Whilst at university studying Zoology I always knew I wanted to be out in the field seeing it with my own eyes. Once finishing my degree my drive to continue my studies as a postgraduate were still strong however I was unsure what area to concentrate on. After looking into several volunteer operations abroad I found GVI. What caught my attention immediately was the opportunity of not only a 3 month expedition but also the opportunity to continue on in a staff position for another 3 months. The Kenya expedition also involved marine, terrestrial and community aspects which I hoped would lead me to deciding what area I wished to continue into.

I had an experience that I will never forget and also a new direction in life. When I left university I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and so came to do something I had an interest in. By the time I left I knew that I wanted to work in conservation and the environment in some capacity. But I had also developed as a person. I became more sure of myself, leading surveys and taking training built up my people skills and my confidence. However, most of all I have memories that will last forever and also have met so many amazing people.

Andy joined the Mexican expedition in Pez Maya as a paying expedition member. By profession Andy is a mathematician, and has a maths degree from Britsol University . After a successful internship Andy applied to become a full time paid staff member and joined the staff team in Mexico.

I knew I would enjoy this, if only because it’s so different from what I used to do. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed it much, much more than I expected. The way it’s arranged means you don’t get overwhelmed from the start. I enjoyed my time as a volunteer, slowly learning how things work. But there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that you never get to see as a volunteer. Everyday is different.

I have always wanted to experience the Amazon rainforest and South America with it’s fascinating history and culture. The expedition in Ecuador had interesting projects running and spending time there learning the relevant skills, they could then be taken away with me and applied at home or elsewhere. My graduate paper focused on frogs and I really wanted to learn how to survey with pitfalls first-hand, with the hope that I could use the technique for further studies in Sweden. The experience gained through working on the butterfly and bird projects can also be applied in Sweden

Tim Warner, a professional photographer, with a photograph he took during his trip with GVI.

So I've been here in Ao Luk for nearly 5 months now and what an incredible 5 months it has been. It hasn't always been easy. It's been a bit of a roller coaster sometimes of emotions, fun, challenges, hurdles, rewards, laughter (lots of it!), mishaps (and I've had a few!! - and not too few to mention either!!) together with acclimatising to new ways of living, new ways of eating and very hot and humid weather with the occasional tropical downpour to drown you and cool down the air. But I wouldn't change anything. And to top it all off I also now have my TEFL qualification to show for all my hard work