Our Partners

Thailand’s Non-Formal Education Commission works in extension with Thailand’s Ministry of education to promote lifelong learning opportunities among non-traditional students to enable them to search for knowledge and to apply it in their real life. The commission also extends its services to those underprivileged who lack the opportunity in basic education. The Ao Luk Non-Formal Education Centre serves to provide learning opportunities for members of the community who are unable to complete a traditional education due to poverty, work obligations, or family. The centre serves as a learning centre as well as an office for teachers who travel to remote communities to provide educational opportunities for all.

Intensive TEFL Courses - ITC offers weekend TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses designed to provide a 20 hour intensive training session that will give you an insight into the concept of teaching, even if you have never taught before. The perfect training in preparation for overseas volunteer work!

KESCOM represents a national integrated approach to sea turtle conservation promoting community participation in various conservation activities that include research and monitoring, public awareness and advocacy.

Rainforest Concern was established as a registered charity in 1993 to protect the world's tropical rainforests and the incredible biodiversity they contain, together with the indigenous people who still depend on them for their survival.

Founded by Dian Fossey in 1978 to save the Gorillas. Dedicated to the conservation of gorillas and their habitats in Africa through anti-poaching, regular monitoring, research, education and support of local communities, DFGFI uniquely continues to promote the ideals and vision of Dr. Dian Fossey.

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering research of chimpanzee behavior -- research which transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Today, the Institute is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. It also is widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has groups in more than 90 countries.

SANParks is one of the world's leading conservation and scientific research bodies and a leading proponent of maintaining the indigenous natural environment.

The mission of the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education amp Rainforest Conservation is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics.

The mission of the Canadian Organization for Tropical Education & Rainforest Conservation is to provide leadership in education, research, conservation, and the educated use of natural resources in the tropics. See www.coterc.org for more information.

GVI invites Museum technicians to collect data and specimens for their collections and specific research on Ecuadorian flora and fauna. The museum offers expertise in field species identification and distribution of most animal groups and plants, survey techniques, and sampling methods. They also help train GVI staff and Expedition Members both in the field, and at work shops in the museum.

Amigos de Sian Ka'an (ASK) were established in 1986 and are a Mexican non-profit NGO which channels funding from the private sector into projects that support the conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of ecological processes for the well being of present and future generations. It works within the state of Quintana Roo as well as collaborating with regional and international partners throughout the Mesoamerican region.

Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (National Commission of Protected Natural Areas) CONANP, is a governmental body that manages 150 areas of federal property (17.8 million hectares) in Mexico with the aim of regional sustainable development for the conservation of their ecosystems and biodiversities.

The Seychelles Centre for Marine Research and Technology (SCMRT) was merged with the Marine Parks Authority in 2003 (forming SCMRT-MPA). The focus of the organisation is a sustainable ocean through research, conservation and management with overall management by the Ministry of Environment. SCMRT is the research wing of the organisation and is involved in numerous areas of marine research. The amalgamated MPA is responsible for the management of the 7 Marine National Parks of the Seychelles. SCMRT-MPA is our main partner in the Seychelles and our extensive coral reef research programme is undertaken on their behalf. GVI’s Seychelles Expedition is also based at their research centre, within the Baie Ternay Marine National Park.

The Marine Conservation Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) is an NGO that focuses on marine conservation topics implemented through research, management and training. It undertakes research into various aspects of the marine environment and currently focuses on whale sharks and marine turtle research, with an extensive seasonal programme of monitoring. MCSS also run an environmentally protective mooring programme, reducing the risk of anchor damage to the reefs. They were also involved in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory. GVI has been working with MCSS since our start in the Seychelles and now undertake several projects on their behalf: plankton sampling, in-water turtle monitoring, seasonal beach patrols (for nesting turtles) and other smaller ventures as required. They are also part of GVI’s Career Opportunities programme, so volunteer placements with MCSS may be possible after completion of the GVI Expedition.

