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!

Retirement volunteer work in Costa Rica

Volunteer Voices

“I Discovered How I Want to Spend my Retirement.”

International volunteer work is rewarding, and can be especially so in retirement. While giving back and helping others, you make new friends, learn about a different culture and get out of your "comfort zone." Mature adults who volunteer…

There Is No Darkness in Cuba

Conversational English, Volunteer Voices Cuba

There Is No Darkness in Cuba

A blackout seemed to frustrate a volunteer's English classes one night. But soon our volunteer, Jennifer, would learn that there is no darkness in Cuba. I am going to remember Monday as a collection of sounds, lights, and … darkness! Breakfast…

Popular volunteer location

News and Updates

What’s your state’s most popular volunteer location? (infographic)

When selecting a Global Volunteers location, you may consider community projects, airfare rates, and time of year. But what about another factor: Where you live? No matter which state you call home, we pulled together the most popular…

Hearing the Heart of India

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices

Hearing the Heart of India

Despite its incredible growth, India remains true to its historical essence. This is a brief account by Rita, a first time India volunteer, of her experience hearing the heart of India. This is my fourth Global volunteers program. The…

Expectations Vs. Reality

Volunteer Voices Vietnam

Volunteers’ Expectations Vs. Reality in Vietnam

Expectations Vs. Reality in Vietnam: Fran, a volunteer serving in Vietnam, writes about her expectations and what she actually finds at a day serving with Global Volunteers. Expectations: It is early and I am awake. I want desperately…

News and Updates

The Children of Barlad – A Reason to Care

Immediately following the fall of Romania's Ceaușescu regime, the failure of the communist dogma that population growth would fuel economic growth was evident in tens of thousands of children abandoned to state care. The world was shocked by the…

Girl Scouts Volunteer Abroad - In Ecuador

Group Volunteering

Girl Scouts Volunteer Abroad

Beyoncé sings about it; we know it's true: Girls run the world when they work together with purpose and kindness. Redmond, WA Girl Scout troop demonstrated their influence can extend all the way to Quito, Ecuador! And, they earned mature…

Using Your Professional Skills as a Volunteer

Projects for Professionals, Reaching Children's Potential, Volunteer Voices St Lucia

Education and Health Care Professionals Share Their Skills in the Caribbean

Using your professional skills as a volunteer can be very satisfying, says Sara, first-time St. Lucia volunteer. It might be the best way to experience the Caribbean! She reflects on a two weeks of teaching and health care projects - on…

Volunteer Voices Peru

The Best Volunteer Programs in South America

There are many natural and cultural attractions that inspire travelers to explore South America - especially in Ecuador and Peru (the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu to mention a couple). However, to know a place and culture…

Peace Lilies

Volunteer Voices Vietnam

Peace Lilies Emblematic of Vietnam Service Program

by Global Volunteers alumnus Jim Swiderski A garden of "Peace Lilies" next to the lake and park in central Hanoi greets my morning walk. It's hard to capture the rush of emotions I have today as Global Volunteers prepares for our 30th service…

meaningful travel in Africa

Development Impact, Service-Learning

Meaningful Travel for the Experience of a Lifetime

To travel in a purposeful, meaningful way is to enrich your life and the lives of others. You dig deeper, stretch farther, give larger. You discover and learn new things about the world and yourself. You leave a positive mark on the communities…

Tax-deductible Volunteer Programs

News and Updates

Put 33% Back into Your Travel Budget

Did you know that when you serve with Global Volunteers - in any one of our 17 host countries worldwide - you quality for certain tax deductions? It's true. You benefit by joining one of our tax-deductible volunteer programs if you're a U.S.…