Global Volunteer Network - FAQ

Volunteering abroad has expenses attached as we partner with local organizations who are attempting to help their communities. These communities are poverty-stricken, and many people do not have the money to feed their families properly, afford health care, or send their children to school. The communities themselves are in need of infrastructure and support.  Therefore these families and our partners are unable to pay foreign volunteers to come and assist, or able to provide financial support volunteers whilst they help.

Volunteers pay a program fee which covers their food and accommodation; the partner organizations local staff (who supervise volunteers and keep our partner organizations going); and assists with rebuilding and helping the local community.  There is a set amount which goes towards supporting the volunteer while they are in their placement, and ensuring that they are safe and well supervised.

The Global Volunteer Network was set up by Colin Salisbury, its founder and director, after spending time volunteering in Ghana, West Africa. While he was there he saw the tremendous difference volunteers can make in helping local organizations achieve their goals. Upon returning to New Zealand he spent some time researching the different volunteer organizations around the world and was amazed at how expensive some programs were and how limiting many were in terms of volunteer options. The Global Volunteer Network was launched in December 2000 with the aim of providing quality placements for volunteers.

We are currently offering volunteer placements through our partner organizations in Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Kenya, Nepal, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Romania, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, USA, and Vietnam. If you are interested in volunteering in other countries I suggest that you subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

We have been verified by Idealist, which is the largest volunteer portal on the internet. This verification means that Idealist have viewed and approved our certification. We are a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations. Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. We are a private, Non Government Organization (NGO), based in Wellington, New Zealand, and our incorporation number is: WN/1194442. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.

No, our volunteers come from all over the world.

The majority of our volunteers come from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. We also have smaller numbers of people from Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries from all over the world.

A discount on your application fee is available for two or more people volunteering together if they are from the same immediate family, a married couple, an engaged couple, or a cohabiting couple. An application fee of $500USD covers two people in any of the above situations who are volunteering together; this is instead of individual application fees of $350USD.

Group fees are available for those going under the supervision of one team leader. Specific details in regards to this can be requested. A group application form can be accessed at http://www.volunteer.org.nz/confirm/group_apply.php. Your group leader needs to complete the application and include information about each group member. You will be notified by email as to whether your application is successful.

Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. For program fee refund information, please refer to the terms of service.

Please note that your application fee is valid for a 5 year period from the date your payment is received. This means that you can access multiple GVN programs for 5 years and you only have to pay your application fee once.

Our partner organizations review their in-country fees twice a year and any resulting fee changes will only apply to volunteers who have not yet reserved their placement by paying the application fee. Any other fee changes will be advised via a news post announcing the change at least one week before the fee change takes place.

We provide a fundraising pack that will provide you with the resources to raise 100% of your costs.

No, we are only registered as an organization in New Zealand.

Yes; once you have paid your application fee, we will send you the link to our 20 page program guide which includes fundraising ideas.  To get started you can visit our fundraising page at http://www.volunteer.org.nz/fundraising/

As with any overseas traveling, insurance is recommended. For the China, Costa Rica, South Dakota programs and all treks it is compulsory to have travel insurance which also includes medical or health insurance as part of the policy.

The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.

You do. We do offer access to special deals through our airfare partner Fly for Good on a booking engine on our site, and also have a list of other discount travel providers.

Please e-mail our administrative staff at info@volunteer.org.nz if you wish to follow up on your application.

The benefits of volunteering extend to you - the volunteer, and to the community and project where you serve.  Personal benefits include personal growth, development of life skills, friendship, increased self confidence, social awareness and building independence.

When you volunteer with us you can be assured you are helping a local grassroots organisation.  Volunteer efforts directly benefit local groups, local communities, and local people. We work with our partner organisations to support them in achieving their goals and ensuring that their projects are sustainable and effective.