Let's Learn More About Global Volunteer Network (GVN)!

Founded in December 2000, Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand registered charity that places volunteers in the fields of education, environmental conservation, healthcare, HIV/AIDS education, orphanage work, and wildlife care. Following a trip to Africa, founder Colin Salisbury was inspired to create an international organization that worked hands-on with local communities while providing a challenging yet fulfilling experience for its volunteers.

In addition to volunteering opportunities, GVN holds fundraising hikes to augment existing community initiatives. Current hikes are planned to the Mt. Everest Base Camp, Machu Picchu, and Mt. Kilimanjaro, as well as a cycle challenge in Vietnam.

I recently had the chance to interview Erin Courtenay, Program Development Manager for GVN, who provided me with some wonderful insights into this organization—so let’s learn more about the great work being done worldwide by GVN and its volunteers!

GVN Volunteer in Kenya

Application

To apply, volunteers complete an online form for their preferred placement, whether it’s working with children in Vietnam, teaching in Kenya, or helping with turtle conservation in Costa Rica. Most volunteers won’t need to meet specific requirements, as GVN believes “people of all ages, skill levels and experience have something valuable to contribute to a community in need, whether it be through childcare, teaching basic subjects at school or physical work such as construction.”

Before arriving to the project site, volunteers are put in touch with a coordinator to provide support and guidance, to answer any questions or address concerns, and to make sure the volunteer is totally prepared for the service trip. As well, GVN supplies its volunteers with program guides addressing country information, placement, travel resources, visa application information, and other important topics. Photo galleries, videos, volunteer journals, and other web-based resources help GVN’s participants prepare for their travels.

Community Involvement and Volunteer Support

To ensure that the project is mutually beneficial to the volunteers, the community, and to GVN, the organization provides direct support to address any concerns that may arise, as well as to just keep in touch via email to make sure volunteers are happy, healthy, and having a great time doing some great work. While the volunteer is in-country, the Coordinator will periodically check in, while the majority of training, support, and supervision are provided by the host country partner.

GVN places a strong emphasis on what they call “local solutions to local problems.” Says Erin, “We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.” The organization continually improves its programs based upon feedback both from volunteers and from partner organizations, ensuring that together, they bring positive change to underserved communities.

Once volunteers return home, GVN requests feedback as well as photos or videos they’d like to share. To keep in touch, GVN sends out newsletters and emails about developing programs or those most in need of volunteers. As well, the GVN Foundation provides alumni the opportunity to fundraise for programs in which they participated; and in addition, the Changemakers Club allows volunteers to stay connected to their project and to GVN well after they’ve completed their trip.

Finally, when asked her favorite part of working with GVN, Erin says, “It is an amazing thing for me to work in an environment where I am inspired, humbled and motivated by our partner organisations, our volunteers and their amazing achievements. I started out as a volunteer myself and I enjoy staying connected to the work being done in so many communities around the world.”

Vietnam Youth Tour: Designed for 15—17-year-olds, the Vietnam Youth Tour “gives them the opportunity to immerse themselves in a developing country, experience another culture, and foster their personal growth, whilst helping communities in need.” A less intense version of the regular Vietnam program, this tour’s volunteers work with children in need, as well as in a local school. Cultural activities and excursions also are included in the program, which lasts for two weeks. Learn more about volunteering in Vietnam.

GVN Volunteers in Costa Rica

Young at Heart Tour: On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Young at Heart Tour provides international volunteer opportunities for the 50+ crowd. This 10-day trip “is a shorter and more intense experience than [the] standard program with the additional benefits of comfortable westernized accommodation, a local translator, as well as village and cultural tours.” With projects in central Vietnam, the Young at Heart Tour provides cultural immersion and childcare and education opportunities for its volunteers. Learn more about the Young at Heart Tour.

Medical Program in Rwanda: Directed toward medical professionals or volunteers on their way toward a medical career, this two-week or longer program offers placements in clinics throughout the country. This can include “patient consultation, general nursing, family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, dispensing medication and keeping patient records up to date.” In addition, placements are available for home-based care as well as HIV/AIDS blood testing and ARV distribution, counseling, and education. Learn more about volunteering in Rwanda.

Children’s Program in South Dakota: Volunteers in this program work with children aged four through eight at a youth center. Projects vary depending on the need and the volunteer’s skill sets, but can include arts and crafts, tutoring, organic gardening, food preparation, general administration, and fundraising. This program lasts two months or longer and is based on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. Learn more about volunteering in South Dakota.

Environmental Volunteering in the Philippines: With placements starting from two weeks, volunteers can work in a mangrove nursery, patrol and clean up beaches, and educate the community about the importance of marine conservation. Based in the Romblon province, this program is open to volunteers of all ages and skill levels. Learn more about volunteering in the Philippines.

View more GVN programs and read ratings and reviews!