The Marine Conservation Society of the Seychelles (MCSS) is an NGO that focuses on marine conservation topics implemented through research, management and training. It undertakes research into various aspects of the marine environment and currently focuses on whale sharks and marine turtle research, with an extensive seasonal programme of monitoring. MCSS also run an environmentally protective mooring programme, reducing the risk of anchor damage to the reefs. They were also involved in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory. GVI has been working with MCSS since our start in the Seychelles and now undertake several projects on their behalf: plankton sampling, in-water turtle monitoring, seasonal beach patrols (for nesting turtles) and other smaller ventures as required. They are also part of GVI’s Career Opportunities programme, so volunteer placements with MCSS may be possible after completion of the GVI Expedition.

The Nature Protection Trust of the Seychelles is a non-profit NGO based on Silhouette Island (where we have our satellite camp). The NPTS works to conserve the biodiversity of the Seychelles through conservation and research and has been involved in a diverse range of research projects. It’s activities range from giant tortoise and terrapin captive breeding programmes to the conservation of endemic invertebrate and plant species. On behalf of the NPTS we have conducted continuous monitoring of the nesting hawksbill turtles at Grande Barbe beach on Silhouette, throughout a complete nesting season. We are now moving our attentions to the nesting season of the green turtle, together with terrapin monitoring and other terrestrial projects.

The SZP were instrumental in the formation of the Seychelles Marine Mammal Observatory (SMMO). They have been involved in developing cetacean monitoring in Seychelles waters for the last two years in co-ordination with MCSS, SFA and SCMRT-MPA. Their website provides identification guides for marine mammals of the Seychelles and additional information in French. As participants of the SMMO, GVI document all cetacean sightings made during the course of our research programme, the data from which is submit to the SMMO to help build a better picture of marine mammal activity in Seychelles waters.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) has divided the country up into 11 Conservation Areas. The GVI Costa Rica expedition is based outside Tortuguero and comes under the jurisdiction of ACTo – Tortuguero Conservation Area. MINAE and ACTo are responsible for the overall management, conservation and law enforcement of the Tortuguero National Park and neighbouring Barra Colorado Wildlife Refuge and GVI works closely with them on three various projects; 1) Jaguar predation of sea turtles, 2) Tourist Impact Assessment of aquatic canals and terrestrial trails and 3) Tourist Feedback study on visits to the National Park.

In 1903 the explorer Perito Moreno donated land to the Argentine state in order for it to be protected. This became the first ever National Park in Argentina: the origins of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. There are now 34 protected areas (3,584 414 hectares) within Argentina and the Administración de Parques Nacionales Argentina is the governmental body responsible for managing these lands. It aims to preserve national heritage through the protection of species, the education of man and the sustainable use of resources.

Parque Nacional Lanín was founded in 1937 in order to provide protection for the ecosystems and species within its boundaries, some of which are found in no other part of Argentina. The Park covers 412,000 hectares of land, containing diverse habitats from cane to coniferous forests. The 7 native communities that still live in the Park are strongly involved in the management of the land. Located in the province of Neuquén, northern Patagonia, the Lanín volcano dominates the view from all aspects, reaching 3776m.

ReefBase is the world's premier online information system on coral reefs, and provides information services to coral reef professionals involved in management, research, monitoring, conservation and education. Their goal is to facilitate sustainable management of coral reefs and related coastal/marine environments, in order to benefit poor people in developing countries whose livelihoods depend on these natural resources.

Project AWARE Foundation is the dive industry’s leading non-profit organisation committed to conserving underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Project AWARE accomplishes its mission by involving divers and volunteers in environmental activities like International Cleanup Day, Dive In To Earth Day and the International Whale Shark Project.

Kruger2Canyons.com is a comprehensive guide to the Central Lowveld area of South Africa, encompassing the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest in the world) and the Kruger National Park. The site describes the rationale behind the region's protection as a UN Biosphere, and offers resources on its ecology, history and social development.

The Whole Planet Foundation's mission is to create economic partnerships with the poor in those developing-world communities that supply Whole Foods Market stores with product. The mission is achieved through innovative assistance for entrepreneurship, including direct micro-credit loans and tangible support for other community partnership projects. The Whole Planet Foundation represents a significant expansion of Whole Foods Market’s mission to actively participate in our communities. With more than 175 stores, we now have the scale and scope to give back to the global community. The creation of this foundation directly connects Whole Foods Market customers and Team Members to the villages in developing countries that supply us with products. Establishing these community partnerships will contribute to the economic well being of everyone involved. From the beginning, entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force behind Whole Foods Market's success. In keeping with that spirit, the Whole Planet Foundation is dedicated to helping families escape poverty by providing them with access to capital which they can use to start their own small businesses.

