Alternatives for Former GVI Volunteers
We were saddened to hear about the closure of GVI and the immediate cancellation of its programmes. As many volunteers have approached us looking for alternative opportunities, we've created this resource to help you find a suitable replacement. Whether you're looking to volunteer abroad, take part in marine or wildlife conservation, or join a teaching programme overseas, Gapforce offers a range of trusted, meaningful experiences designed to make a lasting impact.
Flexible, year-round start dates | Starting price: £950.00 | Duration: 2-4 weeks
Bali
English Teaching (Ubud):
Support local schools by helping students improve their conversational English through fun, interactive lessons and activities.
Sea Turtle Conservation (Nusa Penida):
Help protect endangered sea turtles by assisting with nest monitoring, hatchling releases, habitat conservation, and ongoing research, depending on the season.
Thailand
English Teaching (Hua Hin):
Help local students build their English skills through fun lessons, games, songs, and creative classroom activities.
Environmental Conservation (Hua Hin):
Support local conservation projects by taking part in mangrove restoration, tree planting, community clean-ups, and environmental education initiatives
Sri Lanka
Turtle Conservation (Ambalangoda):
Help care for endangered sea turtles by feeding and rehabilitating them, cleaning tanks, taking part in beach clean-ups, and, when in season, releasing hatchlings into the ocean.
Restoration & Renovation (Kandy):
Support local communities by helping restore temples, schools, and community spaces through painting, light construction, cleaning, and other renovation projects.
South Africa
Wildlife Conservation (Eastern Cape):
Contribute to conservation on a Big Five game reserve by assisting with wildlife monitoring, predator tracking, habitat restoration, vegetation management, and reserve patrols alongside experienced conservation teams.
Gain hands-on experience protecting marine ecosystems through coral reef restoration, reef health monitoring, marine species surveys, underwater data collection, and conservation research, all while earning internationally recognised dive certifications.
Thailand Marine Conservation
While living with fellow divers on the island of Koh Tao, you will participate in the following:
• Marine Life Surveys – identify and record fish species and other marine organisms to support biodiversity research.
Underwater
• Research & Data Collection – assist with scientific monitoring projects that contribute to ongoing marine conservation efforts.
• Beach & Ocean Conservation – participate in activities that help protect local marine environments and reduce human impact.
• Coral Reef Monitoring – survey and assess reef health by collecting data on coral coverage, marine life, and ecosystem changes.
Marine Scientist Training in Costa Rica
Experience a Costa Rican homestay in the quaint coastal town of Quepos and contribute to the following:
• Coral Reef Surveys – monitor reef health by identifying fish species, recording marine biodiversity, and collecting underwater scientific data.
• Coral Restoration – help measure, monitor, and maintain coral nurseries while learning coral propagation and restoration techniques.
• Shark Conservation – learn about shark ecology and population threats while supporting awareness and conservation initiatives.
Both of these courses have a Divemaster add-on for additional certifications and experience.
Game Ranger Course: Wildlife Conservation
Spend 8 weeks living on a Big Five game reserve while training to become a qualified field guide. Learn from experienced rangers through a mix of classroom sessions and hands-on conservation work, including wildlife tracking, game counts, habitat management, and reserve patrols. You’ll study animal behaviour, ecology, conservation management, and bush skills before completing your FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification.
What’s Included: Accommodation, meals, airport transfers, field guide training, study materials, First Aid Level 1 course, FGASA exam registration, and 24/7 support.
Thailand Marine Conservation with Divemaster
Spend 8 weeks training to professional Divemaster level in the crystal-clear waters of Koh Tao while gaining hands-on marine conservation experience. You will participate in the following:
• Marine Life Surveys – identify and record fish species and other marine organisms to support biodiversity research.
Underwater
• Research & Data Collection – assist with scientific monitoring projects that contribute to ongoing marine conservation efforts.
• Beach & Ocean Conservation – participate in activities that help protect local marine environments and reduce human impact.
• Coral Reef Monitoring – survey and assess reef health by collecting data on coral coverage, marine life, and ecosystem changes.
• Progress to Divemaster level.
It’s the kind of experience that builds confidence strengthens your CV and opens doors to careers in marine biology diving conservation and beyond.
Marine Scientist Training with Divemaster – Costa Rica
Experience a Costa Rican homestay in the quaint coastal town of Quepos. Earn your professional Divemaster qualification while gaining hands-on marine science and conservation experience. You will participate in the following:
• Coral Reef Surveys – monitor reef health by identifying fish species, recording marine biodiversity, and collecting underwater scientific data.
• Coral Restoration – help measure, monitor, and maintain coral nurseries while learning coral propagation and restoration techniques.
• Shark Conservation – learn about shark ecology and population threats while supporting awareness and conservation initiatives.
• Progress to Divemaster level.
We understand things happen. Through our membership of Protected Trust Services (PTS), we offer full financial protection for all customer money paid to us through Package Travel Regulations compliance and the PTS trust account.
Note: Gapforce is not connected to GVI and cannot advise on refunds, claims or the liquidation process. If you were affected by the GVI closure, you should follow official communication from GVI or the appointed liquidators regarding any payments, claims or outstanding bookings.
Small groups, big connections.
Experiences that shape you
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Adventure that gives back