Global Vision International (GVI) offers responsible volunteer travel opportunities assisting local conservation and community development initiatives, and training and career development opportunities through internships abroad programs.

Best Volunteering Organisation, Responsible Tourism Award 2011

This year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards, announced on World Responsible Tourism Day (November 9, 2011) in London, UK, recognized Global Vision International (GVI) as the world’s “Best Volunteering Organisation” for 2011.

The Responsible Tourism Award committee noted, “GVI impressed the judges with the scale of their impacts on the ground. Placing 3,500 volunteers each year in 40 countries, GVI teaches over 10,000 people each year on six continents. And for GVI the proof of their work is in the performance of their students – in Guatemala their students were in the top 5% nationally examined in 2011 – proving that well-placed skilled volunteers can have genuine impacts. Their charitable trust already estimates £400,000 will be raised for their projects this year alone.”

Ground-Up Approach to Volunteer Travel

Global Vision International (GVI) runs responsible volunteering programs in over 40 countries around the world, and is one of the largest and most respected volunteer abroad organisations in the world – with over 22,000 supporters on their Facebook community (GVI on Facebook). Guided by a unique commitment to volunteers and partners, GVI run almost all of their own operations. This unique ground up approach to volunteer travel allows GVI to run sustainable long-term projects that volunteers can join and contribute on for short periods of time, from two weeks to two years.

GVI volunteers fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. International partners include the South African National Parks Board, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Jane Goodall Institute, Rainforest Concern and Kenyan Wildlife Service. From 2007, 70% of all volunteer contributions received were spent directly in the field.

Originally founded in the UK, GVI also maintains head offices in Australia and the United States. GVI volunteers range in age from 18 to 70+, and come from all over the world. GVI also runs programs for 15-17 year olds through GVI Foundations.

Learn more about GVI:

GVI in the UK
+44 (0) 1727 250 250
3rd Floor | The Senate
Exeter, UK

GVI in the USA
+1 888 653 6028
66 Long Wharf
Boston, MA, USA

GVI in Australia
+61 1300 795 013
530 Little Collins St.
Melbourne, Australia