shareYou are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best Costa Rica has to offer!
We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:
- Have the opportunity to contribute to turtle conservation, working with children at orphanages or teaching English. You can also help out with construction, healthcare and agricultural projects such as working on a coffee cooperative.
- Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17860 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
- Recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
- Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
- Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
- Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.
Just choose a project and apply:
The Projects
Christmas and New Year
The Christmas and New Year project is specifically designed for volunteers who would like to travel to Costa Rica during the Christmas break and would like to be part of a very special holiday both for volunteers and the communities of San Jose. This weeklong tour will offer a range of activities and while the project starting on December 23 will focus on children’s programs, the second tour will have its main focus on an elderly care facility with one morning spent with kids at a local childcare centre. If you would like to participate in both, please just apply for one week and then let us know that you would like to attend the tour for both weeks.
Orphanage and Childcare
At the orphanage and childcare placements, volunteers will organise a variety of activities for the children, and assist with their school work. Volunteers are encouraged to use their skills and interests to develop music and dance, jewellery making, aerobics and arts & crafts work shops. Alongside the orphanage work, volunteers may also work in shelters, community centres or childcare facilities in impoverished housing areas, always working alongside severely underprivileged children.
Teaching English
At teaching English placements volunteers will teach children of all ages, and will also participate in cultural activities and recreational games. Our teaching placements are all situated in impoverished housing areas, and teaching normally takes place in a small community centre or Church.
Turtle Project
Volunteers will work with the endangered Olive Ridley, Leatherback Black and/or Green turtles along the gorgeous coastlines of Costa Rica. Both species' populations are in sharp decline due to over harvesting of eggs, beach development, fishing, pollution, and being killed for their meat and leather. The programs give you the chance to make an important contribution to the preservation of these species, assisting local communities who carry out conservation work and gaining first-hand knowledge into Costa Rica's biodiversity and culture.
Construction
Volunteers will work on one of our construction projects based in and around San Jose. These include renovation work (painting, plastering and repairs) and full construction projects (carpentry, masonry, laying tiles and plumbing). The construction placements are located in extremely impoverished housing areas or schools, and are guided by a Spanish speaking foreman, experienced in guiding international volunteers.
Coffee Cooperative
In our Coffee cooperative program, volunteers will assist with the sustainable production of coffee in a rural farming community, in the mountainous region of Costa Rica. Volunteers will assist with coffee-picking in the fields, roasting the beans and packaging the final product, alongside wider agricultural activities. As well as various agricultural activities, volunteers will also be involved in marketing of the coffee product to the wider market.
Healthcare - Health Education
Volunteers will work in either a residence for HIV positive people, or in an assisted living facility for very low income elderly residents. At the HIV residence, volunteers will provide companionship to patients and providing general help in the on-site clinic. Whilst a very rewarding position, volunteers should prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to work with terminally ill patients. At the assisted living facility, volunteers will provide companionship, assist with meals and the distribution of medication, and volunteers should be prepared to work with elderly patients.
Healthcare - Occupational Therapy
Volunteers will work at a non-residential centre for autistic adults to improve their life skills and help them function better in society. Individuals attending the centre have physical and mental disabilities of varying severity and need individual attention and care. Most of these individuals are independent and volunteers will mainly help around the centre by offering workshops, helping with daily physical therapy and simply spending time and chatting with the individuals at the centre.
Healthcare - Medical
Volunteers work in a medical setting, such as an ambulance service or a hospital. This project is for med students, pre-med students and qualified nurses or doctors. Volunteers for these projects require at least intermediate Spanish as the staff they will work with have limited English. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required.
Be The Change - Costa Rica
AUGUST 25 - 31, 2013
Facilitators, including Colin Salisbury, live in accommodation with all the Be The Change participants during the course and spend the entire week with the group.
The week starts with a discussion about how each participant wants to contribute to social change. From there, facilitators will take the group through a series of workshops designed to address the skills needed to start a nonprofit organization, development project and /or social enterprise.
The workshops are flexible and the facilitators will focus each workshop on those skills that will most benefit the group as a whole.
Gallery
Video
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is bordered by Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south, and by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the North Pacific Ocean to the West.
It features a diverse geography of mountains, craters, sandy beaches and great flowing rivers.
Development in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is considered one of the most stable and historic of democracies, with one of the highest life expectancies and living standards in the region.
Amidst the political instability of many nations in Latin America, Costa Rica has a thriving democracy and Costa Ricans promote peace and freedom of speech. Costa Rica, as a nation has been nominated twice for the Nobel Peace Prize. The honour of that sought-after accolade was given to Costa Rican former president Dr. Oscar Arias Sánchez in 1987, for his tireless efforts to bring peace to the Central American region during the 80s, when those nations were politically shattered by civil wars.
