.I arrived in the Seychelles feeling very excited and apprehensive about what the next 3 months would hold. When I arrived I had never dived in my life but as soon as I put on my cylinder on my back and got in the water it just felt right. I can’t explain in words how beautiful and calming diving in the Seychelles was. Before I arrived I looked at the sea and saw it as a vast mass of water but now I appreciate it for what life it holds. Sharks that make your heart race , the chilled out turtles , the graceful rays and the masses of colourful fish .What makes it more rewarding was the fact that I was able to identify the fish (through the science training we were given and exams we took) and start to notice their behaviour which made diving far more enjoyable . Furthermore it’s good to know that the survey dives that we conducted were creating valuable data and were giving us an insight into the health or the reef. It’s a great feeling knowing that our surveys are increasing the knowledge of the local reefs and thus helping to conserve these delicate ecosystems. I can now say that I am totally hooked on diving and can’t wait to get back in the water
GVI Seychelles was an amazing experience and I couldn’t have wished for a better 3 months, it far outstretched my expectations. The GVI staff were very professional and you could easily see their passion for the ocean, there knowledge was extensive and they were always there to help with any problems whether it being personal or in regards to the science training. The staff were also very friendly and made you feel very welcome especially in the 1st few days, when everything was new and a little overwhelming. As expedition life is so different to normal life, but you soon get used to it and never want to give up the simple way of living, who needs a TV when the ocean is a 10m walk ?!?
Top Memories
Island Hoping
Making new friends from around the world
Helping turtle hatchlings to the sea
Going to the local beach knowing know one else will be there , what more could you ask for ?
Hearing the waves from our huts
Watching the world go by in the hamocks
Diving
Global Vision International (GVI)
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What's this?
9.1 / 10
after 102 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
Program website: http://www.gviusa.com/
The GVI staff was so helpful and engaged from the beginning of the application process, to the actual program, and even now, months after I've finished. They made sure each and every one of the volunteers was safe and as comfortable as possible. I chose the childcare program in Fiji and after one very short month, I've realized I need to do more with this organization! Seeing how happy and thankful the locals were for our support ensured an overwhelming sense of personal satisfaction every night I laid my head to rest. This is truly a life changing experience and I have recommended it to every last person I've talked to about it, and will continue to do so. Just remember, this is a volunteer program and living conditions are very basic, so don't expect air conditioning and 5 star dining!
Program:
Location:
Posted: May 9, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: nataliestravels
Age:
24
The Thailand Elephant program was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I was so nervous about going on this trip because I had never travelled alone before, didn't speak the language, was not used to rustic living conditions. But none of those things were ever an issue on this trip. Everything about it had exceeded my expectations. There is a lot of physical labor and dirt involved and it requires passion and hard work. It is all worth it though. You can to learn and be around intelligent elephants and amazing volunteers. You learn so much about who you are as a person and what your relationship is with the world around you. Everyday on this program was so much fun! I wish I could have stayed longer! Going on this program is an experience you won't regret!
Program:
Location:
Posted: May 6, 2012
Overall:
10
Support:
9
Value:
10
By: shambodear
Age:
19
If you are looking for a mentally and physically challenging trip that will make a difference, I'd definitely recommend the GVI Kenya program. The training is tough and the living conditions are very basic, but the rewards are unsurpassable. If you're lucky, you should have many beautiful encounters with wild dolphins. We only saw a few but that's just the luck of the draw really, because just after we left they were out again in full force! I strongly recommend immersing yourself in the local culture and using your weekends off to hang out with the locals rather than at the regular tourist spots. My time on Wasini Island and in Old Town Mombasa was the best :)
Program:
Location:
Posted: April 27, 2012
Overall:
9
Support:
7
Value:
9
By: Lara Potgieter
Age:
23
Amazing, life changing, 6 months of my life that I will never forget. I was part of the Wildlife Research Expedition as an Intern for 6 months in the Limpopo Province. GVI was based at two camps Venetia Game Reserve and Karongwe Game Reserve. The first 5 week were spent in “basic” training mode learning how to identify and track animals, radio telemetry techniques and how to cook for over 25 people. I will never forget my first sighting of a wild elephant his name was Botswana and he was dust bathing at 6am in the morning in the creek bed in front of our tent. Then I moved to Karongwe. Seeing Zero their male pride lion for the first time was heart stopping, the smell of a month old giraffe kill I will never get out of my nose, the joy of seeing my first Porcupine, walking in on the cheetah boys, the thrill of my first leopard, and the unforgettable sound of Hyenas laughing as we spent the night camped in the river bed. I was taken on as Mountain intern and got to explore the magical Mariepskop Mountains, hiking to waterfalls, watching the sunset over Swadini Dam, catching frogs, learning how to measure a shrews foot. The staff are all fantastic some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated people you will ever meet they are passionate about what they do. My last night is etched into my mind driving along the road outside the reserve only to find the whole pride of lions sitting on the fence line getting ready for night time lion activities, the cubs being playful and Zero roaring in the distance.
Program:
Location:
Posted: April 26, 2012
Overall:
9
Support:
8
Value:
9
By: Apachecat
Age:
33
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