A simple way to give thanks for how fortunate we are is by recognizing the needs of others and responding to those needs. In collaboration with our community partners, we have designed service programs that will make this Thanksgiving one you will always remember and for which you’ll be especially grateful. Whether you are a student […]
Give the gift that keeps on giving! No shiny paper or fancy bow is required! Escape the commercialism and hustle and bustle of the holiday season this year. Take time to reflect and do something meaningful instead. Join us in promoting peace by gifting yourself a holiday volunteer abroad program — a gift that keeps on giving, you can […]
A unique butterfly garden highlights our work in Costa Rica! You’re needed to help plant native species that attract butterflies, build walkways, lay gravel, and landscape the garden. Costa Rica’s Astounding Biodiversity While Costa Rica covers a mere 0.03% of the Earth’s land surface, it contains nearly 5% of all of the species of flora […]
This is a common question Global Volunteer Alumni hear when they return from a volunteer program in the Cook Islands. “Where even is Rarotonga? Where are the Cook Islands? Wasn’t Survivor filmed there? How do you get there?” To most alumni, the Cook Islands are a magical place. It has a piece of their heart. And they […]
Global Volunteers salutes Ken Dubuque, a Global Volunteer who works with teens and has shared peace and love every year since 2013 in Montana, the Cook Islands, Poland, and Italy. Ken said he still finds much to talk about, teach and learn from his teen students. He reflects on his recent experience in working with teens […]
By Ruth Curran, Brain Development Specialist and Global Volunteer Director of Partnerships. You can find plenty of articles questioning the value of short-term volunteers on long-term community projects. But I wonder how many of these authors have participated on authentic development projects managed by fully invested local leaders? As in everything, the truth is in […]
Volunteers working with Cuban students of English – both adults and youth – discover sharing the language is the best way to share insights about life. This Cuba Volunteer reflects on a week of service… By Rene Moquin, 5-time Global Volunteer. As a longtime volunteer with Global Volunteers, I have no illusions about teaching conversational […]
Global Volunteers salutes Brenda Pearson, who has served on 9 Global Volunteers service programs since 2008, beginning with Mexico. From there Brenda was “hooked” on Global Volunteers and went on to serve in China, Portugal, St. Lucia, Vietnam and Poland (4 times). Brenda is noted for her professionalism, easy going and gentle nature, optimism, flexibility, […]
Global Volunteers Bill and Barb Chase have served together in Ecuador, Tanzania, Montana, West Virginia, St. Lucia and Costa Rica since 2006. This couple volunteering worldwide exemplifies the opportunities to discover the world – and each other – together through service. Bill, a retired physician/surgeon, and Barb, a retired teacher, are loved and respected by their team […]
By Bethany, Cuba Global Volunteer. Question asked during English Conversations Q: “What is different between teenagers in Cuba & The US?” A: “There is no difference; we all want the same things – friends, time, family – we want what any teenager wants.” It seems to me that people are key, for both the volunteers and […]