The New Year sees us turn our attentions to self-improvement by setting ourselves resolutions. While many people pledge to join the gym or vow to give up alcohol or smoking, we are all guilty of the New Year's resolution that we are unable to keep. Rather than setting unrealistic goals, volunteering may be the perfect way to kick-start 2017. Global Vision International has launched two new sea turtle conservation projects in Greece and Costa Rica to ring in 2017, as well as more dates on its Seychelles conservation programme, as it continues to expand its excellent collection of international volunteer projects, internships and experiential education programmes. These schemes are specially created to help develop skills and give real world experience, all while giving back to communities.

The first is a sea turtle conservation internship in Greece, perfect for anyone looking to give their career a jump-start or boost their academic CV! For those hoping to gain invaluable experiences and make a lasting impact, the short-term internships are geared at developing leadership and soft skills in a world where competition in the educational and professional world is ever-increasing.

For younger volunteers looking to get involved and travel with a purpose, GVI has announced a new under 18 wildlife awareness conservation project in Costa Rica. This programme will join a range of specially designed schemes for under 18s who want to make a difference and develop their skills in their summer holidays.

GVI offer hands-on volunteering projects ranging from a week to a year with the option of combining projects for a unique multi-country experience, the chance to become an international expedition team member or take a gap year with a difference. The popular volunteering conservation programme in the Seychelles is just one example of over 150 projects.

Sea Turtle Conservation Internship in Greece

For wildlife lovers, this internship programme offers the ideal opportunity not only to take a great step towards a career in practical conservation, but also to make a lasting one-off contribution to the preservation of endangered turtles. Interns will be based in the most important Loggerhead sea turtle nesting areas in Greece and have a unique opportunity to work with one of the most threatened species in the Mediterranean with the thrill of seeing the turtles lay their eggs and watching the hatchlings head for the sea.

Tasks will include assisting with research, conducting surveys to protect the nests and the turtles from predation and educating the local people about conservation issues. Set on Greece's Mediterranean coast, interns can enjoy snorkelling and trips to world heritage sites in their free time, along with a genuine immersion into the Greek culture through visiting the nearby towns and villages.

Programmes for 2017 depart on 10th June, 24th June, 8th July, 22nd July and 5th August and cost from £2,050pp* for 6 weeks

Under 18's Wildlife Awareness in Costa Rica

Journey to Costa Rica and contribute to GVI's long-term conservation and community projects. Volunteers will be immersed into a Costa Rican community where they will live and work in an authentic Caribbean town, experiencing its rich culture and food, while contributing to the conservation of sea turtles. The project has been designed for those aged under 18 who will be supervised by leaders chosen for their experience and ability to inspire young people.

From learning about wildlife conservation and turtles, to raising awareness in the local town, work will be varied. With rustic accommodation surrounded by rich and diverse rainforest and the opportunity to meet and work alongside people from all over the world, this is an unforgettable and rewarding experience for those hoping to gain real-world experience and gain a whole new perspective.

The 2017 programme departs on 29th July and two dates for 2018 will depart on 14th July and 28th July,  costing £1,650pp* for 2 weeks

Lemon Shark and Turtle Conservation Volunteer Project in the Seychelles

Spend time on the stunning island of Curieuse, a national park and tropical paradise. Joining an international team of passionate experts and conservationists, volunteers will contribute to critical conservation efforts to preserve the survival of some of the islands most important species: the critically endangered hawksbill turtles and the sicklefin lemon sharks. Partake in lemon shark catch and release programmes and track down shark pups in order to gather valuable data. For sea turtles, efforts will centre around studying the nesting success and habits of both hawksbill and green turtles on the island.

Enjoy living at a remote research station on one of the world's most beautiful islands where free time activities include climbing into a Coco de Mer Palm to gain stunning views out over the bay, exploring the diversity of the islands flora and fauna, taking in the beauty of the mangroves around the island, and snorkelling among the crystal clear water taking in the unique and fragile underwater ecosystems.

Programmes for 2017 depart on 4th February, 4th March, 19th August, 16th September, 14th October and 11th November and cost from £1,050pp* for 2 weeks

With over 100 sustainable development projects across the globe in 10 countries, GVI caters to all preferences and desires, offering invaluable experiences that cannot be achieved through regular travel. GVI's programmes not only provide volunteers with the adventure of a lifetime, they are also an opportunity to develop initiative, teamwork and leadership – all valuable qualities for the workplace or higher education.

*All projects include the following:

• 24-hour emergency phone
• 24-hour in-country support
• Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
• All necessary project equipment and materials
• All necessary project training by experienced staff
• Alumni discount
• Location orientation
• Long term experienced staff
• Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
• Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
• Welcome meeting

What's not included:

• Additional drinks and gratuities
• Extra local excursions
• Flights
• International and domestic airport taxes
• Medical and travel insurance
• Personal kit
• Police or background check (where necessary)
• Visa costs

For more information on GVI's vast choice of international volunteer projects, internships and experiential education programmes, check out www.gvi.co.uk and join GVI's 240,000+ fans on Facebook

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For further PR information on GVI please contact Nicole Lovett nicole@grifcopr.com or Kat Panayotopoulos katerina@grifcopr.com, or call on 020 7751 8010

Notes to Editors:

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programmes on sustainable development projects around the world, in partnership with renowned international partners.

We operate our own programmes and partner with local and international NGOs, government organisations and education institutions including Save The Children, WWF, The Red Cross, PADI, Project AWARE, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the National Parks of South Africa, Costa Rica, Seychelles, Mexico and Thailand, among others.

Formed in 1997, over 25,000 participants have travelled with us, with over 3000 participants every year. We are very proud that the vast majority of our participants describe their experience with us as life-changing, with over 95% stating that they want to travel with us again.

We are an extremely tight knit, friendly and passionate organisation and are made up of an amazing team of people all over the world. We are true experts in our fields, making your experience with GVI truly life changing.