Expedition Members feedback

“The experience out in the field is unforgettable. The manuals and literature GVI provide give you as much an overview as possible, which is fantastic, but not until your first survey will you realize the true magnitude of what you are apart of.” - Olivia Couchman, UK – from a media studies background, became an intern with us and is now working in conservation in the UK

“It’s not like being a tourist, here you work hard at collecting the information so needed to monitor and protect these amazing animals.” - Bree Johnston, Australia

“The staff on the Costa Rica Expedition are probably some of the most hard-working people I have ever met. Their commitment to the project is unquestionable and their enthusiasm helps to motivate the volunteers. The work carried out by GVI makes a vital contribution to conservation and scientific research and speaking personally, I am proud to be able to say that I played a part in this project.” - Michelle Miller, UK

“The thing that really appeals to me about the GVI expedition is the fact that, as well as providing the opportunity to travel to new parts of the world, and a base from which to see more, GVI is a serious scientific operation. Standards of training for data collection are very high, and the long-term goals of the projects clearly explained, so we can see how work carried out fits in, both here and with similar conservation initiatives in the rest of Costa Rica.” - Sarah Keynes, UK



“The knowledge, from data, that turtle nests are remaining natural is a great sign that our constant presence on the beach is deterring poachers and therefore creating a positive impact on hatchling success rates. Not only is it the hard work of GVI and its volunteers in the field that makes it the best conservation organization to be involved in, but the constant research is always creating gaps in data, in which the volunteers can become involved in during their spare time. This increases the vast range of activities to be involved in whilst out in Costa Rica.” - Kate Isger, UK – changed her degree after returning to the UK, from Sports Science to Conservation Biology


“All volunteers are given extensive training in the techniques required to participate in conservation work, ensuring the integrity of both the scientific and environmental aims of the projects… This brings a genuine sense of achievement, and underlines the need for the very late nights and early mornings. In addition to the surveys, volunteers also have the chance to work with data collected as part of the conservation work, again emphasizing the serious scientific nature of the expedition… As with any organization, the staff at GVI makes all the difference, and it is clear that they are all passionate about the work they perform and conservation in general. This zeal is motivating and contagious; my experience with GVI will definitely lead to more conservation work.” - Gary Cook, UK – is still volunteering in the Americas six months later

Expedition Members feedback