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University Group Volunteering

University groups have the opportunity to design their own volunteer experience in more than 40 countries around the world, tailoring the experience to their specific needs and desires.

With the proven ability to work with universities from the UK and around the world, GVI is able to develop programs alongside universities and department heads which will further reinforce and expand students’ knowledge of the curriculum. Hands on, field research will act as a bridge between the classroom studies and future jobs after graduation.

GVI understands the importance of health and safety for all of its volunteers. That is why we are able to boast of the large and experienced staff offered to volunteers throughout every step of their program, from the application process through the UK office staff to the in-country field staff, all are trained and required to follow the strictest of health and safety guidelines.

Case studies from some of the many educational groups we have worked with in the past can be provided upon request.

What do your students and curriculum gain from it?

Hands on research, education and exposure to long-term sustainability projects which are unable to be duplicated in the classroom - sometimes once in a lifetime opportunities!
Additional educational opportunities to enhance students’ development including TEFL courses, BTECs, leadership courses, team-building exercises, first aid training, and scientific field studies and research qualifications
Studies in cultural and adventure activities, such as language lessons, cooking classes, scuba diving certification and field guide training, can be offered during your trip as well as before or after
The up-close opportunity to join and assist on critical conservation and community projects in the field
Work alongside and be inspired by the project leaders, local community members, and our partners and staff
A proven safe, responsible, well-structured international program experience

Tailor-made Opportunities

GVI offers a specialised department which is dedicated to working with university groups and departments to design programs which meet your requirements and needs. Whether based on duration, project focus, cultural activities, team-building and leadership activities, or training and adventure courses, GVI can tailor-make your trip. Just because the trip has concluded and your group has returned home, does not mean the experience is over too. GVI is able to maintain the now established relationship between the project work and your university’s curriculum upon the group’s return home. Through the use of DVDs, blogs and newsletters, the group will be able to continue checking on the community to further see how their hard work positively affected the area.

Support and Services

GVI offers an extensive network of support and services to all university groups joining a program. Flight recommendations, insurance, equipment list, and travel advice on the local area are all offered by GVI, our partners and recommended providers. Every volunteer joining the group will be well-prepared for the program and project work as GVI will work with each university group member until this has been achieved.

Group Discounts for University Groups

For every 8 students joining a tailor-made program, one lecturer goes for free (not including flights or insurance)
GVI can also prepare familiarisation trips for lecturers or department heads wishing to visit project sites before bringing their group. If afterwards, you decide to book a group of 8 or more, we will refund 50% of your project fee.

If you are interested in finding out how GVI can help you put together the ideal international volunteering experience for your group please contact GVI at university-groups@gviworld.com or call our UK office on 01727 250250.

Additional Benefits

Volunteering is becoming more widely recognised as an integral piece of each student’s education as well as personal growth. The benefits begin with hands-on field experience, research training, cultural immersion, and leadership and team-building opportunities. Some additional benefits include:

BTECs

We are proud to offer the chance to complete a BTEC on a number of our programs. This unique course gives students the opportunity to gain a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate on five or ten week volunteering programs in a diversity of habitats around the world. Additional shorter BTECs in leadership are also available. Recognised and approved by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, although it will not gain you UCAS points, this qualification can help give you a stepping stone to a new career.

University Credit

Universities throughout the world have awarded credits to students who have completed a GVI program, therefore reinforcing the value of the expertise and knowledge that each program brings to a student’s education and future career. The additional benefit of internship opportunities and other qualifications also enhance GVI programs’ appeal to universities.

CV Improvement

GVI are one of the most well-respected volunteer organisations in the world and our high profile partners bring real credibility to our projects, courses and expeditions. We run a number of corporate social responsibility programs for companies around the world. As such, a GVI program on any student’s CV brings immediate advantages when competing to get into the world of work.