Current News, Field Reports and Volunteer Voices

Several times each week, we post stories about work we do in our host communities – through the voices of our partners, volunteers, and those we serve. Subscribe using the form below to receive updates in your inbox when they’re published. If you’re looking for deeper insight into service in a specific country, on a particular type of project, how you can share your unique skills or volunteering as a family or a group, you can find a wealth of information here. Use the categories next to the posts here or on any page (below right column) to explore more stories that suit your interests.

We welcome your ideas on topics you’d like to see here. Please contact us at marketing@globalvolunteers.org. Enjoy our blog!

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Tanzania

Kindness and Politeness

This morning we awoke early (some earlier than others – Sheena at 3 am) and shared a delicious breakfast prepared for us at the hostel. I have never had a French Toast with peanut butter passion fruit jam, but it was exceptional. Mohammed…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Cook Islands

If you think you can, or you think you can’t – You’re right! Henry Ford

Here we are!!! Vaka 125 – five warriors who have now been on the island for about three weeks, people that came from all walks of life to share their lives with the people of the Cook Islands. We have walked or been driven around the neat…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices

Romania service program

Friday, January 6, 2012 The week is winding down and I felt by mid-week that my body had gotten used to the time change. It took a couple of days, but I also feel like I’m getting into the swing of things at the hospital as well.…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices

“Friendship weaves a tapestry of time and love and memory.”

Today marked our second day at Childcare Center 1 in Calderón. We began the day with a review of our team goals and were unanimous in confirming our efforts to achieve them. The team is in sync and working smoothly despite some health interruptions.…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices China

“It Was a Rich Day”

by Teri Evans Calvin It was a rich day. Prosperity of heart and soul. Scents of the culture, tastes savored. The universal smile, bright eyes reflecting mine. Genuine joy of breath - exhaling life. Hearts in rhythm, pulsing…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices

A sunny day of service in Calderón

The weather today was the nicest since we have been here. The clouds cleared off and it was very sunny. Kay felt much better today and joined us at the center. Frank and Patricio laid blocks and tile in the kids’ bathroom and it is starting…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices

All of us need to share as much as we can

Tuesday morning came with the team catching its stride It is nice to feel like a group with nobody outside Maggie came early and set the stage for the day We headed to Calderón in the fog to help the kids play Some of the kids knew us…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Poland

I Was Making a Positive Change in Their Lives

Repeat volunteer Edmund talks about hist team's last day serving at a school in Poland and how he realized they were making a positive change. On our final day of teaching, we started off the day with a magnificent breakfast of eggs…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Elegance Prevailed!

The heat wave continues, but so too the shady spots and the cooling breezes. Mornings and evenings are the perfect time for walking, shopping and sightseeing provided our teaching schedules permit (often they do). The Global teaching volunteers…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Portugal

First Impressions: Volunteer Program in Portugal

A recent volunteer shares their first impression of Global Volunteers' volunteer program in Portugal. From my first look at Beja, I fell in love. It is all I imagined this part of the world would be: narrow winding streets of small pavers…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Poland

Not the End of Our Unusual Day

Message of the day (Jim): No one has the right to take for granted his own disadvantages over others in health, in talents, in ability, in success, in a happy childhood or congenial home conditions. One must pay a price for all these boons.…

Making a Positive Change

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Another Beautiful Beja Day

Another beautiful Beja day – wonderfully cool and pleasant morning and evening, blisteringly hot and sunny mid-day. The locals have assured us that “isto nao e comum." But probably we won't have a chance to find out. Joanne and I are quite…