chris Heritage, parent of Luke Heritage, one of our teen volunteers who has participated on two GVI programs, one in Costa Rica and another in South Africa.

We are a parent-run organisation that is incredibly serious about health and safety, and increasing the impact, as well as the long-term career benefits of our programs. Our programs help young people develop the skills to select a career path that is personally fulfilling, and live a life aligned to the well-being of our planet and the global community.

GVI is a proud member of the Gap Year Association.

Ken and Linda Jeffrey, whose son Sam volunteered with GVI in Thailand, talk about how the experience affected Sam. He also went on to volunteer with GVI again in South Africa. ‘I know it sounds like a cliche but in a sense, he did go away as a boy and he came back as a young man. Both of us could recommend GVI without any hesitation to any other parent thinking about exploring an opportunity for their children to explore the world and to see different parts of it.’

Parent Info Pack

Download the Parent Pack and learn more about:

Our staff: All our projects are run by staff, selected, vetted, trained, and managed by our central office.
Health and safety: Our safety practices include a child and vulnerable adult protection policy and high participant ratios.
Staying in touch: See what’s happening on base, by following a hub’s dedicated Facebook page.
Free parent consultations: We would love to talk to you about exciting opportunities available for your child.

Arrivals

When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.

As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals.

We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile.

This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.

Your Impact

All of our programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.

Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.

Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.

While on a GVI program, you will make an impact by assisting with the conservation of a staggering 1,500 marine species through underwater surveys and data collection, all of which are endemic to this region.

The communities we work with in Dawasamu often do not have access to sufficient resources to carry out regular data collection in their fishing grounds. Access to data provides greater insight into how to address coral reef and fish stock-related problems, which can be hampered by natural disasters and unsustainable fishing practices.

The data collected on our programs is provided to the local community and our local partners along with alternative livelihood methods and management strategies to help stakeholders make informed decisions with regards to their existing marine resources and long-term food security.

Research is shared with local communities to support decision making regarding the management of their marine assets.

The data is also shared with our in-country partner – the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) network.

Project objectives

 

GVI Dawasamu Long-term Objectives:

1. Protection and monitoring: Collect long-term data on the reefs around Dawasamu. Share this data with the communities of Dawasamu and support them in developing a sustainable resource management strategy.

2. Education: Provide the communities of Dawasamu With information about their natural resources – including the threats and means of protection. Support the best-informed decisions when looking after their resources.

3. Livelihood: Support alternative methods of generating income, reducing dependence on damaged fish stocks for income.

4. Dawasamu Environmental Movement (DEM) supports the continued development and training of the DEM and their natural resource management strategy.

5. Waste Management: Conduct regular cleanups of the sea and beaches on and around the Dawasamu district.

Our Ethics

Below is a list of core ethics and best practices we believe are essential to the operation of high quality, ethical volunteer and sustainable development programs. We believe that all responsible volunteer and sustainable development operations should focus upon these principles. If you are considering volunteering, these are some of the key considerations you should question, to ensure that your time and money contributes towards positive change.

 

We want to constantly develop our own understanding of ethical best practice. In so doing, we aim to provide an exemplary industry standard for other education institutions, international development organisations, and social enterprises. Our Badge of Ethics stands for the drive to always do good, better. Find out more, click on the Badge below.

Our 10 ethical commitments

01

Locally Driven, Collaborative Projects

We aim to design all our projects in collaboration with local organizations and communities and ensure that they are locally driven.

02

Clear Objectives & Sustainable Outcomes

We aim to clearly define short-, mid-, and long-term objectives with sustainable outcomes for all our projects.

03

Impact Reporting

We aim to track, record, and publish the impact of each of our projects.

04

Working Against Dependency

We aim to build in-country capacity by assisting local organizations in becoming self-sustaining.

05

Responsible Exit Strategies

For each local organization we work with, we aim to have a plan in place for withdrawing support responsibly.

06

Clear Roles & Specialized Training

We aim to ensure that every participant is assigned a clear role and that they are fully trained and supported to carry out their work by specialized staff.

