Volunteer Programs in Rural Areas, Greece

This project aims to protect and preserve the vulnerable baby sea turtles that hatch on the beaches of Greece. The project runs from June to September and closely follows, monitors, and protects the nesting season of the Loggerhead sea turtle to ensure the maximum success rate of turtle hatchlings. Your specific duties as a volunteer will vary from month to month throughout the season. May/ June: the work focuses on identifying new nests, and protecting them from any environmental hazards. July/August: this is hatching season so the work involves monitoring and recording the hatchlings from each nest. September: may see the end of hatching season, but the focus will be on nest excavations to study the success rate of each nest.

GVI offers a variety of opportunities for young adults between the ages of 15 and 17 to gain first-hand experience in cultural immersion, marine and wildlife conservation and community development. This is a great way to become a global citizen with a better understanding of prevalent social and environmental issues. It’s also a gateway to improving your future education and employment opportunities, as you acquire soft and hard skills in your chosen GVI focus. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to dive in the oceans of Greece, visit the jungles of Costa Rica, or the rolling Incan valleys of Peru, all while contributing to sustainability, this is for you. This is an opportunity to connect with a network of people who share similar passions for sustainability, while also expanding your knowledge of different linguistic practices and cultural customs. Each project is aimed at reaching sustainable objectives that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Are you interested in collaborating with a local community, focusing on the development of a permaculture initiative as well as protection of biodiversity in an off-the-beaten location known for its global importance? In that case, sign up for a Sustainable Development Program - a field volunteer program that aims to help educate and inspire people from around the world about sustainability and nature conservation. It is based in the Kalamos Island biological field station, and you will work according to a pre-agreed plan. Throughout the program, you will immerse in one of the few grassroots biodiversity conservation projects in Greece, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You will gain hands-on experience in monitoring wildlife and plant populations as well as in the field of permaculture and sustainability in a Mediterranean but also international context.You will also get to see how it is like to be part of an organization working towards achieving a variety of sustainability goals and be part of a multicultural environment and at the same time be a member of the local community of our islands.

Spend a week on the Greek island paradise of Corfu, where we will spend our mornings working at a local farm and helping out the community and local orphanage. Projects vary and are based on need but you may find yourself working at a food bank or clothing donation store and helping out with the animals on the farm. In addition to your service work, we will experience everything Corfu has to offer! Explore castles, try your hand at watersports, snorkel the bright blue sea, learn a thing or two about creating your own Greek feast, and hit the best boutiques for shopping! So join us this summer for a spectacular island service project and Italian adventure in Greece and Italy!