1st class education programmes in outdoor living skills, natural history and ancient technology. Twenty different courses to suit all levels and areas of interest.

WildlifeCampus is an international on-line educational initiative offering an enormous choice of courses covering the spectacular diversity of life found on our planet and specifically on African savannas.

London Scuba is one of the largest providers of scuba diving training in the UK, having trained 5000 people since its creation.

Matador is a meeting place. It’s a place for you to express yourself, tell others about your adventures, get meaningful travel advice, and take inspiration from the beautiful and remarkable things others like you have discovered all across the globe.

Expedition Medicine & Leadership (EML) Provide quality training for expedition, wilderness, high altitude, mountain, remote and polar medicine practitioners. Suitable for doctors, wilderness EMT's, first responders, nurses and individuals providing medical cover in remote or inhospitable environments far from help.

The Green Directory was set up in early 2005 as a guide to a wide variety of eco-friendly products and services available around Australia and beyond. The directory now provides easy-to-access information to many thousands of visitors each month, while maintaining a valuable web presence for the promotion of organisations and businesses with an ethical and environmentally sustainable focus.

The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent, not for profit organisation that promotes responsible fishing practices. The MSC's eco-label demonstrates that the seafood contained in this product is from a well-managed and sustainable fishery which is not being overfished or harvested in ways that harm the ocean ecosystem.

Celtic Diving is situated on the beautiful coastline of Pembrokeshire National Park and offers Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Regular Dive Boat Charter and Equipment Sales.

Juniper GIS Services - Helping organizations succeed with GIS through hands-on computer training and GIS consulting services. ESRI-authorized classes and custom classes. Click here for details of GVI's collaboration with Juniper GIS.

Passionate, irreverent, positive, fun New Consumer Magazine exists to champion fair trade and ethical living throughout the world, and to ultimately change consumer and business behaviour by illustrating the ethical alternative.

An ex-volunteer and talented photographer and film-maker, Nathan Golon continues to work closely with our indigenous projects in Guatemala.

Want to save the Planet? Make it your job! With hundreds of advertisers and over 26,000 subscribers environmentjob.co.uk is the UK's No.1 website for jobs, courses and events in the environmental sector.

The Sisal Multidisciplinary Teaching and Investigation Unit (or Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, UMDI-Sisal), a branch of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México's (UNAM) Faculty of Science, is located in the fishing port of Sisal, in the north of Yucatan State, Mexico. UMDI-Sisal aims to nurture students in the diverse fields of ecology and biology of coastal zone organisms, develop high level scientific research that can contribute knowledge as a base for management of coastal zones, support regional development through transferring that knowledge to social, governmental and private sectors, and initiate appropriate strategies for the management and conservation of coastal resources

The UK's fastest growing shark and marine conservation organisation. Learn about endangered sharks and threatened fish species plus global marine conservation issues.

GVI is a member of the Year Out Group. Year Out Group is a not for profit organisation that is an association of UK registered organisations that specialise in organising years out or careers breaks abroad. It was formed in 1998 to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programmes, to promote models of good practice and to help young people and their advisers in selecting suitable and worthwhile projects.

All the member organisations are carefully vetted on joining and provide annual confirmation that they continue to abide by the Group’s Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines. The suggestions and guidelines included on this website have been produced by Year Out Group and are intended both for students and their advisers. Please see the code of conduct which GVI complies with here: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/code-yog.htm).

GVI is a member of IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language). IATEFL link, develop and support English Language Teaching professionals throughout the world.

The British Educational Travel Association (BETA) is the umbrella body representing producers and suppliers of youth, student and educational travel related products. BETA has raised awareness of this important, yet previously under-represented sector and created an environment that encourages enhanced trading between organisations and better access to government departments, and other public sector bodies.

Responsibletravel is an on-line travel agent launched in 2001 for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. We market carefully pre-screened holidays from over 270 leading worldwide tourism brands and businesses. We do not act as a middleman - you can use the site to contact the experts who run the trips and hotels directly to make a booking

The International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) is an alliance of nonprofit, non-governmental organizations based in the Americas, that are involved in international volunteer and internship exchanges. IVPA encourages excellence and responsibility in the field of international volunteerism and promotes public awareness of and greater access to international volunteer programs.