07

Respect for all

In all our actions we aim to respect the skills and efforts of all and seek to protect the rights, culture and dignity of everyone who engages with GVI.

08

Local Ownership

We work to ensure that credit for the results of any project, along with any data collected, research conducted, or Intellectual Property developed, remains the property of local organizations.

09

Transitioning from the Orphanage Model

We do not condone and aim to withdraw support of orphanages and residential care centers.

10

Child and Vulnerable adult policies

We will live by our Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult policies.

Continual Development

As an organization, GVI is committed to striving toward best practice, and to educating both our potential participants, our partners, and the world at large about them. Both the volunteering and sustainable development sectors are increasingly, and rightly, under scrutiny. Many recent local and global articles highlight poor practices and questionable ethics. GVI is widely recognized for striving to apply global best practice in the volunteering, education and sustainable development sectors throughout our operations by reputable organizations such as ChildSafe.

However, global best practice is always evolving and we dedicate both time and resources to engage with internationally respected experts and learn from the latest research to ensure our programs both fulfil their potential to create maximum positive impact, and minimise their potential to create unintentional negative impact. Along with and as part of the sustainable development and volunteering community, we are constantly learning and applying this learning to practice. We do not always get everything right, but we seek feedback from our community members, partners, participants and our staff, and react accordingly. We know are already doing a great job, and feedback we have received confirms this, but we aim to do even better and are continuously refining our operations to improve upon our already excellent reputation.

Program ethics

No orphanage programs

We don’t support or allow participants to work in institutional residential care facilities, also known as orphanages. We partner with ReThink Orphanages and Freedom United.

Learn more
Child and vulnerable adult protection policy

Our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy requires all our staff and participants to complete a criminal background check and to learn why you shouldn’t reveal a child’s identifying factors in photographs. We support the ChildSafe Movement.

Learn more
No medical volunteering

We don’t offer any programs where our participants engage in medical treatment. This is because our participants aren’t typically qualified to do this work and would therefore not be able to do this work in their home country. Our participants only assist with public health programs.

Learn more
No disability support programs

We don’t offer any programs where our participants work directly with people with disabilities. This is because our participants aren’t typically qualified to do this work and would therefore not be able to do this work in their home country.

Learn more
Aligned to local objectives

Each one of our initiatives is aligned to objectives set by a local organisation or professional. Our staff and participants work to support these local actors in achieving their specific goals.

Local employees remain employed

Our participants don’t replace the staff employed by local organisations. Rather, they support currently employed staff with achieving their objectives. Our goal is always to increase local capacity to address local problems.

Local employees remain focused

Participants require training and support to ensure that they carry out tasks correctly. Our staff provide this training and support so that local staff can focus on what is truly important to their organisation at the time.

No entertainment-based activities

We don’t support the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes. This includes riding animals, having them perform tricks, feeding or bathing them or getting close to them to take photos

No orphaned animal sanctuaries

We don’t encourage, support or allow the rearing of “orphaned” wild baby animals kept at a “sanctuary”. The conservation value of these types of programs is negligent and would only ethically be used in extremely rare cases

Guidelines for touching or movement restriction

When wild animals are restricted for conservation purposes we follow the guidelines of Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Animal welfare guidelines

We ensure that the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are followed. These include the freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from distress, discomfort, hunger, thirst, fear, pain, injury or disease.

Local community empowerment

We ensure that conservation efforts are also always locally led, that community needs are front-and centre of any conservation effort and that our participants, projects and partners work to increase local community engagement in local conservation efforts.

Learn more
No veterinary programs

We don’t offer any veterinary programs or animal rescue and rehabilitation programs. We don’t allow participants to do any work they would not be able to do in their home country.

Learn more

Training

A GVI program is an investment in your career. No matter which you choose, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise and earning qualifications in many cases. Most of our staff are, in fact, GVI Alumni, and we have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs. Each program includes introductory workshops, ongoing presentations, as well as on-the-ground professional support provided by our very own trained staff members. In addition, our training programs are critical for helping us to ensure the long-term impact of our sustainable development projects around the world.

