Description:
Become someone who makes a real difference in the lives of others! Put aside a few minutes now to discover the life changing benefits of volunteering overseas. The Global Volunteer Network can set you up with short term projects in places throughout the world, where your skills will greatly benefit local communities on a various number of levels.
In the last 9 years Global Volunteer Network have connected over 14,500 volunteers with our 22 partner organisations throughout South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Our vision is to connect people with communities in need. We do this by supporting the work of local community organisations in countries through the placement of international volunteers.
GVN currently has volunteer positions available through our partner organisations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA and Vietnam. The network continues to expand with new programs currently being researched and assessed.
We offer projects in the following fields:
* Children's Homes/Orphanage
* Community Development
* Conservation
* Construction/Maintenance
* Healthcare
* HIV/AIDS
* Teaching
* Wildlife
And many more!
There are so many benefits to volunteering!
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. Volunteering shows an interest in international issues and commitment to contributing to the global community. It fosters personal growth and is very rewarding for both the volunteer as well as the community they work in. Further, if the volunteer work relates to your field of study this is a great way to gain valuable hands on practical experience in your field.
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) was launched in December 2000 by Colin Salisbury, its Founder and Executive Director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers could make in helping local organisations achieve their goals.
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so 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.
Of course, international volunteering requires you to invest a considerable amount of time, funds and trust in the organisation you are volunteering with. At GVN we feel that we provide you not only with the facilities, but also with the confidence to go ahead and help communities in need around the world. With 9 years of service and 14,500+ volunteers under our belt, we strive to remain helpful, personable and professional in our relationship with our volunteers. We aim to provide you with all the resources, support and information you will need to take part in a successful and rewarding volunteer program with us.
Volunteers receive access to our online Program Guides which cover topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more. You will also be put in touch with your Volunteer Coordinator who can answer any questions you have and provide you with guidance while you are preparing for your placement. We also have videos, photo galleries, volunteer journals and other resources to give you an idea of what you can expect during your volunteer program with us.
What do our past Volunteers' say about their experience with GVN?
"Teaching in Ghana was such a worthwhile experience, not only for me but for the kids I taught as well. The impact you make on the school is something that benefits the children massively, allowing them to experience fun and a different method of teaching. Volunteering is a great way to see the world, whilst benefiting others." - Richard McMahon, Ghana Volunteer
"I think GVN does great things, and I'm proud to have been a small part of it. I've gone from someone who's never left the country and never traveled alone, to someone who felt comfortable traveling 7,000 miles to a foreign country by myself." - Christopher DiMarco, New Zealand Volunteer.
Highlights:
* We have received a recommendation by Bill Gates "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
* Choose placement lengths of 1 week up to 5 months to suit your availability.
* Immerse yourself in a new country and culture and get to know the local people.
* Expose yourself to new sights, new tastes and experiences whilst sharing your skills and personal experience to help those in need.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have no major health problems
- Obtain a police check from your home country prior to volunteering
Language:
English
Cost in US$: From USD 1397
Cost Includes:
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Language instruction,
Pre-departure orientation/Training
and Written materials pre-departure
Volunteers pay an application fee (USD 97) and a program fee (from USD 1397).
Your application fee (which is fully transferable) provides the following benefits: personal staff support (incl. 24hr/7 day in-country support during your placement); access to any GVN volunteer programs over the next 5 years without having to pay another application fee; your details online Program Guide; the program fee is locked in for a 5 year period; your Fundraising Guide (incl software); your own personal online journal.
The application fee will secure your place on the program.
Your program/in-country fee inclusions vary slightly depending on the program you have chosen. Generally the fee covers your meals, accommodation, training and orientation, airport pick-up, project transportation, administrative charge and placement arrangement.
The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, tourist visa, vaccinations, travel insurance, and departure tax. You will also need to consider other expenses including snacks, bottled water, personal costs, beverages, and entertainment.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
animal welfare,
childcare/children,
community centers,
community development,
community health,
community organizing,
conservation,
counseling,
disability issues,
eco-tourism,
economic development,
education,
English teaching,
environment,
handicapped,
health care,
health education,
homelessness,
orphans,
planting,
street kids,
teaching,
volunteer management
and volunteering
Typical Volunteer: We welcome a range of volunteers from those finishing school or university, to those taking a break from work or between college semesters. We also welcome those who are retired and have a wealth of experience to share.
You may join our programs as a solo volunteer, as a couple or family or as a group project.
Age Range: Over 18
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Dormitory,
Group living,
Home-stays
and Independent living
Application Process Involves:
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2-3 days
Post Services Include:
Alumni Network
Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: 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.
Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Year Founded: 2000