TIES promotes responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry, educating tourists and tourism professionals, and influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies.

The Travel Foundation is an independent UK charity that aims to help the outbound travel industry manage tourism more sustainably. It offers a unique resource to the tourism industry, helping to safeguard resources on which business depends and balancing the need for sustainability with profitability.

GVI have teamed up with Climate Care to help repair the biggest environmental impact of our trips - greenhouse gases emissions from air travel. Climate Care is an organisation which funds projects with the specific aim of making reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas concentrations, in order to reduce climate change. Whenever GVI staff take a flight, the emissions from the travel will be 'offset' through Climate Care - making our air travel climate neutral. This is done by funding projects across the world that reduce greenhouse gases through green energy or rainforest restoration.

Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a non-profit medical & research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers and is associated with Duke University Medical Center. Global Vision International are affiliate members of DAN and work in partnership to promote safe diving through research, education, products and services.

The World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (WANGO) is an international organization uniting NGOs worldwide in the cause of advancing peace and global well being.

Cotswold Outdoor Ltd, the UK 's most respected retailer of specialist outdoor clothing and equipment, is delighted to be associated with Global Vision and look forward to helping volunteers prepare for their adventure.

Our enthusiastic staff are the most knowledgeable in the business. We deal with numerous groups and individuals preparing for expeditions.

In each of our 17 locations, online and through mail order you'll find the best equipment made by The North Face, Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, Mountain Hardware, Lowe Alpine, Craghoppers, Sprayway… (the list goes on!) at great prices and informed, honest, impartial and friendly advice.

Visit our website to order online and for maps and location details of our 17 stores or order via mail order on 01666 575 576.

Launched in 2001, ‘Know Before You Go’ is an ongoing travel safety campaign run by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). It encourages British nationals to be better prepared for their overseas trips with a view to avoiding common travelling traumas, risks and dangers. GVI is a partner of the campaign and fully supports its aims. Click here for more info.

With 35 years experience of arranging travel, WEXAS has built an excellent relationships with airlines, hotels and tour operators. Using the buying power of 30,000 members, they negotiate the lowest prices for your planned itinerary and professionally manage arrangements on your behalf. WEXAS will provide a complete travel service to the GVI volunteer. Their staff will help you research and plan your trip to make sure your ideas come together and ensure you get value for money.

Nomad Travel Stores & Clinics specialise in kitting out people who enjoy travel and the outdoors with clothing, equipment, travel health products and advice (vaccinations, antimalarials & medicines). Nomad also produces a specially tailor made personal medical kit for GVI volunteers. They have 5 shops and clinics in London, Southampton and Bristol, and for more information, the online shop and the travel health zone visit their website: www.nomadtravel.co.uk. If you have any travel health queries, call into one of the clinics or speak to Nomad medical professionals on their Travel Health Info Line: 0906 8633414 (calls costs 60p per minute, during office hours). As a GVI volunteer you are entitled to a special 15% discount off all clothing, equipment and vaccinations; your discount code is shown in your field manuals or you can call GVI in order to be given the appropriate code.

Travel CUTS is a North American travel agent which was founded over 40 years ago to provide travellers with opportunities to travel and enhance their education. Volunteers booking through Travel CUTS can receive discounted airfares offering extended stays and flexible return dates, as well as all of the traditional services you'd expect or need.

GVI have linked with Australia Zoo Travel, providing you with the best possible service for international and domestic travel.

With Australia Zoo as their backyard, the team of experts at Australia Zoo Travel is your number one stop when it comes to travel needs - especially when you're planning a visit to the Home of the Crocodile Hunter. There's nobody who can give you more inside tips and information to help you plan your trip. If you want unique experiences and once-in-a-lifetime moments on your next holiday, contact Australia Zoo Travel for your flights, transport, accommodation, sightseeing needs and more.

Publish over 650 guidebooks in 14 different languages. Lonely Planet covers every corner of the planet. and also offer a range of services to aid and inspire travellers at home or on the road.