In the mid 1800's Costa Rican farmers began to plant coffee. The high altitude lands were blessed with excellent volcanic sediment which made coffee plantations thrive throughout the Central Valley. Coffee soon became the most important product in the country's economy. The export of "the bean of gold" as it soon became known, to Europe and the United States, earned Costa Rica a solid reputation as an excellent coffee exporter.
Coffee still remains core to the country’s economic stability, alongside other agricultural exports such as bananas, sugar and beef. However, there has been an increased focus on high value added goods and services, such as microchips and tourism in recent years.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Costa Rican communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, rural communities and school children.
Volunteers on the turtle programs are able to work with the endangered Leatherback (Baula) and Olive Ridley turtles along the unrivalled stretch of gorgeous Pacific and Caribbean beaches Costa Rica has to offer.
As a volunteer in Costa Rica you can provide love, affection, education and support to orphaned children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and HIV care. Depending on your interests you can also contribute to building projects in impoverished communities, or in a coffee plantation project. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Costa Rican communities.
What else can I do in Costa Rica?
Volunteers will also enjoy the cosmopolitan feel of the modern San Jose, the gateway to the natural rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica.
Volunteers can explore the city of San Jose, visit the Central Market or Artisanal Market, take a canopy tour, explore the region by taking part in a tour to a waterfall or visit a coffee plantation. And if all that’s not enough for you there’s always bungee jumping!
Spanish Lessons and Tandem Exchange Program
For your first week you will take Spanish lessons provided by our partner. These are taught by professional teachers, either certified in teaching Spanish as a foreign language or with their Masters in Education, and you will have two hours of lessons per day, either in the mornings, so that you spend the afternoons at your volunteer placement, or vice versa. Volunteers will also be provided with a Native Spanish Program book.
For the remainder of your stay you will take part in our partner's Tandem Exchange Program. This program pairs volunteers learning Spanish with a Costa Rican student who is learning English at their headquarters in San Jose. This way you practise Spanish with your partner for one hour a day, as well as provide invaluable practice for the Costa Rican student learning English. It's also a great way to get to know local students in San Jose. If you wish to extend your formal Spanish lessons beyond your first week, this can be arranged for an extra fee.
Please note that for the turtle and coffee programs the Tandem Exchange Program is not available as volunteers in these programs won’t be placed in San Jose. Intensive Spanish sessions before/after the program can be arranged.
Online Spanish Lessons
Global Volunteer Network has established a partnership with the Spanish school Instituto Exclusivo, which offers GVN volunteers a 5% discount off their online Spanish lessons. This is not like other courses which give you pages of web material or recordings of various phrases to repeat. You will speak to, and see your instructor as he/she is giving you a private lesson, tailored to your level of Spanish. Learn spanish before you go
Costs
How it works...
If your application is successful you will accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:
- Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
- Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
Program Package – from US$ 50 a day* ($300 Early Bird discount available)
Orphanage & Childcare, Teaching English, Occupational Therapy Programs
- 1 week: US $1497
- 2 weeks: US $1747
- 3 weeks: US $1997
- 4 weeks: US $2197
- 6 weeks: US $2497
- 8 weeks: US $2797
Turtle, Healthcare, Construction, Coffee Cooperative Programs
- 1 week: US $1497 (except turtle conservation)
- 2 weeks: US $1797
- 3 weeks: US $2097
- 4 weeks: US $2297
- 6 weeks: US $2697
- 8 weeks: US $3047
* Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
* Based on an 8 week placement
What You Get – Pre-Trip
- All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
- Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
- Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
- Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
- Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
- Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.
What You Get: While in Country
- Accommodation: Family-stay or on reserve accommodation.
- Meals: 3 meals daily
- Airport pickup: On arrival date.
- Training: In-country orientation and training.
- Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
- Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.
- Extra: Spanish lessons (one week), weekly Salsa lessons, internet usage at our partner's headquarters, a monthly volunteer party, and a certificate of completion from our partner organisation.
What You Get: Post-Trip
- An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
- Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
- A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service
What's Not Included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, project transportation, departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation, and entertainment.
Apply now for the Costa Rica Program:
Schedule
Program Schedule
Start Date: Every Monday of each month.
Volunteers need to arrive into San Jose the Sunday before this date, in order to attend orientation the following morning.
Length: 1 week - 6 months.
Hours: volunteers will be helping for 3-4 hours at their projects each day (Monday- Friday); except Turtle project.
Please note:
Volunteers on the Turtle program can volunteer anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. If you would like to take Spanish lessons and you are volunteering on the Turtle program, you need to arrive a week early.
The Occupational Therapy project will be closed during December 2012 and January 2013.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Tell me more about Costa Rica
Tell me more about the partner organisation?
