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!

student volunteer program with Global Volunteers

Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Montana

Student Service-Learning Was Essential in Forming my Career Choice, says Volunteer

Jed Pettit, a Montana volunteer and recent University of Alberta graduate, sent us this letter to students who are considering joining a Global Volunteers student volunteer program. Read on to learn what motivated him to offer this advice…

volunteer in community service with toddler

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential

Volunteers’ Role in Community Service

Assisting communities to help children thrive is the volunteers' primary role on Global Volunteers teams. Everyone, regardless of age, has skills and talents to help children and families reach their full potential. Learn more about a volunteer's…

Rewards of volunteering in Mexico

Conversational English

The Rewards of Volunteering in Mexico

In Querétaro, right in the heart of Mexico, Global Volunteers have been teaching and tutoring conversational English at the Universidad Tecnológica de Querétaro (UTEQ) or Technological University of Querétaro for almost 20 years. Here, students…

News and Updates

The Value of Teamwork on Volunteer Abroad Programs

Teamwork - Why it's Essential on Global Volunteers' Service Programs You'll quickly discover how serving on a Global Volunteers team can be one of the most significant experiences of your life. A hallmark of teamwork on volunteer abroad…

Diwali festival in India - children with firecrackers

Cultures and Traditions

Diwali Festival of Lights

The Indian Festival of Lights Today marks the Indian festival of lights, called Diwali or Deepavali, which is celebrated throughout the country. The Diwali festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge…

People of Poland Global Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Poland

“Hey, Lori, can I use your phone to check the weather?”

By Lori Wedeking, Repeat Poland Volunteer. “Hey, Lori, can I use your phone to check the weather?” This request came from a boy who had been my student two years ago at a language camp in Poland. He made this request while the language…

Tanzania Volunteer with Global Volunteers

Reaching Children's Potential, Volunteer Voices Tanzania

A Volunteer’s Powerful Reflections from the Inaugural Ipalamwa, Tanzania Team

Reflections on Ipalamwa, the village that is at the top of the mountain and the end of the road... From a Team #1 Tanzania Volunteer, Robi Kronberg: Images, experiences and memories of Ipalamwa will forever be a part of me. As a member…

Tanzania Volunteers with Global Volunteers

Reaching Children's Potential, Volunteer Voices Tanzania

Suggestions to Future Tanzania Volunteers – from a Member of Team #1

From Robi Kronberg, one of the Tanzania volunteers on the inaugural Ipalamwa team: My suggestions to future Ipalamwa, Tanzania volunteers... The children may initially be shy, but they will warm up quickly. They enjoy having their…

Volunteers in China

Conversational English, Development Impact China

Chinese Teachers Talk About Volunteer Impact

In the summer, Kunming University runs a 2- to 3- week "staff development" English program for an intact group of Chinese English teachers from elementary, middle and high schools in the area. Global Volunteers is invited to assist every…

crowdsourcing to volunteer abroad

Projects for Professionals, Volunteer Voices Tanzania

“Crowdsourcing” Teacher Returns to Service With Gratitude for Supporters

Many volunteers fund some or all of their service program by fundraising - through appeals to their friends and family members. New York teacher Kelly Malloy's "crowdsourcing" covered her costs for two service programs - in addition to schoolbooks…

volunteering abroad comforts the soul

News and Updates, Volunteer Voices

Traveling That Comforts the Soul

Jeff started volunteering abroad after a personal loss. His service journey was also a journey of healing that lead him to a new purpose in retirement. Jeff's story describes how volunteering abroad comforts the soul - and allows us to focus…

new volunteer opportunity for families

Family Volunteering, Volunteer Voices Peru

Volunteer Opportunities for Families in Peru

Learn about our partnership with Sagrada Familia and your opportunity to help children in Peru here. Global Volunteers has worked for over two decades with partners a wide range of human development projects. We asked the Miller…