Parent Info

Parent Information

Duration: 2 weeks
Age: 15-17
25+ years experience
25+ years experience
+30,000 participants
+30,000 participants
1:6 participant to staff ratio
1:6 participant to staff ratio
British standards compliant
British standards compliant
GVI is a parent-run organization and family is at the heart of what we do. Respect and trust are two of our core values, but that doesn’t mean we forget about fun. While we’re incredibly serious about child protection, health and safety, and increasing the long-term career benefits of our programs, we also care about making learning more engaging.

After over two decades of experience, we have discovered that if you give young people age-appropriate challenges along with the accompanying support, they quickly start to forge a path that is uniquely their own. Not only does this help them with choosing a career that is personally fulfilling, but living a life aligned to the well-being of our planet and global community.
Parent Info Pack

Ken & Linda | Parent Tesimonial

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Put your mind at ease

Serious about H&S

GVI is compliant with British Standard 8848, a set best practice standard for adventure expedition providers outside the United Kingdom. We require all field staff to complete health and safety training. This includes learning how to conduct in-depth risk audits and on-the-spot risk assessments as well as developing, updating and acting on Emergency Action and Crisis Management Plans. GVI is also a proud member of the Gap Year Association.

All our own staff

All of GVI’s programs on the ground are run by staff recruited, vetted and managed by us. Each has passed a police clearance check and is certified in Emergency First Response. Many are also Emergency First Response instructors. A minimum of one staff member is assigned to a group of six participants although the ratio is often as high as one staff member to three participants.

Meet a GVI parent

Many parents of GVI alumni become enthusiastic GVI ambassadors, often joining one of our programs themselves after their child returns home. If you’d like to speak to one of these incredibly inspiring parents and learn more about their experience, let us know and, depending on your location, we can arrange for you to meet up or set up a phone call or online chat.

Flights & arrivals

We’ve set up WhatsApp groups to help staff manage airport arrivals effectively. Once a participant arrives at the airport, a GVI staff member will be there to take them to their accommodation and guardians will receive an email confirming safe arrival.

Develop personally

We are training the next generation of leaders, who need to be prepared to step into the world of tomorrow with confidence and empathy, and with the interpersonal communication and collaboration skills necessary to build a successful future. Our programs are focused on teamwork, togetherness and skill sharing, while encouraging participants to discover and develop their personal leadership and communications styles through practical introspection.

Make friends

One of our core missions is to build a network of like-minded and passionate people who care about making a meaningful difference. We can do this through connection, openness and mutual respect – and through having fun together. Sharing such a unique and thrilling experience inevitably fosters lifelong friendships among our participants. At GVI, you will find your people.

We were reassured through efficient communication with GVI staff members. The information provided was clear and concise; the links to essential information were relevant and useful. GVI was able to put us in touch with some of the other volunteers on the prior project, this allowed Kayley to establish contact with other girls with similar ambitions; which helped enormously. We would without a doubt recommend GVI as an organization.
Gill & Brian Williams - Parent
I would just like to say a very big thank you to you and your team. Steph had a great two weeks and has arrived home safe and sound. The professional nature of your team has been exceptional and as parents, we really appreciate the care you have taken. It is a big thing to travel so far on your own. However, with GVI’s help and support, it has been a trip of a lifetime full of good memories. I hope she will get the chance to travel with GVI again.
Neil Owen - Parent
I had concerns about Sam joining a program because of his age (15) and the fact that he had never been abroad before! Once he arrived in Thailand he was met by GVI staff and I felt more relaxed. Sam was supervised carefully throughout his time away and the trip ensured those participating returned with wonderful memories of time spent on a worthwhile project as well as some sightseeing. He has made lasting friendships and had a life-changing experience.
Linda Jeffrey - Parent
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the team. I collected Katherine at six last night and she talked virtually non-stop throughout the four-hour drive home. All news was extremely positive about her amazing adventure with you. Thank you all again. You are amazing people.
Pippa Bowler - Parent
I just wanted to send a quick note to tell you how much fun Evan had on her Thailand trip! The program was outstanding and life-changing for her. She couldn’t have been happier with everything and Leanne was "amazing" (her words). Thanks for all you do to make these trips so beneficial for our kids. You should spread the word to our schools here in the States. You are a hidden gem that most don’t know about.
Jackie Null - Parent