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!

Volunteer Voices

Why I Volunteer…..

A few years back I was going through a rough period in my life. I had just finalized a divorce, albeit an amicable one, it is still somethingthat impacts a person emotionally and physically. I was at a crossroadsin my life as I had moved…

Volunteer Voices Peru

The Joy of Volunteering in Peru

Thank you so much for all the work that you do! What an exciting adventure my husband, Tim, and I had as members of the 92nd Global Volunteers team to Lima, Peru! We worked at the orphanage - PPA (Puericultorio Perez Aranibar)! It is…

Celebrating 2500 volunteers in Poland

Volunteer Voices Poland

Celebrating 2500 volunteers in Poland

We are proud to have taught conversational English in Siedlce, Poland since 1990. We are now celebrating 2500 volunteers in Poland! Global Volunteers has worked in Poland since 1990. Next year we will celebrate our 20th anniversary in…

News and Updates

People ask why I spend my annual vacation time volunteering abroad

“Challenge is not a curse or a punishment, but an opportunity to shine. If life were easy all the time, we would not deepen in love, compassion, and wisdom, or learn how to sink a pipeline into the well of true strength within us. Often…

Volunteering at La Molina

Conversational English, Volunteer Voices Peru

Reflections on Volunteering in Peru

If you are thinking about volunteering in Peru and teaching conversational English, here are two testimonies about volunteering at La Molina University. By Rick Coger: I volunteered to come to Peru in order to participate in the facilitating…

Cultures and Traditions Greece

Greek Orthodox Epiphany Celebration

The Greek Festival of Epiphany, or 'The Blessing of the Waters', is held every year on January 6 throughout all of Greece. At midnight, the "twelve days" of Christmas officially come to an end. This day takes on a special meaning when…

Volunteer Voices China

The Three Bottles of Water in my Life

by Christina, a Chinese English teacher in Kunming These days are cold in Kunming, so I always need some more hot water to warm my body. When I was pouring water, suddenly I thought that I was this red empty bottle. I’m…

News and Updates

December 2009: New Volunteer Coordinators & More!!

As Global Volunteers looks to a busy and successful 2010, four new volunteer coordinators and many new international staff have joined the Global Volunteers’ staff.These additions have made December a hectic, yet exciting, month. Team…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Ode to Beja

To the castle, its tower a beacon of help as we loose our way along narrow, winding streets To the café’ next door with its sweet treats, my lattes each morning, and friendly conversation in the afternoon To the mandolin concert in…

News and Updates

Thank You, Global Volunteers

First let me thank you, Global Volunteers, for honoring me on your Changewagers Blog. I am deeply honored to be listed among such an impressive group of people, who have and continue to make the world a better place for those in need. I honor…

Volunteer Voices

“Go with the flow”

The day started off with a hearty breakfast, as usual. With the arrival of Laura from Lexington, MA, our motley 13-member volunteer team was complete! Edith, our ebullient host, briefed us on the protocols to follow…

Volunteer Voices Montana

“Getting to Know You”

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: given by Tim (from Davenport, IA) (From Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson) Chp. 15 introduction: “Not hammer-strokes, but dance of the water, sings the pebbles into perfection.” **Global Volunteers are part…