GVI Blog
Reconciling short term volunteering and sustainable development
It is difficult, as you can imagine, to understand how short term volunteering can contribute to sustainable development and the ambitious goals set by the UN to achieve by 2030. One only has to look at the vast array of volunteering options worldwide to understand...
Five facts about Nepal wildlife
Original photo: Stefanos Nikologianis Nepal has gained the moniker ‘Amazon of Asia’ due to the biodiversity of flora and fauna that inhabit its lands, from tropical Terai jungle to its snow-capped alpine climate. Yet fifty years ago, hunting threatened to push some of...
Volunteers help Nepal communities devastated by 2015 earthquake
Nepal travel tends to include images of visitors trekking the Himalayan mountains, exploring holy temples, and enjoying the many outdoor adventures Nepal has to offer. Despite its beauty, communities in Nepal are still reeling from the impact of the 2015 Nepal...
Stay active when teaching sports in India
Volunteering in India and teaching sports is a fantastic way to pass on your love for and knowledge about physical activity. Here is GVI’s guide to making sure that you stay active as well when you volunteer in Kerala, India. Volunteering in India on GVI’s sports...
Volunteer in wildlife conservation in Thailand
Our world, and the wildlife within it, is being threatened by unsustainable human behavior. This issue is prevalent in Thailand, as evidenced by often irresponsible practices within its wildlife tourism industry. While immersing yourself in the coastal province of...
Five species to spot when you volunteer in South Africa
Imagine the sight of the deep red sun rising over the African bushveld. The camel thorn trees are casting their silhouettes across the cinematic sunrise, and the Drakensberg mountains are towering above you. The swelling/growing light shows you the national park that...
What is the state of gender equality in India, and how can you help?
In the wake of #MeToo, women and men are re-evaluating issues of gender inequality and sexual harassment in their own lives. Within this context, a powerful tweet by Tanushree Dutta spurred debate about the movement’s relevance in India. Thanks to this ever-growing...
Five fun ways to travel responsibly in Peru
Collins Dictionary recently announced that their word of the year is ‘single-use’, reflecting the current zeitgeist of finding more sustainable ways to live, both at home and while traveling abroad. This shift in thinking is a key part of responsible travel. Being a...
Reflections on 9 weeks with GVI in Laos
It is really difficult to sum up the multitude of experiences that I had during the nine weeks I spent with GVI in Luang Prabang between November and February in 2017/18. What were the highlights? Luang Prabang itself: with it’s temples, monks and novices, it’s gentle...
How is cultural immersion different to cultural appropriation?
Being immersed in another culture is one of the most important and enjoyable parts of traveling. But can you take it too far? Traveling abroad with an open mind means exploring the customs, cuisine and fashion of another culture. Yet adopting the practices of a...
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