For all GVI participants

Orientation: Travelling Responsibly and Ethically

Learn about the importance of child and vulnerable adult protection best practices and how to apply them while on project.

Orientation: UN Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to the history and evolution of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how these related to your project work.

Orientation: Further Opportunities for Impact

Learn about our country locations and further opportunities available to you during or after your program.

For all participants at Dawasamu

Education

During your first days on the project, you will participate in several training sessions that emphasise the key teaching skills useful for our education program, including learning through play and lesson planning. You’ll also gain soft skills in communication, collaboration and organisation, and complete an overview of completed project work, items in process, as well as future plans. Lastly, you will learn how our work contributes and longer term sustainable goals, and how they link to the SDGs.

Objectives and Impact

Dawasamu on Education and Community project.

Village Presentation

All about the village of Silana, traditions and cultural information.

Dawasamu Welcome Presentation

Overview of GVI and Project work.

Dawasamu Cultural Presentation

Overview of Fiji and its traditions and culture.

Data Collection and Analysis

During your expedition you will help to enter raw data that you collected into the GVI database where it can be further analysed by our science team. There are 14 sites around Caqalai where we collect data once a year, of which seven will be surveyed for a second time, all at three different depths. Once a year a comprehensive annual report is produced detailing the analysis of the data collected and any conclusions that can be drawn. Data collected on crown of thorn surveys, dives against debris, beach cleans, coral bleaching surveys and The Great Fiji Shark count will be shared with relevant partners.

Survey Methods

The baseline method employed by GVI during the underwater surveys was designed to complement existing survey methods used in Fiji by the Department of Fisheries and the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area (FLMMA) network. GVI uses three separate methods for our marine expedition, Point Intercept Transect (PIT), Invertebrate Belt Transect (IBT) and Underwater Visual Census (UVC), all conducted as a team along one transect.

GVI Fiji Species List

You will be assigned the responsibility to learn about fish, invertebrates or benthic life forms – based on the length of your stay and depending on the needs of the survey team. The reason for this division of species is to get volunteers into the water collecting data as soon as possible and thereby maximising the effectiveness of the survey team. Short-term interns and volunteers (2-6 weeks) will be trained and allocated the collection of data on Crown of Thorns, coral bleaching and nudibranchs around Caqalai, as well as participating in Dives Against Debris.

Survey Training

The best way for the staff to improve and assess your fish, invertebrate and benthic life form knowledge is to use multiple teaching methods. GVI’s teaching method in Fiji incorporates slideshow presentations, fun workshops (fish bingo anyone?) and most importantly, what we call “point out dives & snorkels.” Once basic dive training is completed at the beginning of the expedition, each diving day you will participate in 1–2 point out dives or snorkels.

Certificates & qualifications

PADI Certifications

Earning a professional diving qualification, such as those offered by The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), is a necessary step for many aspiring marine biologists. All GVI marine conservation programs include training by certified dive instructors that allows participants to qualify for a range of PADI certifications including PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Divemaster, Instructor, Rescue Diver and Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

PADI Coral Reef Research Speciality

This speciality was designed by GVI and can only be gained by joining a GVI marine conservation program. Learn about how to perfect the buoyancy necessary to conduct reef surveys upside down to protect the reef from quick-moving flippers, the different methodologies used for conducting marine research, and the techniques necessary to conduct a range of surveys.

EFR Certificate

A basic first aid qualification is a requirement for many professions including professional diving, primary school teachers, and occupational therapists. A first aid course certified by Emergency First Response (EFR) is included in several of our programs. The course is one of the most highly reputed first aid training programs available around the world. The medical best practices and teaching methodologies of the organization are backed up by nearly five decades of experience. The course helps participants master skills like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), and administer emergency oxygen for infants, children, and adults.

