GVI Avis 

My experience at GVI was very positive. I loved the environmental conservation work that I did in Madagascar. I was able to experience the community and environment in ways I would not have been able to otherwise, while being safe and organised. All the staff on base were awesome, very knowledgable about the area and super helpful with organising any adventures outside of the GVI program to experience more of the island.

My experience in GVI Chiang Mai was nothing short of incredible. The staff were so welcoming, present, and engaging throughout the entire experience and the community itself was so warm and beautiful. Through this experience, I gained a deep, personal connection to the place and the culture. I loved how deeply the program allows participants to understand and experience the traditions and way of life, especially the integrated nature of the program, which allowed me to pursue both biology and cultural anthropology at the same time, which are my two favourite concepts. I could not be happier with my experience, and I would 100% recommend it.

My trip to Chiang Mai in Thailand with GVI was truly wonderful and life changing. Everyone who worked for GVI were genuinely good people who enhanced the overall experience. The program offered many extra activities on top of the main volunteer work, such as basket weaving and trivia nights making for a great time.

Overall, the experience truly changed my life in the best way possible. In short, I met friends for life, gained a hobby for life and a passion for life. Though, to expand, two of the lovely girls I met during my two months there I now class as my best friends one which we all ended up moving to Australia together. After being taught how to scuba dive by the team marine team, I can now class it truly as one of my hobbies that I enjoy. Lastly, the passion I gained and will continue to follow for the rest of my life is contributing to conservation as much and as often as I can.

The connection to the local community - I really enjoyed living inside the village and being able to participate in community events, traditions and cultural experiences.

The whole process from booking to completing the project was fantastic. GVI is a very professional, efficient and friendly service. I would highly recommend them to others if you want to explore the world, cultures, community and meet the most amazing people.

Volunteering with GVI has been a transformational experience. GVI has amazing humanitarian values and is contributing to the betterment of society and humanity as a whole. I felt supported and confident in the company throughout the entire process.

Never a dull moment on the course. Even when conditions were unsuitable for diving the course leaders ensured we had amazing experiences. The accommodation was very nice with plenty to do around town. I would definitely recommend the Mexico programs to somebody looking to get the most experience for their money.

I took part in the Elephants and Gibbons program in the village of Huay Pakhoot, near Chiang Mai, Thailand, and overall it was a very meaningful and unique experience.

My first pre-program day in Chiang Mai was very well organised. They picked me up from the airport and took me straight to the hotel, which included breakfast and a swimming pool. After settling in, you have free time to explore on your own. In the evening, you meet the coordinators for a briefing, and they take you to a local food market. Instead of a set dinner, they give you cash so you can choose what you’d like to eat, which is a really nice touch.

The next day, after another short meeting, they drive you to the village where you’ll stay for the duration of the program. On the way, you stop at a waterfall, visit a local fruit market to pick up fresh produce, and stop at a grocery store for snacks. Lunch is also included that day.

When you arrive in the village of Huay Pakkoot, you’re introduced to your homestay. The first weekend is more relaxed, giving you time to settle in before heading to base for a tour and meeting the other volunteers and interns. The first dinner is a group dinner where a local lady prepares the food and everyone shares a blessing together. It’s a great way to meet people and get to know each other.

During the program, lunch and dinner are prepared by your homestay host (my “homestay mom” was amazing). Breakfast supplies are available at base, but I personally preferred bringing my own quick, sweet options.

The program itself is very engaging—you’re never bored and you learn a lot. There’s a wide range of activities, and the staff, volunteers, and interns are all very like-minded people, which makes the experience even better. You might not connect deeply with everyone straight away, but since groups rotate, you naturally get to know more people over time.

One important tip: read the essential info pack carefully, as it contains very helpful information. That said, I’d definitely recommend bringing a trekking stick because some of the hills are extremely steep (I nearly rolled down them quite a few times!).

You’ll learn a lot about wildlife data collection and surveys. You also get the chance to connect with the local community through activities and language exchange, as you learn some of their language while they learn English from you.

The homestays are quite basic—think simple village living—but my host provided everything I needed. She was incredibly kind and gave me plenty of space, so it often felt like I had the whole house to myself.

You should be reasonably fit, as some activities can be physically demanding, even if they’re still fun. And if you’re not a fan of bugs, like me, it might be a bit challenging at first… but you do get used to it (kind of).

You don’t need much cash since most things are included. You’ll mainly spend money on extras like coffee, snacks, or laundry, and everything in the village is very cheap—usually under 100 baht per day.

The villagers are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I actually extended my program because I was originally supposed to stay only two weeks, but I didn’t want to leave. I’d definitely recommend staying longer if you can, so you don’t miss out on cultural and unique experiences.

I was lucky enough to attend a local wedding and a fishing day at the river, where you could also swim. I also attended a seasonal blessing ceremony. During these special events, the locals make sure you are very well fed!

If you plan to travel to nearby cities on weekends, bring some extra cash, as transport can be a bit expensive unless you share costs with others. I definitely recommend visiting Chiang Mai city during a weekend to relax a little and enjoy some city comforts, although there are also nearby towns and activities worth exploring.

One of the highlights for me was seeing elephants and gibbons while learning how to collect behavioural and welfare data. I also enjoyed teaching English to local children and elephant caretakers (mahouts). On top of that, you get to learn traditional local skills such as making fishing nets, weaving local clothing, and creating baskets.

Overall, I think it’s a great experience. It’s not a typical holiday—you go as a volunteer or intern—but it doesn’t feel like “work” in the traditional sense. You contribute through meaningful and often fun activities, like making eco-bricks or preparing medicine for elephants.

