Challenging and Rewarding Community Volunteer Projects

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Phnom Penh

  China

• Other Cities in China: 
Yantai

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Tamarindo
• Central Pacific Coast: 
Puntarenas,  Quepos

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Esmeraldas,  Pichincha

  Ethiopia

• Other Cities in Ethiopia: 
Addis Ababa

  Ghana

• Other Cities in Ghana: 
Ho
• Accra: 
Accra

  Honduras

• Other Cities in Honduras: 
La Esperanza

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Kolkata (Calcutta)

  Kenya

• Nairobi: 
Nairobi

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

  New Zealand

• Wellington: 
Wellington
• All Other Areas in New Zealand: 
Taupo

  Panama

• Other Cities in Panama: 
Boquete

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa

  Philippines

• Luzon: 
Metro Manila

  Romania

• Other Cities in Romania: 
Galati

  Rwanda

• Other Cities in Rwanda: 
Kigali

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Gauteng Province

  Tanzania

• Other Cities in Tanzania: 
Kilimanjaro

  Thailand

• All Other Areas in Thailand: 
Hua Hin

  Uganda

• Other Cities in Uganda: 
Kampala

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Sioux Reservation

  Vietnam

• All Other Areas in Vietnam: 
Da nang

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Please see website

Description: In the last 7 years Global Volunteer Network have connected over 10,000 volunteers with our 21 partner organisations throughout South America, Africa and Asia. Our vision is to connect people with communities in need. We do this by supporting the work of local community organisations in countries through the placement of international volunteers.

GVN currently has volunteer positions available through our partner organisations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam. The network continues to expand with new programs currently being researched and assessed.

We offer projects in the following fields:
- Children's Homes/Orphanage
- Community Development
- Conservation
- Construction/Maintenance
- Healthcare
- HIV/AIDS
- Teaching
- Wildlife
And many more!

There are so many benefits to volunteering. International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. Volunteering shows an interest in international issues and commitment to contributing to the global community. It fosters personal growth and is very rewarding for both the volunteer as well as the community they work in. Further, if the volunteer work relates to your field of study this is a great way to gain valuable hands on practical experience in your field.

The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) was launched in December 2000 by Colin Salisbury, its Founder and Executive Director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers could make in helping local organisations achieve their goals.

At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Of course, international volunteering requires you to invest a considerable amount of time, funds and trust in the organisation you are volunteering with. At GVN we feel that we provide you not only with the facilities, but also with the confidence to go ahead and help communities in need around the world. With 7 years of service and 10,000 volunteers under our belt, we strive to remain helpful, personable and professional in our relationship with our volunteers. We aim to provide you with all the resources, support and information you will need to take part in a successful and rewarding volunteer program with us.

Volunteers receive access to our online Program Guides which cover topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more. You will also be put in touch with your Volunteer Coordinator who can answer any questions you have and provide you with guidance while you are preparing for your placement. We also have videos, photo galleries, volunteer journals and other resources to give you an idea of what you can expect during your volunteer program with us.

Past Volunteers Experience with GVN:

"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, Ghana 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, New Zealand Volunteer

Highlights:
- We have received a recommendation by Bill Gates "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
- Choose placement lengths of 1 week up to 5 months to suit your availability.
- Immerse yourself in a new country and culture and get to know the local people.
- Expose yourself to new sights, new tastes and experiences whilst sharing your skills and personal experience to help those in need.

Qualifications:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no major health problems
- Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering

Cost in US$: From 647

Inclusions vary slightly depending on the program you have chosen, generally the fee covers your administrative charge, placement arrangement, meals, accommodation, training and orientation, airport pick-up and project transportation.

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, tourist visa, vaccinations, travel insurance, and departure tax. You will also need to consider other expenses including snacks, bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We welcome a range of volunteers from those finishing school or university, to those taking a break from work or between college semesters. We also welcome those who are retired and have a wealth of experience to share. You may join our programs as a solo volunteer, as a couple or family or as a group project.

Age Range: Over 18

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000