Gap Years: It's Not Too Late!

August & September Departures From GVI

It's A Level Results Day tomorrow and thousands of students across the country will be hoping to secure the grades they need to enter higher education. But what if things don't quite go as planned, or you have deferred university for a year? Many will be planning a gap year, or even re-thinking their future in the wake of results day.

Whether it's a last-minute gap year after securing a deferred university placement via clearing, or a placement abroad to gain valuable experience prior to entering employment, Global Vision International run over 100 projects in 15 countries around the world which promise to allow volunteers to make an impact, experience new cultures and explore locations restricted to normal tourists. What's more, these placements offer school-leavers the chance to develop leadership skills, team working and initiative - all great preparation for the workplace.

With regular departure dates, GVI have availability in the coming weeks on some amazing projects around the globe. For a year abroad experience that is life-changing, ethically sound and CV-boosting, these are some of our favourites...

Marine Conservation in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

Travel to the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and join forces with GVI's marine conservation expedition, earning your PADI diving certificate whilst working on and monitoring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. Volunteers contribute with coral reef and fish monitoring, seasonal turtle nesting and many other tasks. This project works in conjunction with several highly regarded organisations such as Amigos de Sian Ka'an, a Mexican NGO famous for their conservation work.

The next 4 week programmes depart on the 24th August, 21st September and 19th October and cost £1,795pp*. Longer placements are available.

Community Development in Mombasa, Kenya

Volunteering on the shores of the Indian Ocean, you will become involved in the work carried out by a children's centre in Mombasa. This project is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible continent of Africa. The centre supports the educational, creative and personal development of underprivileged children through introducing them to the Arts, and volunteers have the chance to run creative activities, assist in vital fund raising efforts and even come up with their own creative arts project.  Whilst children have fun at the centre, there is a serious side to the work carried out here. The project highlights the social and economic challenges that Kenya faces and draws attention to the giant leaps being taken by local communities to tackle them. Volunteers make a genuine and worthwhile contribution while on project.

The next 2 week programmes depart on the 24th August, 7th September and 21st October and costs £895pp*. Longer placements are available.

Multi-Focused Expedition in Phang Nga, Thailand

Live and work with a team of volunteers from around the world on this truly multi-focused expedition in Thailand, based in the stunning coastal province of Phang Nga, an area that encapsulates the very meaning of "dramatic" with its incredible islands. Hands-on members of this team assist with several critical initiatives including childcare, teaching and healthcare in the area. Those staying for 12 weeks also have the opportunity to earn their TEFL certificate during their placement. During time off, volunteers on this placement can enjoy the surrounding areas, known for its beauty, discovering abundant coral reefs and perfect beaches as well as "James Bond Island" made famous by the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun".

The next 4 week programmes depart on the 24th August, 21st September, 19th October and cost £1,195pp*. Longer placements are available.

*All projects include the following:

Pre-departure support and discounted services 24-hour emergency phone Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated) Arrival orientation Long term experienced staff safe and basic accommodations (usually shared) All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals) Welcome meeting Location      orientation All necessary project training by experienced staff All necessary project equipment and materials 24-hour in-country support

What's Not Included:

Flights Medical and travel insurance Visa costs Personal kit Additional drinks and gratuities Extra local excursions International and domestic airport taxes

To find out more on volunteering abroad, check out www.gvi.co.uk and join GVI's 100,000 fans on Facebook

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For further PR information on GVI please contact Emma Powell, Nicole Lovett or Charlie Fox at Grifco PR on 0207 385 7090 or email Emma@grifcopr.com, Nicole@grifcopr.com and Charlie@grifcopr.com.

Notes to Editors:

 - Global Vision International (GVI) was formed in 1997 to provide support and services to international charities, NGO's and governmental agencies. Through our international network of over 100 personnel in 13 countries, GVI continues to support many of the most critical conservation and humanitarian projects around the globe.

 - GVI is a non-political, non-religious organisation, which through its alliance with aid-reliant organisations throughout the world provides opportunities to volunteers to fill a critical void in the fields of environmental research, conservation, education and community development. To date over 20,000 volunteers have joined projects resulting in the direct financial support of over UK£2,500,000 / US $4,000,000