One thing to note is that you’ll sometimes be on rotation for base duties, such as tidying and cleaning shared spaces. I don’t remember seeing this mentioned on the website, but honestly it felt fair and part of community living.

The price might seem high at first, but considering everything you experience, it offers much more than a regular holiday. It’s meaningful.

I'm sharing an update on my review from fall of 2025. After submitting a complaint with the BBB, 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.

~ Rob Vaughn

Rob Vaughn
US
•
1 review
Nov 3, 2025
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Beware...once you send them $ it's gone
Our family’s 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, our son 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 his 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.

We have submitted multiple formal refund requests totaling $5,040.88 USD and reached out directly to CEO Andrew Valentine, but have received no response. GVI has also stated that, even if a refund were approved, it could take up to 180 days to process — an unreasonable delay that further undermines trust.

We eventually pulled our son out and moved him to another program in the region since it appeared that GVI was simply stalling for time.

The lack of transparency and communication appears intentional and may indicate a company in financial distress.

We are proceeding complaints with the Better Business Bureau (U.S.), UK consumer protection authorities, and South Africa’s National Consumer Commission, and urge others to exercise extreme caution before booking with GVI.

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Reply from GVI

Updated Nov 17, 2025
Hi Rob,

Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the concerns raised and appreciate the opportunity to address them.

Our team has been in consistent communication with you regarding the refund process. A partial refund has already been issued, and you have been informed that the remaining balance will be completed within a timeframe shorter than what is contractually required.

If any further clarification is needed, our team is available to continue assisting you directly.

Kind regards,
The GVI Feedback Team

I had such a brilliant experience at GVI Chiang Mai. There was honestly never a dull moment, every day was filled with something new. During my time there I learned a lot about the local wildlife, culture in the village and also my self. I met life long friends and incredible memories. If you love an adventure, the outdoors and beautiful people i would highly recommend!

Great team on site that helped inspire me to pursue marine biology further:)

BE WARNED
bad practice.
we gave them £750 deposit for a trip, which they cancelled. communication has been terrible. and now they tell us we must wait SIX months for our deposit to be returned. this is terrible. we are considering legal action and letting other people know about their incredibly poor practice, so they do not get treated as we have..

5/05/2026 --Update. you will see the reply from GVI below. they ask that I supply them with "the name of the participant". I have just done this. Let's see how long it takes them to do the right thing.

5/05/2026-- update. I received a response which appears to be automated, requsting we fill in a complaints form. we have already submitted this form. still waiting.......

06/06/2026
today they have replied to me and confirm that I really do have to wait SIX MONTHS FOR A REFUND OF A COURSE THEY CANCENCELLED. I worry the company has financial problems and could cease trading soon.
I am taking this further

I went to Costa Rica in 2014 on a 6 month Intern program with GVI. I loved it so much I stayed on as a staff member for an additional 5 months. The experience fulfilled a dream of mine to support conservation of sea turtles, learn more about conservation, data collection, survey techniques and develop my skills as a leader, volunteer, mentor and advocate for conservation and the protection of wildlife. I met some wonderful people who continue to inspire me today. As an exceptional bonus I also met my now husband and we will be celebrating 10 years married this June. If you have the chance to undertake a program with GVI, my advice is to do it. It may change your life.

Terrible customer care totally unacceptable!!
I’m still waiting after 5 months of letters being returned and being fobbed off via emails.
The only way I get a response is to keep coming on here to complain.
I’ve never been able to talk to anyone personally on the phone.
You said 5 weeks ago that you are still dealing with my daughter’s case but I have no continuity.
We saved up our hard earned money for her to go to the Seychelles last year as part of her placement for her university degree.
The lodgings were shut down and condemned by environmental health.. the whole experience wasn’t what was advertised as per my original complaint.
If I do not get a response within the next 14 days I will be taking this to the Financial Ombudsman.

Volunteering in Nepal was one of the best things I’ve done. My wife and i spent four weeks on the GVI programs. I spent my days working on a construction project helping repair local schools. We painted classrooms, built desks and furniture, and worked side by side with locals who welcomed us in from day one. My wife supported the Women's empowerment program. Every day was full of smiles and stories.

On the weekends, we explored the city, wandered through busy streets, and ate some of the best food I’ve ever had. We got a real feel for the culture and daily life, which made the whole experience even more meaningful.

You step out of your routine and gain perspective fast. We had a brilliant time and would go back in a heartbeat. We can’t recommend it enough.

The best volunteering experience ever! Was quite nervous about volunteering alone for the first time but as soon as I arrived in the Seychelles I felt immediately calm as the booking and schedule meant that I was greeted by my fellow volunteers straight away. Not only is it an amazing feeling to help animals and conserve the island but I met some amazing people on the way.

For two weeks in South Africa, I assisted conservation efforts with the local team based there. As an MSc by Research student, I’ve been desk-based for a few years, so having the opportunity to improve my practical conservation skills has been a real highlight for both personal and professional reasons. Of course, the fact that I was transported to a place which literally had a great variety of wild animals was an unforgettable experience.

During my time there, I assisted with tracking specific animals using telemetry, organising camera-trap data, and working with the anti-poaching unit on snare sweeps and canine training. During drives, we also collected data on the numeracy of animals seen. Trust me when I say that Impalas are nice, but they are also plentiful, good luck counting.

I’ve been to a few research bases during my studies, and the one I experienced in SA had all of what I needed to survive and live somewhat comfortably. The staff are always accommodating, friendly and approachable. I never felt unable to come to them with a problem.

The hours are long, the weather sometimes unforgiving, but the experience of working with the conservation team and seeing what SA has to offer is, in my opinion, more than worth it.