Gap Year Volunteering | GVI UK

If you are planning on taking a gap year, GVI run a number of experiences that can be all you want from a gap year or can make up part of a wider experience. We are known for our volunteering programmes so if you want to volunteer on your gap year you have come to the right place. We have gap year programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe and Central America.

Opportunities that are perfect for a gap year include our volunteer projects and expeditions. Volunteer projects allow you to volunteer as part of a smaller group. Volunteer projects normally allow a lot of opportunity to experience your surrounding location in your free time. Depending on your chosen location you can choose to stay in a homestay to learn a new language, take some adventure courses over the weekend or combine it with another GVI program in another country.

Our expeditions are for those seeking a bit more adventure. The key components of a GVI expedition focus on exploration, travel and complete cultural immersion. Explore the world on a GVI expedition and find yourself in some of the most remote and dramatic locations in the world. Work and live closely with an international group of volunteers on a broad range of conservation and community issues.

Join our community to see what other people are choosing to do with GVI on their Gap Year or have a look at some of their favorites below

Program: Community and Conservation Expedition in Kenya

Introduction: Located in the beautiful Shimoni Archipelago, experience the areas amazing coral reefs, white sandy beaches, coastal forests and friendly local communities. Our work here is multi-focused which is ideal for those looking for experience in marine research, primate research and community development.

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Program: Marine Conservation Expedition in Mexico

Introduction: Travel to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and join forces with GVI’s marine conservation expedition, earn your PADI diving certificate while working on and monitoring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.

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Program: Volunteer Adventure Holiday in Seychelles

Introduction: Volunteer to assist the local government with crucial wildlife and terrestrial conservation projects in the stunning Seychelles Islands. But no trip to Seychelles – a true paradise on earth location – would be complete without seeing what all the fuss is about. Included is a 4-day getaway to the exclusive Bird Island resort for 4-days, an unforgettable end to your time volunteering abroad.

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Program: Conservation and Kruger Adventure Holiday

Introduction: Travel to the home of the Big Five in the South African bush, assisting our team's important conservation research, a project that gives you a real and unfiltered look into Africa's incredible iconic wildlife. Your hard work will not be without its rewards however, as you top off your African adventure in style with a 4-day safari in the famous Kruger National Park.

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Program: Thailand Coastal Marine Expedition

Introduction: Travel to the stunning coastal province of Phang Nga, an area that encapsulates the very meaning of “dramatic”, home to incredible islands and an abundance of natural beauty, which you will assist in the conservation of as a hands on member of an international team.

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Not fancy any of those? We've got about 100 more! Search for more gap year projects...