GVI Alternatives After Closure:
What Affected Travelers Can Do Next
GVI Alternative Options & Support
We were saddened to hear that GVI has closed its doors, disrupting travel plans for volunteers, alumni, families, educators, and partners around the world. We’ve had impacted travelers reach out to us with questions, so we wanted to provide guidance on what you can do next.
If you were preparing for a GVI program, their closure brings disappointment, a lot of uncertainty, and questions of whether a meaningful travel experience is still possible. While GIVE is not affiliated with GVI and is a completely separate program provider, we want to offer practical guidance and GVI alternatives for travelers considering their next steps after GVI’s closure.
What Happened to GVI?
GVI has announced that it is closing and entering a formal liquidation process. Its current and future programs have been canceled. If you had an upcoming GVI program, start by reviewing all communications you have received from GVI and following its official guidance regarding your booking and any claims process.
First Steps If Your GVI Program Was Canceled
Before making new travel plans, take a moment to gather and save:
- Your booking confirmation and payment receipts
- Any emails or messages from GVI, especially with instructions on next steps
- Flight confirmations and travel insurance information
- Details about your original destination, dates, and program focus
You may also want to contact your payment provider, travel insurer, or travel advisor to understand the options that may apply to your specific booking. Every situation is different, so it is important to rely on GVI’s next step email with guidance, its appointed representatives, and your own travel or financial providers.
Still Hoping to Travel?
A canceled program does not necessarily mean your travel plans have to end. Depending on your dates, age, interests, budget, and whether you already have flights booked, there may still be opportunities to have a meaningful, culturally immersive experience abroad.
Looking for GVI alternatives after a canceled program? At GIVE, our programs combine adventure, community connection, cultural immersion, and locally-led projects designed to create real impact. We provide full trip preparation support, as well as 24/7 support during travel, and will work with you on your specific circumstances. Our team can help you explore whether a GIVE program is a good fit for your travel situation.
Explore Meaningful Travel Alternatives With GIVE
Our programs are designed for travelers who want more than a typical vacation: an experience that immerses you in local culture and community with meaningful adventures and hands-on projects that leave a lasting impact on local communities. GIVE offers trips and packages rooted in impact around the world, including:
Southeast Asia
Thailand I Culture and Community: Live and serve in hill-tribe villages, teaching English, farming the land, and trekking into the jungle with elephants. Bamboo raft by day, fall asleep to mountain silence.
Thailand I Elephant Experience: Hike alongside elephants and support local caretakers working to protect them. This is locally-led welfare and conservation in the heart of Northern Thailand’s jungle.
Thailand I Scuba Conservation: Dive into a whole new world. Get scuba certified, protect coral reefs, and explore Southern Thailand through rock climbing, kayaking, and deep local connection.
Laos I Culture & Community: Find peace and purpose in the heart of Laos. Meditate with monks, zipline over epic waterfalls, and support local projects in education, construction, & wildlife protection.
Central America
Nicaragua I Pacific Coastal Culture: Explore the land of lakes and volcanoes. Live beachside, surf Pacific waves with locals, teach English, restore mangroves, camp on glowing craters, and sandboard down active volcanoes.
Costa Rica I Regenerative Agriculture: Embrace “pura vida”, whitewater raft exotic rivers, zipline rainforests, live on a jungle farm, and connect with Costa Rica’s rich culture and Caribbean coastal communities.
East Africa
Zanzibar I Community Empowerment: Immerse yourself in vibrant Zanzibarian culture, teach English, swim with dolphins, build a school & experience island village life on the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania I Off-The-Beaten-Path: Adventure into the wild: track wildlife in the Savanna, support sustainable salt farms and marine conservation efforts, explore ancient ruins, & experience a river boat safari in the heart of Africa.
North America
Hawai’i I Mālama ‘Āina: Circumnavigate the Big Island, restore ʻāina (land) and moana (sea), snorkel the Pacific, hike volcanic craters, and “talk story” with indigenous leaders protecting their culture and sacred lands.
Pacific Northwest I WFA & Outdoor Leadership: Earn your WFA certification, build real-world outdoor leadership skills with immersive, hands-on training surrounded by the snow-capped peaks and old-growth forests of Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
If you were already interested in a specific program, here are GVI alternatives with GIVE:
| Original Interest with GVI | Alternative Program with GIVE |
| Elephant conservation or wildlife conservation in Southeast Asia | Thailand, Thailand Elephant Experience, or Laos |
| Scuba Diving or marine conservation | Thailand Scuba Conservation |
| Education or teaching | Thailand, Laos, Nicaragua, Zanzibar, or Costa Rica |
| Sea Turtle conservation | Nicaragua |
| Safari or wildlife conservation | Tanzania |
| Permaculture | Costa Rica and Thailand |
Explore GIVE’s programs in Thailand, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Tanzania, and beyond:
Choosing the Right Travel Experience
It’s important to choose a travel provider that’s transparent, partners directly with local communities, and supports your travel from start to finish. With our deep-rooted local partnerships, guides, and locally-led projects, you can be confident this is the immersive, life-changing trip you’re looking for.
As you explore alternatives, consider asking:
- Is the organization clear about what is included, what is not, and how payment works?
- Will I have knowledgeable, in-country support before and during my program?
- Are projects developed with local communities and aligned with local priorities?
- Is there a clear process for questions, changes, and emergencies?
- Does the experience offer the kind of cultural immersion, purpose, and adventure I was hoping for?
The right program should feel transparent, supported, and aligned with the experience you want to have.
We’re Here to Help You Explore What’s Next
We know that a canceled travel program can feel discouraging. Whether you are looking to preserve your original travel dates, find a similar type of experience, or simply explore new possibilities, our team is here to help.
GIVE is not connected to GVI and cannot provide advice on your canceled GVI trip, but we can help you explore whether a GIVE experience may be the right next step for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can GIVE help with my GVI refund or claim?
No. GIVE is not affiliated with GVI and cannot advise on GVI bookings, refunds, claims, or the liquidation process. Please refer to GVI’s official communications and your payment, insurance, or travel providers for guidance.
Can I still volunteer abroad this year?
We’re here to work with you to make a trip happen. Availability depends on your dates, destination preferences, age, program type, and other travel details. Contact our team so we can help you explore realistic options.
Can GIVE help if I already booked flights?
Airlines have different ticket terms and we’re here to provide guidance for your specific circumstances. Send us your flight details, ticket terms, original destination, dates, and availability, and we will let you know whether a GIVE program may be a fit.
Does GIVE offer the same programs as GVI?
GIVE offers programs in many of the same locations with similar project themes for travelers exploring GVI alternatives, but each GIVE experience is shaped by our own itineraries, approach, grassroots projects, and local partnerships. GIVE programs are rooted in community connection, cultural immersion, off-the-beaten-path adventures, hands-on projects, and meaningful, locally-led impact. If you were interested in a specific GVI trip, see the table above for GIVE programs that align with your interests.
How quickly will someone get back to me?
Our team will review your circumstances and follow up as soon as possible with guidance on available options. You can contact us here.