Global Volunteer Network - FAQ

Volunteering abroad has expenses attached as we partner with local organizations who are attempting to help their communities. These communities are poverty-stricken, and many people do not have the money to feed their families properly, afford health care, or send their children to school. The communities themselves are in need of infrastructure and support.  Therefore these families and our partners are unable to pay foreign volunteers to come and assist, or able to provide financial support volunteers whilst they help.

Volunteers pay a program fee which covers their food and accommodation; the partner organizations local staff (who supervise volunteers and keep our partner organizations going); and assists with rebuilding and helping the local community.  There is a set amount which goes towards supporting the volunteer while they are in their placement, and ensuring that they are safe and well supervised.

The Global Volunteer Network was set up by Colin Salisbury, its founder and director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers can make in helping local organizations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organizations around the world and was amazed at how expensive some programs were and how limiting many were in terms of volunteer options. The Global Volunteer Network was launched in December 2000 with the aim of providing quality placements for volunteers.

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.

We are currently offering volunteer placements through our partner organizations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam. If you are interested in volunteering abroad I suggest that you subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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.

We have been verified by Idealist, which is the largest volunteer portal on the internet. This verification means that Idealist have viewed and approved our certification. We are a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organizations. 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.

No, our volunteers come from all over the world.

The majority of our volunteers come from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. We also have smaller numbers of people from Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries from all over the world.

Group members pay a USD$97 application fee each.  The 5th person in a group will have their program fee waived.  This is applicable for every 5th person in a group.

Group fees are available for those going under the supervision of one team leader. Specific details in regards to this can be requested.

There's no problem if you need to postpone your placement as your application fee is fully transferable and valid for 5 years.   This provides GVN volunteers the freedom to participate at a later date or in a different program if your circumstances change.   (See our terms of service)

Your application fee is valid for a 5 year period from the date your payment is received. This means that you can access multiple GVN programs for 5 years and you only have to pay your application fee once!

Our partner organizations review their in-country fees twice a year and any resulting fee changes will only apply to volunteers who have not yet reserved their placement by paying the application fee. Any other fee changes will be advised via a news post announcing the change at least one week before the fee change takes place.

Unfortunately GVN is unable to provide financial assistance.  However we provide all our volunteers with a comprehensive fundraising pack (including software), that will provide you with the resources to raise 100% of your costs!

GVN is a non-profit,  a New Zealand based registered charitable trust – the GVN Charitable Trust (Reg # CC46460). Under New Zealand legislation, fees paid to GVN are not tax deductible (eg. application, program, or trek fees).  Donations made to the GVN Charitable Trust by NZ citizens are tax deductible, and GVN will provide a tax receipt for all such donations.  To receive a tax rebate, donations must be over NZ$5.00.

Yes; once you have paid your application fee, we will send you the link to our 20 page program guide which includes fundraising ideas.  To get started you can visit our fundraising page at http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/fundraising/

Yes - travel insurance is compulsory for GVN volunteers. 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 checking to ensure your policy will cover you 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/

You do. Once you have confirmed your volunteer placement and are ready to book your flights we will put you in touch with our travel partner who will provide you with access to preferred airfare pricing and personalized service. On top of this we will also give you a resource guide filled with tips and travel advice to help you find the best airfare available to your destination country.

If you have any questions regarding your application, our Volunteer Support Team will be pleased to assist you, you can contact them at   info@volunteer.org.nz.

The benefits of volunteering extend to you - the volunteer, and to the community and project where you serve.  Personal benefits include development of life skills, personal growth, friendship, increased self confidence, social awareness, and building independence.  An international volunteer experience will also enhance career prospects.

When you volunteer with GVN, you can be assured you are helping a local grassroots organisation.  Volunteer efforts directly benefit local groups, local communities, and local people. We work with our partner organizations to support them in achieving their goals and ensuring that their projects are sustainable and effective.