GVI: Volunteer in India

This was my first of many experiences with GVI and I absolutely loved it !!
For a first time the experience was totally memorable. I get safe and everything was so organized. I went on to do many more projects with GVi in a few other countries too. The reception from time landed at the airport until departure was all supported as well as tips in what to do locally. The food was amazing and at no time did I feel insecure or unsure. The project itself was so rewarding and definitely worth the time and money. Definitely recommend this project

I had an incredible time volunteering in Kerala and would recommend this experience with GVI to anyone seeking to be pushed out of their comfort zone and contribute to making a positive impact in the wider world.
The Women's Empowerment project is an eye opening experience focused on sustainable development by building strong connections with its participants and creating an impact that is visibly lasting.

India is a vibrant country with a rich and diverse culture and I can't imagine anywhere better to have spent this experience.

I have so many wonderful things to say about GVI I never know where to start!! I volunteered on their Women's Empowerment Programme in Fort Kochi, and it's an experience I will never forget. I took away some huge learnings about myself, about Indian and specifically Keralan culture, the exciting changes and challenges to women's empowerment in the local community, the list goes on. It has changed my perspective on many aspects of world we live in, and helped me better understand my strengths. Also, I was impressed by GVI's commitment to the sustainability of their programmes, delivering real, tangible, clear and significant value to the communities they worked with as well as to the volunteers.

GVI do a fantastic job of keeping volunteers safe, which was a significant concern for me as a solo female traveller, going to India for the first time. With airport pick ups, signing in and out of base, emergency phone numbers, training on all emergency procedures... I felt safe and comfortable throughout my trip.

To anyone considering this, if you can, do it!! I have no doubt you will have a fantastic, unforgettable experience.

I had the best time in Kerala, India. From discussing global and women’s empowerment issues (marriage, domestic abuse, consent) with men and women of all ages, to teaching English alongside other important topics (values, healthy eating, hygiene) to young girls. I felt fully immersed in the culture and made some amazing friends for life, including Indian natives and my fellow volunteers! I would highly recommend this programme to anyone looking to make a difference and have the adventure of a lifetime! My favourite part of the trip was one of the women’s groups who were extremely engaged and excited to see us, we did role play activities and debates on topics such as arranged marriage and joint families. I cannot wait for my next adventure with GVI.

I went on the Women's Empowerment Program in India. My friend and I were a little nervous about how involved we would be as we only signed up for two weeks but the team in country could not have been more welcoming and supportive. The induction in country was really good and extremely thorough with a lot of emphasis on the safety and well being of the volunteer. GVI were also very focused on their vision for helping and clear about how to achieve those goals and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals and explained these and how the work you do fitted to this.
The region of Kerala is also extremely beautiful although very humid at the time of year we chose to go (late Mar/early Apr) so I don't think we could have had a better introduction to India. We also got the chance to travel a little a the end of the time with GVI so all in all it was an amazing experience. We got to give a little back but like many experiences learnt far more than we expected as well.

My time in Kerala, India with GVI was absolutely amazing! I recommend it for anyone who wants to meet a wide range of people from different backgrounds and cultures. I can now say I have best friends all around the world!
During that first weekend we became like a little family which made the whole experience so much more fun as we had people to share the adventure with. In the house there were a wide range of ages which was lovely as there was always someone older for us students to ask advice from... in exchange for technology lessons!
My typical day in the GVI house would involve doing a few chores around the house, lesson planning, going out to projects and then hanging out with the other volunteers and staff in the evening.
My favourite part of the day was always going out to projects. As part of the Women's Empowerment team I got to work with women and girls from four years old up to mothers and grandmothers. The staff really took advantage of everyone's individual skills and allowed us to work on projects that we would have the biggest impact in.
I liked the weekly schedule of working Monday-Friday lunchtime and then having the weekends to explore Kerala which is a truely beautiful state. I took amazing trips with the other volunteers around the backwaters and to the Munnar tea planation. There was also a beautiful beach and market about a 5 minute walk from the GVI house where we could go in the evenings or before we started work for the day.
Volunteering in India with GVI was honestly the best thing I've ever done. I became so much more confident and have absolutely fallen in love with the culture in Kerala. I can't wait to go back later this year!

I'd rate my first GVI program in Kerala, India as 5 stars . This was back in 2012, and was an education project which I was part of for three months. It was an excellent 'gap year' experience, India is a wonderful country and culture and the volunteer work was a brilliant learning experience which I owe so much too. The staff were extremely helpful and the base was very safe and I have a lot of very special memories there.

I volunteered in India for the Women's Empowerment Program offered by GVI, for a month, in 2016 and I absolutely LOVED IT! Travel wise, India is great. Yes, it is different, yes, it is a lot to take in, and I read (pre-departure) that in order to enjoy it, you have to have a certain "calling" for the country and I couldn't agree more. Having that pull towards India, I did not fear what was coming my way (and that's saying a lot since I was a first time *female* solo traveller). I acted confidently until I felt confident in my surroundings and I got to experience the true life of India, something others don't because they just aren't open to it (again, those are the people that visit India without feeling a certain need deep inside them to explore the country). As for the volunteering experience, it was amazing. The people you meet, both associated with GVI or with the partners, are incredible. I had so much fun throughout the journey. Sometimes, I would get tired and I wouldn't feel like going on site to "work" for a few hours but EVERY time I left, I felt so good, so happy. I can not stress this enough: taking part in a volunteering trip like this should make you feel good, proud... happy! I certainly was. When I say proud, I mean feel proud of myself AND feel proud of the progress you are helping to make as well. I really enjoyed how, with GVI, it wasn't a short term program, it was a long term project and I could see how others before me had already made a change and how I was continuing it to finally pass it on to others that would come after me. I am a strong believer in the saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". GVI has the same beliefs and that is why I was so glad to be part of something as great as their Women's Empowerment Program. I was making a difference by spreading awareness and by teaching men, women and children and if that is what you want to do. Go for it. It will truly change you. Finally, the GVI staff really knows how to get you to have the greatest time while abroad (I couldn't wait for quiz night every week *wink wink*).