GVI Recenzje 1080

My time on base was wonderful! I had a great time diving and researching dolphins. The staff was incredibly nice and facilitated a community where everyone felt comfortable and could be themselves. I absolutely loved my experience in Fiji.

I did the Under 18’s course in Tenerife for 2 weeks volunteering with whales and dolphins, it was very out of my comfort level but i knew with this being my passion i had to fulfill, pushing myself to do this was the best decision i ever made and gvi made that happen. All of the staff were amazing and made me feel so comfortable. I learnt so much about things i thought i already everything about. It has pushed me even more to persue my dream of working with these amazing animals. I’m thinking of doing an internship in Fiji next year, and absolutely cannot wait. I loved every single thing about my experience and wouldn’t have chanted anything for the world, not forgetting making friends for life who i still speak to today, after 2 years 🥰 Not only did we learn about Sea animals i learnt about the culture of Tenerife which has again opened my eyes on how fascinating every country is and to always stay respectful.

Such a unique experience, meeting amazing people and being immersed in a different culture. Fairly basic amenities but everything you need really!

I spent 6 weeks in Tenerife at GVI's base three years ago on the Marine Biology Internship, and it was six of the best weeks of my life. Being with an organisation doing conservation, you get a more detailed experience of the environment and learn things the public will never hear, and get a totally different overall experience. Living minutes from the coast meant accessing the sea was easy, and you also get free time to explore the area, eat out, and visit different parts of the island with new-found friends. Food, accommodation and transport is all provided, and we even got a trip up Mount Teide on the island as part of the internship, 3700 metres above sea level!

I have a disability, and GVI were incredibly supportive in finding the best base for me. When they say that they're open to everyone, GVI really is - I've had problems going to places before but this was never an issue here!

This was an amazing experience and I'd recommend it to everyone, everywhere. I've not had the time yet, but next year I plan to do one of GVI's other internships - hopefully in Greece or Thailand!

Amazing participants and staff members

From the beginning gvi has been so helpful! I had no stressors on communication to what we needed to bring to Huay Pakkoot. Since I stepped off the bus from Chiang Mai I always felt like I was welcomed by the community. Even meeting staff at the hotel in Chiang Mai I felt very comfortable and welcomed. Being a new person in any environment is nerve racking but there I felt like I’ve always been apart of the community. There is so much love, support and respect for each other and the environment. From learning about the relationship between elephant and mahout, the biodiversity and for them just the everyday spider was so special. Being able to learn and hear from and about the people in Huay Pakkoot and their relationships with the earth and their elephants was something I will forever cherish and honor. No matter how long you choose to stay I don’t think it will ever be enough.

Ola, I spent 6 months diving at GVI Mexico meeting some amazing people and it’s honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had while travelling. I dived in some of the best cenotes with Alan and Ursula at scuba kraken (who are amazing) . And learned so much about the reef and all the marine life. Big up Miguel, overall 10/10 trip

Since I was 18, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing GVI both as a participant and as a staff member in two very different parts of the world: Costa Rica and Fiji and now soon to be Thailand as I head to work there in a few weeks!

As a participant, I was supported every step of the way. Moving abroad at 18 alone is daunting, but GVI created an environment that felt safe, welcoming, and genuinely community-focused. In Costa Rica, I was immersed in conservation work that pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me independence, resilience, and cultural awareness. It wasn’t just about the project itself, it was about the people, the mentorship, and the way GVI ensures you’re never just another volunteer, but a valued member of the team. There was no divide for me I didn’t feel just like a volunteer I felt like I had been welcomed into the GVI family and I am so incredibly greatful for the opportunity GVI has provided for me.

Returning later as staff member in Fiji gave me a completely new perspective. I was able to see the level of care, planning, and ethical consideration that happens behind the scenes. Supporting new participants as they navigated their own challenges reminded me of how much I had grown since my first placement. Fiji showed me the depth of GVI’s long-term commitment to local partnerships and sustainable impact. It is not surface level volunteering, it is thoughtful, community led work.

