GVI: Volunteer in Thailand

I chose to do a GVI Program because it sounded like a once in a lifetime experience. I had never been to Thailand nor had I ever interacted with turtles before, so this sounded like an exceptionally unique opportunity. In the program we cleaned and medicated turtles, conducted biodiversity surveys and did beach profiling among other things. The staff were lovely and everyone felt like family which created a really nice environment at base. Volunteering with GVI increased my knowledge on conservation tenfold, and I have been able to tell my friends and family so much about how to be more environmentally conscious. I loved the programme and extended my stay for two more weeks! My GVI experience definitely improved my team working skills and my ability to thrive in new environments. Overall I would highly recommend GVI, especially the Thailand turtle conservation programme as I had a wonderful time!

I joined a GVI project in Chiang Mai concerned with elephant conservation. I was impressed that the community was at the heart of the project and the links between volunteers and locals went deep. The volunteers were knowledgeable about elephant behaviour and welfare and were collecting useful data. I learned some of the local language and culture whilst there. Accommodation was with families in the village set in the hills near the National Parks to the west of Chiang Mai. A life-changing experience!

I spent the best month of my life volunteering for the healthcare program in Phang Nga, Thailand. The staff and the way that the base was run was superb - I felt well supported during my program! It was hard work but so rewarding, and I will carry the connections I made with the community and fellow volunteers with me forever. Whilst the weeks were super busy doing community work, weekends involved travelling around southern Thailand with my new friends. It was the perfect combination of hard work, personal development and lots of fun. I would recommend to anyone looking for a challenge and an experience of a lifetime.

My experience with GVI in Phang Nga was incredible. The relationships I built with fellow participants, staff, and members of the local community in such a short space of time was amazing. Being able to fully immerse myself in the local culture, while still helping to deliver an education to children was an experience I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to participating in another GVI programme in a different part of the world as either a volunteer, intern, or staff member. All make possible through the Ambassador programme!

Volunteering for GVI Phang Nga was one of the best experiences of my life. It exceeded all my expectations! I have learnt so much in my time here about fish, coral, turtles, beaches etc. but more importantly I felt supported and looked after all the way. The staff at GVI are so helpful and they really did make me and the other volunteers feel like we were a family. Each day was filled with smiles and laughter, and even only after 2 weeks, I feel as if I have made lifelong friends. I have only been with GVI for 2 weeks, however GVI has definiitely affected the way I see the world around me. In the future I hope to be more diligent in protecting the environment- for example picking up rubbish , and minimising the plastic I use every day. I was always passionate about the environment and the amazing world we live in but GVI has given me new motivation as I have seen the extent of the problem, but I have also witnessed how much progress can be made when we all work together.

I absolutely loved my time in Chiang Mai with GVI. I spent a month volunteering, which involved elephant hikes, base activities, interacting with the local community, learning the local language, mornings at the nursery and so much more. The staff are so incredibly helpful, kind and caring and only care about your health, safety and enjoyment on the programme. I cannot recommend GVI enough and Chiang Mai is the perfect place for anyone looking for adventure, whether it’s solo or group travels. I will definitely be back in the future!

In October, I volunteered for a week with GVI Phang Nga, as part of Go Overseas' On the GO site visits perk for team members!

I spent half the week participating in the conservation project and the rest of the week with the community project, helping with English lessons. The staff on base are so knowledgable and passionate about what they do, and really care about the volunteers and the community.

1 week did not feel long enough for volunteering, so I do recommend staying longer if you can, to help make a more positive impact.

I will always cherish my time in Ban Nam Khem and miss getting Thai iced teas from the shop across from base :)

In September 2022 I volunteered with GVI Chiang Mai for 3 weeks. I got to experience so many incredible things and I made memories that will last a lifetime. Seeing elephants in their natural forest homes was awe inspiring and seeing their relationship with the local village and mahouts was eye opening. I really enjoyed living in a homestay and developing a close bond with my host family, teaching in the nursery became a weekly highlight and seeing Gibbons in the forest was truest special. I fell in love with the village and the project there and can’t wait to return to keep helping the project move forward. Would highly recommend to anyone who loves conservation and community work.