Volunteer Feedback

"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 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 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

"Volunteering was magical on so many levels. The partner is inspiring, well organised, passionate and a privilege to be aligned with. The opportunities available to impact directly on the lives of those in need are incredibly special, and the rewards are felt by the children, their communities and the volunteers themselves."

Rebecca Ramsay
Queensland, Australia
Nepal Volunteer

"Great programme. Worked hard and played hard! Volunteering does make a difference- slowly but surely. Volunteering has made a huge impact on my life. I should have done it years ago! Just go for it. You will make great friends, see new places, learn different cultures, have a sense of achievement and make a difference."

Margaret Holding
Christchurch, New Zealand
South Africa 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

"I think this is a perfect opportunity to get out and help a group of people who have been through so much, and to live in a very different environment. I have a much greater understanding of disabled persons, and an appreciation of how life lived simply can be just as exciting. Anyone who has spent time with Nicu will know the excitement that comes when he visits the local shop."

Tim Buchanan
Dunedin, New Zealand
Romania 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

"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 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

"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

"Teaching in Ghana was such a worthwhile experience, not only for me but for the kids I taught as well. The impact you make on the school is something that benefits the children massively, allowing them to experience fun and a different method of teaching. Volunteering is a great way to see the world, whilst benefiting others."

Richard McMahon
Bath, United Kingdom
Ghana 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

"From the moment that I arrived to the moment I left, the kindness, hospitality and appreciation of all the staff and pupils was just tremendous. With hard work, perseverance, motivation and passion, you can give so much to your project, and in return you get so much back. It really opens your eyes to what’s out there in the world. Until you see the sheer poverty with your own eyes and feel the initial shock of facing a new culture, it is very hard to explain."

Steve Heane
Dorset, United Kingdom
Tanzania 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

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

Charlotte Evans
West Sussex, United Kingdom
Vietnam Volunteer

"The staff at GVN were great at answering any questions that I had before I left for El Salvador, which definitely made me feel more confident and secure overseas."

Subreena Manhas
Ottawa, Canada
El Salvador Volunteer