National scholarship program
National Scholarship Program (NSP)
GVI runs needs-based National Scholarship Programs (NSPs) around the world to enable and fund local nationals to participate in our internship program. The NSP specifically targets nationals who would otherwise not have the means to participate. As an organisation we use our resources to enrich local capacities and provide unique opportunities for local youths.
The NSP enables individuals to gain valuable practical experience in marine/terrestrial monitoring techniques, teaching or community development skills, amongst others. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone looking to begin a career in research, conservation, community development or teaching. After a successful initial orientation and training on base, NSP participants might be offered a scholarship placement (as a GVI staff member).
The ideal NSP candidate is someone who demonstrates a genuine interest in the relevant training opportunities of the program and can explain how this opportunity will enrich their current interests and future pursuits. University students who want to get practical experience to complement their studies or are looking to conduct research for their final year dissertation are given special consideration.
GVI is fully committed to the global implementation and success of this program, as demonstrated by the local participants who have already taken advantage of this program. Take a look at our NSP success stories and how their time spent with GVI has impacted their lives.
Each GVI base is run by our own staff and aligned to the project objectives of our local partners as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In order to have a sustainable positive impact we believe projects must be locally-led by organisations that are self-sustaining. This is why we work so hard to ensure that the projects have a positive impact in the local communities where we live and work, and that is why the National Scholarship Program was created.
The objectives of the National Scholarship Program are to:
- build local capacity
- strengthen GVI’s programs and tap into local knowledge
- widen diversity of our participants and staff
- identify and develop potential local staff
- strengthen collaborative relationships with local schools, universities and communities.
The National Scholarship Program was created to build local leadership capacity in the sustainable development sector by providing training and work experience opportunities to promising local youth and professionals. Chosen candidates will join GVI’s team of staff and international participants on our internship program at one of our hubs and take part in every aspect of program life.
Qualifications and skills gained
Specific skills will vary depending on the hub and focus of our projects. All scholars will be trained in the following areas:
- leadership and managing teams
- Emergency First Response
- off-site safety management & crisis management
- participant management
- project management and setting objectives
- pastoral care, coaching and mental health
- self leadership, professionalism and customer service
- delivering effective presentations and workshops
- partner engagement, onboarding and management
- communications and social media
- measuring impact
- GVI policies and procedures.
Duration
The duration of the National Scholarship Program will be for 6 months. Durations may vary depending on the local hub’s needs, experience of the applicant, and level of training needed.
Start dates
The National Scholarship Program has quarterly start dates in January, April, July and October each year. Each hub will aim to have two start dates per year. Other start dates may be possible, so please explain in your application email if you would like to be considered for a different start date.
Scholar responsibilities
Scholars are expected to:
- Sign a National Scholarship Program memorandum of understanding.
- Undertake a police background check or character reference and sign GVI’s medical form and terms & conditions.
- Provide national identification, photo and brief bio.
- Follow rigorous health and safety standards and all GVI rules and protocols.
- Successfully complete our Scholars training program.
- Participate in all project activities and participant duties – including cooking and cleaning of base (kitchen, dormitories, bathrooms, outdoor area/garden).
- Become first aid qualified (international certification).
What’s included in the program
The National Scholarship Program includes the following:
- 6 months on project site
- food (3 basic meals a day) and shared accommodation whilst on project
- dedicated scholarship mentor
- relevant training and support
- leadership skills training and practice
- feedback and skills evaluation.
After completing the program
All Scholars who successfully complete their program will receive a certificate of completion, character reference and skills endorsement. Some Scholars may be offered a position to join our staff team to help run and manage our projects. Job offers will depend on each Scholars skill, attitude, abilities and other qualifications, as well as the staff team needs at the time. Job offers may occur immediately following the National Scholarship Program, or at a future date for seasonal or long-term opportunities.
To be considered for the National Scholarship Program, applicants must:
- Be a local citizen and have been a permanent resident of the hub’s country for at least 1 year.
