The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) offers volunteer service opportunities in community projects around the world. GVN currently provides volunteer programs through partner organizations in 21 countries throughout South America, Africa and Asia. GVN is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO), and although based in New Zealand, they provide affordable high quality placements for volunteers from all around the world. Their vision is to connect people with communities in need, with a particular focus on vulnerable women and children. They do this by supporting the work of local community organizations in countries through the placement of international volunteers. I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network. —Newsweek Web |
| The GVN Story | Over 15,000 volunteers placed since 2002—view the GVN Story:
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Featured Project Types and Locations |
Global Volunteer Network projects include teaching, environmental work, wildlife care, orphanages, healthcare, HIV/AIDS education and much more. GVN currently has volunteer positions available through partner organizations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam. Explore detailed information on all GVN programs »
As a volunteer you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and hygiene. While sharing your knowledge and compassion with the local people, you will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Kenya. I had a great experience in Kenya. I was very scared leaving home which is my comfort zone and now I have no regrets for my adventure in Kenya. I came across so many things which have helped me grow mentally and emotionally. I have experienced a different culture which I have come to love. I truly suggest anyone who has ever thought about seeing and experiencing new things to take the leap of faith and come to Africa. This is a trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. —Lisa
Peru boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in South America and volunteers have the good fortune to be primarily based in the city of Cusco, the historical capital of the Inca Empire. As volunteers, our job there was to show the children some love and tenderness, and make their time there a little more pleasant. This was done in many ways (always with lots of hugs!), by talking to them, playing games, having classes such as basic English, maths etc. The fulfilment you get is indescribable. It was amazing to see these kid's faces light up every time you walked in the room. —Iria
You have the opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation, orphanage, teaching, construction, healthcare projects, as well as a unique coffee plantation project. Costa Rica is one of the most exotic places on earth, offering unrivalled natural beauty, active volcanoes, rainforests and a wide range of national parks and eco-tourism opportunities. My experience in Costa Rica with the various projects that I participated in was a memorable one. I felt that I was constantly surrounded by marvellous and diverse people. Working with turtles is an experience that has changed my life and opened my eyes to their wondrous world. Costa Rica is full of beauty and it was an awesome experience to be able to live there and work toward preserving the nature and wildlife... I hope to be able to return and volunteer again in the future. —Faith
This program has something to suit all skills and experience levels! While sharing your knowledge and compassion you will gain an in-depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life. I am having the best time over here! I am completely in love with the country and the children. Everything has gone really smoothly, all the volunteers have been lovely and the staff have been amazing. They all work so hard and still have time to help us out. —Rachel
You have the opportunity to work directly with children from children's homes, teach English to adults or children, provide education on healthcare practices, take part in building & maintenance projects, or choose to enjoy a cultural exchange homestay. While sharing your time and affection you will gain a very unique cultural experience not accessible to tourists! Thank you, also, for such a wonderful experience. I've had a fantastic time and I don't think I would have been able to get such a fantastic insight into real Nepali life without taking part in the volunteer work. Staying with a family meant that I lived and breathed Nepali life and working in the local school was so rewarding and the children were brill! So, thank you. —Sarah
This was the most amazing experience I've ever had. The hike was mentally, physically and emotionally challenging, but so rewarding once I made it to the summit! The project days definitely opened my eyes and taught me a lot. It was difficult to see the conditions the children live in, but I realized that it really takes so little to make a difference. The children were absolutely joys to be around. —Melissa |
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| When Can I Volunteer? | Projects are available year-round and placements range from one week to six months in length. So you're bound to find a GVN project available when you are! | ||||||
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Who Can Volunteer? |
Volunteering is perfect for you if you are: If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel while making a difference in the community you are based in. At GVN, they believe international volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture, experiencing a different way of life, and it looks great on a resume/CV. |
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Project Costs |
All volunteers pay an application fee of $97, which allows them to participate in as many projects as the volunteer wishes for five years. Program fees vary by project, but most projects start from $43 to $45 per day, based on an eight-week placement. Volunteer fees and inclusions vary from program to program, however, generally a volunteer's fees covers meals, accommodation, airport pick up, training and orientation, volunteer support and supervision, and operational costs. Volunteers are responsible for airfare, insurance, and visas. |
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Getting involved |
Apply online to a GVN volunteer program of your choice and begin your volunteer journey today. Global Volunteer Network
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GVN believes people of all ages, skill levels and experience have something valuable to contribute to a community in need. Programs are designed so that everyone can take part, most volunteers won't need to meet specific requirements, with the exception of programs requiring medical qualifications or Spanish language knowledge.