Seeing GVI from both sides, as a nervous 18 year old participant and later as a confident staff member, has been incredibly special. The growth, friendships, professional development, and cultural understanding I’ve gained are things I’ll carry with me for life.

I can honestly say GVI isn’t just a company I’ve worked with, it has been a huge part of my personal and professional journey.

A choice you will never regret. My GVI experience was one of the best decisions I’ve taken and I wouldn’t be where I am without it. The experiences, skills and friends I made there have all been life changing, and it’s a period of my life I look back on with gratitude.

Student beware!
My daughter was pressured over the phone to pay a deposit for a internship to Peru in 2027 . In ordered to secure a grant from her university to help with the cost , she was told to act quickly she was not given any dates or details of the trip.
Once she paid the deposit and her direct debit was set up , she received the dates available to her , she realised she could not make these, she contacted them straight away and was told an additional 150£ was payable.
She already paid 850£ deposit and by then she lost confidence in the company and has she was well within the consumer protection act of 14 days cooling off period, she wrote to inform them she wanted to cancel everything.
She was then told her deposit was not refundable!
She had no term of conditions read out to her or no contract sign .
How does this company who advertise being ethical and transparent take so much money from someone .
I am so disappointed for her and angry of what this company is capable of.
Rest assured we will take this further

I strongly advise anyone considering GVI to be aware of the serious delays and lack of accountability when it comes to refunds.
I was promised that my refund would be processed within 180 days. It has now been 228 days since that date, and I am still waiting for my money despite sending numerous emails. What has been most frustrating is not only the delay itself, but the constant cycle of apologies, vague reassurances, and no concrete action. Each time, I was told that the finance team was “investigating,” that the matter was a “priority,” or that they were “waiting for feedback.”
This experience has been extremely disappointing and stressful. I would urge others to think carefully before committing financially, as getting your money back, if something goes wrong, may be far more difficult and delayed than promised.

Do not book a program with GVI. I booked my daughter on the Teen Marine Conservation Programme in Mexico for July 2025, when I booked it I was told multiple times that there were already enough people booked and it would definitely go ahead.

GVI then cancelled the trip just 5 weeks before the departure date, citing not enough people had signed up - GVI broke their own conditions stipulating trips will be confirmed no less than 12 weeks before. Of course when it was cancelled we had already booked flights, taken out insurance (through GVI, which doesn't include cancellation) and bought the equipment needed.

GVI stated we were eligible for a full refund, and that would be paid within 180 days - that is an appallingly long time period when they cancelled.

Despite numerous emails and calls no refund came. Eventually I submitted a claim through the credit card I paid with - GVI rejected this claim without giving any reason. I submitted a second claim which was eventually upheld, 9 months after GVI cancelled. I still have not received the refund from GVI for the insurance, which I asked to be cancelled and refunded as soon as the trip was cancelled - in my last email chasing this GVI had the audacity to tell me to submit a claim through my credit card for a refund of the insurance. I am disgusted how it has been a real battle to get any refund from them, and they cancel projects at such short notice with little concern or regard to the impact of the people booked on them. I know many others were booked on this trip and I question whether a supposed lack of numbers was the true reason they cancelled.

I booked my daughter last minute on a Projects Abroad teen marine conservation trip to Thailand instead, I was hugely impressed with them - a total contrast to GVI. Please do not give GVI any of your money, I have zero confidence in them.

Additional comment following GVI's reply:
GVI - this is appalling that you ask me to submit (another) claim request through my credit card for the refund of the insurance you owe me, this will take months. Why cannot you just refund me this insurance amount I paid, as you owe me this money and had previously confirmed it would be refunded. This shows exactly why people should not book with GVI. I expect a full refund directly from GVI for the insurance, I should not need to submit a claim for it through my credit card especially when GVI cancelled the program.