Our partner organisation was founded in Peru in 2003, with their Costa Rica office opening in 2006. In addition to international volunteer programs they also have TEFL/TESOL Certification programs in Guatemala and Costa Rica, and offer English and Spanish courses. Their aim is for volunteers to experience Costa Rica's beautiful surroundings and build their proficiency in Spanish while at the same time helping an impoverished region of the country.
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
The country just about closes down during Semana Santa (Easter Week) and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day tends to be an unofficial holiday, especially in San José. Various towns celebrate their own saints’ days, like San José’s Day (Saint Joseph’s Day) is March 19, while Virgin of Los Angeles Day (the patron saint of Costa Rica) is August 2. Juan Santamaría’s Day on April 11 celebrates the national hero who helped see off William Walker in 1856, and Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day) on October 12, as elsewhere in the Americas, is a national holiday.
What age do you have to be to volunteer in this program?
To be a volunteer on the Costa Rica program with GVN you need to be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Volunteers will work in turtle reserves located along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts, working with the endangered Olive Ridley and Leatherback (Baula) turtles. Volunteers will be working on nightly beach patrols, tagging and relocating nests to nurseries amongst other tasks. There are also opportunities to volunteer in one of our childcare, construction, teaching, healthcare and ecological zoo programs.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
After you have joined the program, you will be sent the program guide with more details about the program and your Volunteer Coordinator will begin making arrangements for your placement. Once you’ve confirmed your placement, you’ll be put in touch with our partner organization.
What language do I need to know to participate in the program?
Volunteers need to be able to converse in English, with basic Spanish also a requirement for the turtle program, as you will be working with local staff who speak very little English. For those volunteering in the healthcare programs, volunteers will need to have a reasonable level of Spanish. We recommend volunteers try and learn at least a little Spanish before travelling to Costa Rica, however lessons will be provided for volunteers in the first week as part of your program fees.
How safe is it to volunteer in Costa Rica?
Tell me more about flying into Costa Rica.
Volunteers need to fly into San José’s Juan Santamaría international airport (SJO). You will be picked up from the airport by our partners.
When do I need to arrive in Costa Rica?
Volunteers need to arrive the Sunday before the Monday you start your placement.
Tell me more about the Spanish lessons
Included in your program fee, you will be given 1 week of Spanish lessons upon arrival. These last for 1-2 hours a day, and can be scheduled in around your volunteer schedule. After this, volunteers have the option of using our free Tandem Exchange with a local Costa Rican student. Volunteers will meet up with their exchange students and practise English and Spanish with each other.
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Volunteers will be accommodated in a local family-stay. All families selected for this are pre-approved, and the program fees cover breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through to Sunday. Most family-stays include a shared room and shared bath facilities, and many of the families have been hosting volunteers for years.
For those volunteering in the Turtle conservation program, you will be accommodated in either a local family-stay or on reserve accommodation, and you will be located on either the Pacific or Caribbean coastline, depending on the turtle season.
Where will I be located?
The turtle placements are located on Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts, according to the season, at different conservation beach areas. Most projects are located close to conveniences like internet cafes and volunteers can visit nearby beach towns during their free days.
For those working on the non-turtle programs, volunteers will be based in and around San Jose.
How do I get to the project?
You will be met at Costa Rica’s international airport and transferred to the capital San Jose, about 20 minutes away. The cost is included. You will then be taken to your accommodation ready to begin your orientation the following day.
For those volunteering on the turtle program, volunteers will spend 2 days of orientation in San Jose before boarding a public bus that takes you to your project site.
Please note: Your daily transportation to and from your project site by taxi or bus is not included in the the fees.
How many volunteers are there on the site at the same time?
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
Volunteers will be given an orientation of tourist places when you arrive. You can travel by local buses to most of the tourist attractions. Any sightseeing will be at your own expense and days off for sightseeing can be negotiated with the partner.
Due to the isolated nature of the turtle reserves and the fact that volunteers work 6 days a week on the turtle program, we recommend that you allow yourself time to see more of Costa Rica either before or after volunteering.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Volunteers will work Monday- Friday for roughly 3-4 hours a day. For those on the turtle program, volunteers will work 6 days a week, with one free day to leave the reserve. Depending on the season, volunteers may work night and day, doing shifts of 2-4 hours and then resting. The hours of work can vary due to the nature of the program. Days off are negotiable with the director of the project.
What is the course content of the training/orientation session?
The welcome pack contains the following information: safety in Costa Rica, travelling around, registration with the Embassy (if required), culture shock, what it means to volunteer in conservation, rules of the National Park, work involved in turtle conservation, revision of the code of conduct or termination of contract, and what to do in case of a natural disaster. On arrival to the turtle reserve you will be given a more detailed orientation about the work required by a park ranger.
