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!

Thanks to the opportunity she had to learn English, Liz (left) was able to become a professional teacher.

Global Volunteers 2020

Partners' Stories Peru

Once Surviving on the Street, Sagrada Familia Teacher Now Pays it Forward

Liz Díaz was 10 when Miguel Rodríguez found her selling candy on the street. He asked about her family and learned that conflicts with her mother had made it very difficult for Liz to live at home. Further, her parents were unable to…

Cultures and Traditions, Development Impact Peru

Ayni: Honoring the Humanity in All

Through the generations, the indigenous people of the Andes have lived in an interdependent society that relies on every member to honor the other. All work is shared, but more – prayer, play and projects are conducted as a community. The…

Projects for Professionals, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Early Childhood Leader Lends Skills as Global Volunteer

Since 1977, ZERO TO THREE has helped protect and strengthen babies’ brains through formative family and community connections critical to babies' and toddlers' well-being and development. Lynette Aytch, Director of Leadership Development…

Global Volunteers' Philosophy of Service

News and Updates, Volunteer Voices

What’s Special About Serving with Global Volunteers?

Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski describes his yearning to learn about other cultures, and go beyond tourist attractions to understand how ordinary people around the world live. Here, Jim reflects on Global Volunteers' Philosophy of Service…

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential

The Global Role of Women in Community Empowerment

A common perception of Western societies is that life for women in the developing world is one of deprivation and desperation. But those who travel discover that significant innovation and idealism thrives in rural villages around the world.…

Free Time Options, News and Updates Greece

Greece 25th Anniversary Special Service Program Itinerary

This summer marks 25 years of Global Volunteers serving on the island of Crete, Greece. We will be celebrating this milestone anniversary with new and alumni volunteers on a service program beginning July 18. This is a rare and not-to-be-missed…

Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Happy Healthy Birthdays For RCP Children in March, 2020!

The Reaching Children's Potential (RCP) program of the Ukwega Ward in central Tanzania measures its success by the growth and development of the children in the program. Meet seven girls and boys who reached their first, second, third and fourth…

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Peru

Student Volunteer Learns About Selflessness and Hope in Peru

Student volunteer Josh Elkin describes his experience serving at Sagrada Familia in Peru while learning about himself and from local people. At the age of 18, he sought out a volunteer experience that would present him with challenges and help…

Cultures and Traditions Vietnam

Hoàn Kiếm Lake: The Heart of Hanoi

In Hanoi's city center, people for generations have integrated Hoàn Kiếm Lake into their daily lives. Central to their social, physical and cultural routines, youth and adults crowd the site day and night. In the early morning, community…

Volunteer Voices

Volunteers Discover Valentines Around The World

The spirit of Valentines Day is evident to Global Volunteers all year around - all around the world. These reports - in the words of our team members - tell of the human sentiments that can't be captured on a greeting card. The Language…

Susannah - Cretan hospitality at its best

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Greece

The “Gift” of Susannah – Cretan Hospitality at its Best

With a thirst for cross-cultural knowledge, octogenarian Carolyn Gallaher joined her third service program with Global Volunteers in hope to uncover the true heart of Crete. She soon learned she wouldn't be disappointed. Carolyn was grateful…

solo traveler

Volunteer Voices Tanzania

Tanzania Volunteer’s First Service Program is Also a Journey to Self

After quitting her job, Anna O’Neal embarked on four months of solo travel to figure out what she wanted to do next in her life. In her choice to travel solo to Tanzania, she joined our Global Volunteer team in Ipalamwa, Tanzania to help…