- Be between 18–30 years old.
- Be able to commit a minimum of 3 months to the program.
- Have strong English language skills (written and spoken).
- Have basic computer skills.
- Completed secondary/high school.
- *** Marine programs require PADI Open Water qualification.
Scholar characteristics
The National Scholarship Program is aimed at candidates who can demonstrate a real interest in the relevant training opportunities of the program and those that can explain how this opportunity will enrich their current interests and future pursuits. GVI Scholars are known for:
- problem solving
- initiative
- adaptability and flexibility
- communication skills
- willingness to learn
- collaboration and teamwork
- resilience and self leadership
- empathy
- ability to engage with and respect other cultures.
Please submit your application to your local hub with the subject line: Application for National Scholarship Program. You must include 2 character references, a completed application form and a CV (this is optional).
Our application includes the following questions.
- Why do you want to join the National Scholarship Program?
- What skills can you bring to the program and what skills do you hope to gain from the program?
- What impact would you like to have in your community or country as a result of your participation in the National Scholarship Program?
How we select
Process
A three stage process is used to ensure Scholars meet our selection criteria to the highest degree.
1. Ranking: Our team ranks eligible applicants on their application.
2. Shortlisting: Once we have a list of ranked applicants, select applicants are invited for a selection day or interview.
3. Selection day or Interview: Selection days or interviews are typically conducted by the local hub staff. Scholars are selected after the selection day or interview.
Selection criteria
Please refer to the Eligibility and Scholar Characteristic sections above for more information on our selection criteria. GVI reserves the right to disqualify ineligible, incomplete and/or inappropriate applications. GVI also reserves the right to change the conditions of award or to make no awards at all.
Scholarship value
The National Scholarship Program is awarded for 6 months and covers the full cost of food, shared accommodation, insurance, training and dedicated support. The equivalent value varies according to each hub, please refer to our dates and prices page.
Have further questions? Here’s where to look for the answer.
Does the scholarship apply to international students not having lived in the relevant country?
Applicants must be local citizens and must have been a permanent resident in the relevant country for at least one year prior to applying.
Does the scholarship apply to all hubs at GVI?
The scholarship applies to all of GVI’s hubs around the world, depending on local capacity.
Would the scholarship be available to Scholars that are only able to commit to shorter durations as well?
We are open to applications for shorter durations, but strongly prefer applicants that can commit 3 months to their personal development and growth. We believe that is the required minimum time commitment to cover the necessary training and work experience.
Will I have any obligations to work for GVI after program completion?
No, the National Scholarship Program’s overarching mission is to build exceptional local leadership capacity in the countries we operate. We would be delighted if Scholars of the program go on to have a career with GVI but this is not an obligation.
What supporting documents do I need to send with my application?
We require applicants to supply the following documents in support of their application:
- one character reference
- completed application form.
For further enquiries
Email: info@gviworld.com
Tel: +44 1727 250 250
NSP testimonial
Luis Jimenez Ramirez – Quepos Community Development, Costa Rica, 2017
“From a personal perspective, without wanting to look novelistic, there is a before and an after GVI, it has been key for opening my eyes and heart towards a reality that I was unaware of, it has enriched me and it will continue doing so, with examples and facts that I am proud to be part of. If I was contacted from my old work to return, without hesitation I would have the answer: No thanks, I have found what I have searched for so long, here I have achieved something that your money can not pay me. I am very grateful to all within GVI, for having received me, for being my guides on this journey that has changed my life; for teaching me the value of things, and for giving me the opportunity to live.”
Olivia Mataitoga – Dawasamu Community Development, Fiji, 2018
“My name is Olivia. I am from Fiji and I am from this village. I am the first local volunteer here in this village. I have been working with GVI for one year and two months now. I am thankful for GVI for the opportunities – all the new things I have learned from GVI. Thank you.”
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