I applied for the apprenticeship in South Africa and was initially very excited. However, during my call with a manager, I did not receive clear explanations about the real impact of the conservation work.
I was also offered a “grant” but pressured to decide within 48 hours, despite the total cost still being over €10,000. For such a large financial commitment, this felt unreasonable and concerning.
Unfortunately, this experience left me questioning the transparency and intentions of the organisation. I encourage others to ask detailed questions and carefully review all terms before committing.

I had an amazing time and did so many cool things. The only part of the trip I was disappointed with is the lack of hands on marine science. To be more involved you seem to need more time than 1 month. I wish I knew that before signing up. Besides this, I absolutely loved it

My trip for this year got cancelled by GVI. They were good and apologetic and thanks to their TOS said they will issue a full refund but I had to get in touch with another department.

I got in touch to no response for weeks afterwards. About a month after I was initially told it was cancelled I finally got an email asking me for my details to process the refund to, I gave them the details the same day. That was a month ago and there has been silence since.

It is a bit disappointing, I have another trip with them coming up which I am still looking forward to however am disappointed with the lack of communication and the slow response.
They’ve had my money for a long time so that I am also down money from what I would have had, had it remained in my investments gaining value!

Amazing experience at GVI Trang – Highly recommend!

My sister and I spent two weeks at GVI Trang, and it was the absolute best experience. We learnt so much, met inspiring and like-minded people who are all passionate about the environment, and gained a real insight into everyday life in Thailand.

The staff were amazing- highly knowledgeable, enthusiastic and were very happy to tailor activities to our individual interests.

Our weeks were packed with numerous learning opportunities with great variety inclusive of maintenance of turtle habitats, microplastic analysis, beach cleans, mangrove planting and seagrass research. We developed practical conservation skills and felt that we genuinely contributed to important projects. We also were fully immersed in Thai culture. This included learning some Thai, participated in Muay Thai, explored local restaurants, and visited a range of unique places around Trang.

Overall, the program exceeded our expectations. The combination of supportive staff, well-structured yet flexible projects, and rich cultural experiences made it an unforgettable experience. I couldn’t fault any aspect of the program and would highly recommend GVI Trang to anyone with a few weeks to spare and an interest in conservation, learning, and cultural immersion.

Thank you Suni, Sara, Marcos ☀️🙏🏖️

I am so upset with my recent experience with GVI.

I volunteered with them in 2019 in India and 2023 in Cambodia - no problems at all!

I have booked again for March 2026 for their Tanzania programme. Due to unforeseen circumstances, their base has closed. They gave me 2 month's notice that their base has closed, and I have been offered a full refund. My flights, pre-programme accommodation, insurance etc. are all booked

However, I am still waiting for a £395 refund and now my emails are meeting automated responses. Every time I call the UK number I reach dial tones.

I have opened a fraud case via my bank and will be going to the FCA by the end of next week.

I am so upset it has come to this as I truly loved my past experiences and this has upset me. All I was asking for was a refund but after being fobbed off multiple times and reading similar experiences, I am worried they are opening 'bases' and closing them down to take money from people!

All I was requesting was the refund, which was offered due to the cancellation, and that is all I need!

I attended the dolphin and whale conservation program in Tenerife, Spain which was one of the best travel and volunteer experiences I have ever had. Not only was I able to spend six weeks on such a beautiful island, but was able to do it while taking part in such interesting, fun and fulfilling work. Almost every time we did a boat survey we had incredible and often once in a lifetime sightings of Tenerife’s wildlife. Furthermore, the other leaders and volunteers in the program were so welcoming and passionate, they made it easy to get involved in the group, both socially and in the volunteer work. Overall, if you are able to, a GVI program like this is not something you want to miss out on, and I cannot recommend my experience enough.

Unfortunately my two-week stint in Kekoldi got cut a bit short due to my contracting dengue. I spent half the trip confined to quarters and heading down to the local clinic every day.
Before that point, however, everything was going very well. The participants all got on very well and the lessons were very interesting.

Very helpful staff who helped me narrow down which internship to choose. Awesome guides who were knowledgeable but also fun and encouraging, met and made amazing friends and saw and learnt about fascinating species. Highly recommend