How do I pay my fees?
Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Dress needs to be conservative, and light loose clothing is advisable as it is most comfortable in the heat. For those working on the turtle program, it is best to wear clothes that will cover and protect you from the sun and mosquitoes. Bring very light cotton clothes because it could be very wet. Dark clothing is also required, as you’ll often be working at night.
Are there any more expenses when I arrive?
You need extra money to travel locally if you wish to. You may also need to cater for other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment. Please note: Your daily transportation to and from your project site by taxi or bus is not included in the fees.
Do I need an entry visa (and how do I obtain this)?
Is there any time of year when I can’t volunteer?
No, the program is open all year round.
What is the climate like in Costa Rica?
What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network?
No, our volunteers come from all around the world.
Can vegetarians be catered for in this program?
We are able to provide vegetarian food - please indicate on your application form if you would like this. You may need to supplement your diet with some snacks.
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Do I need travel insurance?
All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/
Volunteer Diaries
La playa secreta
Sunday, May 19th, 2013
Today Rebecca, Katya, Carlos, Freddy and I took a trip to San Juanillo to pick up a kilo of camarones and check out the segunda secreta playa. We stopped in at the supermercado in Nosara for picnic supplies, and at Carlos’ for hammocks (the guy is a BYO hammock obsessive- he really likes lying down). [click here to read more]
Slack lining
Sunday, May 19th, 2013
Our new volunteer Rebecca is a super keen yoga enthusiast. An extension of her practice is slack lining. It’s kind of like walking on a tightrope but the line can be put up anywhere and has a bit of bounce in it. The idea is that you get balance and core-strength, and eventually you can [click here to read more]
Thursday 16th April
Thursday, May 16th, 2013
So that is it then my time volunteering has come to an end! I returned from Ostional this afternoon after a bus journey which should of taken about 3 hours and instead took 6! I decided to return a day early so that I wouldn’t be rushing about tomorrow getting ready to leave first thing [click here to read more]
Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
As a volunteer in Costa Rica you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have no major health problems
- A reasonable level of fitness is required for the Turtle and Construction programs
- A medical qualification may be required for the Healthcare program
- Basic Spanish for the Turtle and Coffee programs, intermediate Spanish for Healthcare program
- Obtain a satisfactory police check from your home country prior to volunteering
Volunteer Feedback
My experience in Costa Rica with the various projects that I participated in was a memorable one. I felt that I was constantly surrounded by marvelous and diverse people. Working with turtles is an experience that has changed my life and opened my eyes to their wondrous world. Costa Rica is full of beauty and it was an awesome experience to be able to live there and work toward preserving the nature and wildlife. Being able to live in National parks and work there was a humbling opportunity. I am forever grateful for this opportunity! I hope to be able to return and volunteer again in the future.
Faith
Everything has been great here in Montezuma! Our main focus these last few weeks has been building a new hatchery here for the turtles on the coast, which we have almost finished! We have also been clearing trails, building bridges, and repairing systems for our new volunteer camp. It really is SO beautiful here and we absolutely love Montezuma as well. We went on a little trip to Arenal/Monteverde/and Tamarindo this last week and that was great, but for now we're back at our refuge volunteering. Thank you for checking in with us, we're having a wonderful time!
- Hayley
First off I would like so say THANK YOU so much for everything you did!!! you made moving from project to project simple and easy!! So thank you! you made my trip perfect!
As for the projects themselves! I have heard horrible things about other organizations but I will honestly say that GVN is organized and well prepared! There is always someone to contact and answer questions!
The in water turtles project was unreal! It’s an experience every volunteer should do! It opened up my eyes to a lot! Not just the project but the environment and community offered some amazing experiences too!
It would be wonderful to be able to do it again! I would definitely go through GVN and recommend it to friends! thanks again for everything!!!!!
- Emily
Everything here is fantastic! I dont want to leave!!! We have caught so many turtles and seen so many babies hatch! The whole place is beautiful and having a really great time!
- Claire
So far I have helped about 350 baby turtles and I love Costa Rica. The Ticos are beautiful people the work here is good and so are the people in charge. I am going to have a lot to remember when I go home about the pura vida. Thanks so much for allowing me to share in this experience.
- Rachel
Articles
News From Costa Rica
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner's staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
"I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network."Bill Gates
Newsweek Web
10 Reasons to Volunteer
Enter your name and email below to receive your copy of our report on the Top 10 benefits of international volunteering.
Ripples of Difference eBook
Enter your name and email below to receive your copy of the Ripples of Difference e-book.
 |
Member of Wango World association of non- governmental organizations |
 |
GVN Foundation has special United Nations Consultative Status |
 |
 |
© 2000-2013 Global Volunteer Network
|
|
