GVN Testimonials

"I had a wonderful time at San Cristobal. I was so sad to leave. The staff at the station are some of the most helpful and friendly people I�ve ever met, and I was sad to have to say bye to them. Thank you for providing such opportunities that make the world a smaller place!""

Pooja Sawrikar
New South Wales, Australia
Ecuador Volunteer

"The program information was fantastic! It insured I knew where I was going and what to expect when I arrived. It was very informative covering everything from what to pack to how to get to the program on local transport."

Angela Weastell
Dunedin, New Zealand
Thailand Volunteer

"I think GVN does great things, and I'm proud to have been a small part of it. I've gone from someone who's never left the country and never traveled alone, to someone who felt comfortable traveling 7,000 miles to a foreign country by myself."

Christopher DiMarco
Colorado, United States
New Zealand Volunteer

"GVN staff were great. All the information before the program was worthwhile and informative. The contact in Costa Rica was excellent; she always rang and popped by to check everything was OK and she was able to arrange, change and adapt with ease."

Nicole Johnson
New South Wales, Australia
Costa Rica Volunteer

"I have volunteered twice for GVN and both times I found that GVN did the ground work necessary for me to go into a remote area so I could safely do the work I volunteered for. You go with a feeling of security that you're not out there alone. Yes, physically you may be but GVN is not far away! After I retired, I use to travel as a backpacker for months at-a-time. Since I've found GVN, I now get to travel and experience something better. Thank you for the opportunies you have provided me with. I plan on working as a volunteer as long as life allows me to."

Sami Buisson-Daniel
Pennsylvania, United States
Kenya Volunteer

"GVN was very good at helping me to prepare for the programme. The checklists of items that are essential or recommended were invaluable for someone rather new to this sort of thing. Email feedback was prompt and informative, the partner was very helpful and friendly. GVN itself seems a great organisation, committed to what it believes and to expanding its range of charitable enterprises. In considering further volunteer opportunities, I seem always to come back to GVN after looking at other organisations. I hope to do more work with GVN."

Alex Clayton
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Tanzania Volunteer

"I was very appreciative with the amount of information provided prior to placement. This was very useful for me and also comforting as it gave me a sense of 'knowing' something about what I was going to."

Liane Oldfield
Norfolk Island, Australia
Vietnam Volunteer

"The GVN Coordinator was great- I asked her a thousand questions and she always replied promptly and politely!"

Jennifer Duncombe
New South Wales, Australia
Philippines Volunteer

"GVN staff were very good at feedback and communication prior to undertaking the work. Having done this program, it's appealing to do another one! The organisation on the whole is very focused and committed to its vision and I highly recommend people to get involved with this NGO."

Adrian Hubbard
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
New Zealand Volunteer

"I can't begin to explain what a tremendous experience it was. I would definitely use GVN again. I did a lot of research before I chose the program and GVN seemed to be the best fit. I always felt like the personnel were being straightforward and honest with me."

Gaelyn Georgia
California, United States
Honduras Volunteer

"I had the most unbelievable experience. It was hard work but hugely rewarding and after 6 weeks I didn�t want it to end. I met so many great people and learnt so much about the environment. By the end it felt like my home; an experience I will never forget and recommend to everyone."

Catriona Moss
Bedfordshire, England
Ecuador Volunteer

"I think what GVN is trying to do is amazing. I was grateful that they took so much time to make me feel welcome and that what I had to say mattered. The website was informative and I came out fully prepared for what I was to take part in. There were no questions that weren't answered before I volunteered."

Karen Brunyee
Yorkshire, United Kingdom
New Zealand Volunteer

"My stay in a rural Maasai village working as a nurse in their clinic was a once of a lifetime experience. I saw the overall needs of a population while at the same time experiencing the tremendous sense of community so lacking in my country. As one of the oldest volunteers, I challenge anyone of my age to also share their life experiences in whatever field such as I did. You will be a better person for it and if I can do it so can you!"

Kathy Schaefer
Georgia, United States
Kenya Volunteer

"From the beginning GVN staff were clear, concise and gave a good idea of what to expect. Everything I needed to know was answered either by info on the web site or by emailing specific questions which were always responded to promptly. GVN was great at helping me prepare, and I had all I needed when I finally started work in New Zealand."

Elaine Brettell
Worchestershire, United Kingdom
New Zealand Volunteer

"All information was relevant and any questions I had were answered quickly and accurately."

Melany Rhodes
Auckland, New Zealand
Vietnam Volunteer

"My experience was absolutely spectacular. The owner of the reserve and his wife are simply good people and made me experience something I will take with me the rest of my life."

Ben Li
Illinois, United States
Ecuador Volunteer

"GVN is well organised and has really nice people. I was prepared for the program in every way thanks to GVN and it has made me want to volunteer somewhere else with them."

Jenny Clarke
Surrey, United Kingdom
New Zealand Volunteer

"GVN staff are extremely efficient and I�m so happy I volunteered with them!"

Charlotte Evans
West Sussex, United Kingdom
Vietnam Volunteer

"This volunteer project was an amazing opportunity. I was able to not only learn a vast amount of information about the marine ecosystem in Alaska, but was able to share that information with the children in the education programs I taught. Being able to explore a new area, volunteer, learn and meet wonderful people are among just a few of the gifts this program offered. I would do it all again without hesitation."

Kacey Wilson
Massachusetts, United States
Alaska Volunteer

"After meeting Colin and most of the office staff at GVN headquarters in New Zealand, I am thoroughly impressed with the manner in which GVN is run. Every one truly believes in what they are doing. I felt very prepared through contact with team leaders and past/present volunteers, in addition to the vast amount of resources provided and assistance via e-mails and phone."

Molly Wadzeck
Texas, United States
New Zealand Volunteer

"GVN was available to answer any of my questions and made me feel very comfortable before I arrived. I was very impressed, and I plan to do a couple other programs in the future. Just having tea with Colin when we first arrived impacted me deeply. It gave me a sense of how the organization is run and the honest and forthright intentions behind the individuals that work there."

Stephanie Stettler
Utah, United States
New Zealand Volunteer

"I would definitely say I made a difference, but not just for the people in Kibera and Kenya but in my own life. Volunteering has allowed me to come back home with a different perspective not just in the way I live but how I interact with others. I recommend volunteering as it allows people the true experience of those we are trying to help going beyond what you see on television or in magazines."

Brian Chan
Ohio, United States
Kenya Volunteer

"The site of my placement (La Esperanza) is a wonderful town with incredibly friendly people. Respect their culture and you will be in for the best experience of your life."

Adeel Haque
Texas, United States
Honduras Volunteer

"Any questions that I had prior to the program were promptly answered with a �no problems at all attitude� meaning the whole process was stress free."

Carrie Hesketh
Tasmania, Australia
Vietnam Volunteer