I signed up to the GVI Jalova ‘Wildlife Expedition’ in Costa Rica in January of 2022.
What was sold to me was not the reality of my experience. A handful of days before my start date, I received an email from GVI. They “abruptly” been informed by the Costa Rican National Park authority that GVIs permits had been “put on hold for the immediate future”. I was advised that the location of the project had changed to Tortuguero town under a partnership programme called ASVO. I was told that the programmes were of the same nature. I was not offered an alternative location by GVI. I was offered a later start date. Unfortunately, not all of us are in a position to be able to take three months off work to volunteer abroad. This was a one time, once in a lifetime experience. Or, so it was supposed to be.
I requested a pro rata refund. I had non-refundable flights booked, and a significant amount of money had already been spent in preparation for the internship. I was already in Peru on a separate (significantly better if I might add) internship, with a return flight from Costa Rica booked for three months time. I requested that I arrive, see the new programme for myself, and if I did not want to stay I could receive money back for the time not spent with GVI. This was refused.
I did not have enough money to travel independently, and I had non-refundable flights. To say that I had been left with no choice, would be an understatement.
The projects ‘of a similar nature’ at ASVO were composting and feeding chickens. We night walked into the forest and kayaked occasionally in the canals. We were situated in a noisy town.
To make matters worse, I was advised by all members of GVI staff on base that the issues relating to permits did not stem from a legislation change. Rather, permits were not accepted following the actions of a senior member of GVI staff who had been fired. Essentially, the member of staff’s name was on the scientific research permits of both the entire Jalova base, as well as all of the individual permits of the volunteers and interns. Upon discovering he had been terminated from the position, the National Park Authorities revoked the permits relating to the Jalova base, and rejected the individual permits that were being processed for interns and volunteers. Had GVI communicated with the authorities prior to the termination, this would not have occurred.
I have received written confirmation from the Costa Rican Authorities that GVI did not make the appropriate or reasonable steps to inform them of the termination of the member of staff.
I left the project one month early, without any form of refund. So too, did all 25 members of our group. Many remained in the programmes for the entire duration of their internships, due to lack of finances to travel independently and the cost of early return flights.
GVI are still refusing us refunds, despite the appalling circumstances. They are filled with excuses, talking about changes that were ‘beyond their control’. They talk about GVI’s pre-departure training and the value it adds to the programme. To clarify – this ‘training’ is a short questionnaire on an app, that I completed within thirty minutes. Underwhelming, to say the least. They talk about career training and references. I have received, nor needed, none of them. And yet I am still denied a refund.
Do not waste your time, or your money, with this fraudulent company. There are other institutions that conduct worthwhile research and offer a fair experience to their interns and volunteers. Don’t make the same mistake that I, and countless others, made in putting our trust into GVI. – via 
Own or work here?
Your request has been submitted successfully.