University of Richmond Certificate Careers in Sustainability

Career paths in social and environmental impact are not as well-established as in other fields. That’s why we’ll provide our interns who have successfully completed their program with our Careers in Sustainable Development course. In this course, you’ll learn about current and emerging opportunities in a range of sectors, allowing you to make the best decision about your future.

This online course, valued at £295, is included in all internships. Full course details can be found here.

University of Richmond Certificate Leading Teams for Impact

Leadership is a critical skill set for anyone looking to make an impact or drive sustainable development. Develop your own leadership style and learn how to set achievable objectives, give effective feedback and manage conflict successfully. After successfully completing the course, which you have the option of doing prior to your in-country program, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Richmond.

This online course, valued at £295, is included in all volunteering programs. Full course details can be found here.

University of Richmond Certificate Marine Conservation

Learn more about what is contributing to the decline in the health of the world’s ocean and marine species and what can be done to prevent it. You’ll gain a greater understanding of the field of marine conservation, explore how to protect marine ecosystems and discover how you can contribute towards conservation-related initiatives. After successfully completing the course, which you have the option of doing prior to your in-country program, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Richmond.

This online course, valued at £295, is included in all volunteering programs. Full course details can be found here.

Careers

One of the major advantages of joining this program with GVI, is that it’ll give you that competitive edge you need to boost your conservation career! Not only will you get real on-the-ground work experience, you’ll also have access to tailor-made support, as well as excellent training and career-building opportunities to land your dream job.

Benefits

Career mentorship

Receive continuous support through mentoring sessions with a qualified supervisor to help you achieve your professional goals.

GVI career course

Complete an online course in sustainable development careers and obtain a certificate accredited by the University of Richmond.

Career coaching sessions

Take the next step in your career with two one-on-one career coaching sessions from a remote mentor to guide and advise your professional development.

Job portal access

Gain exclusive access to our carefully curated job portal that advertises vacancies in the conservation and development sectors.

LinkedIn reference

Get a professional endorsement from GVI on the world’s largest careers platform to make you stand out.

The GVI Online Careers Course is in partnership with the University of Richmond

Preferential recruitment

Exclusive to those participants enrolled in any of our professional apprenticeship programs is a chance to jump the queue – you will receive special consideration if you apply for a job at GVI!

Support & Safety

We won’t sugarcoat it — traveling abroad is usually a complex process that carries an element of risk. But this is exactly why we’re passionate about providing extensive support throughout the process as well as the highest safety standards during the in-country phase. We believe that volunteering abroad should not only be impactful, but an enjoyable experience that carries as little risk as possible. This is exactly how we’ve been able to maintain our reputation as the most highly respected volunteering organisations in the sector over the past two decades.

Safety

View support and safety protocols

Support

View risk mitigation

Health and safety case studies

How GVI upholds health and safety

It takes courage to book a GVI program, get on a flight, and head off to somewhere new. Volunteering offers a level of cultural immersion that typical backpacking or holidays ju...

GVI's commitment to safety and security

As the saying goes: ‘Expect the best, plan for the worst’. Cliched or not, we take it to heart. This tenet is at the core of how GVI operates when it comes to promoting the heal...

How GVI remains prepared for natural disasters

The weather isn’t just a topic for polite small-talk here at GVI. We have emergency action plans in place for all scenarios. So when the weather, or other natural forces, takes ...

How GVI manages participants expectations

Once GVI has matched a participant to a program that suits their passions and goals, our team aims to set the right expectations for them. In the event that false expectations a...

Included in your program, at no extra cost.

Make the most of our unique programs with these exclusively curated local adventure and wellness experiences.

Offered once a month, expand your adventure with GVI Experiences. These are just some of the activities offered on your program!
Learn to cook iTaukei food
Make a traditional drink from kava root
Learn indigenous plant medicine
Hike to the top of Tova Peak
Fish with iTaukei women
Weave a traditional mat
Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
Boat to Leleuvia Island
Connect with our alumni
Want to connect with some of our past participants about their adventures? Get in touch with hundreds of friendly ambassadors all over the world who would be more than happy to answer any questions.
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