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!

the Cuban people

Conversational English, Volunteer Voices Cuba

The Virtues and Dilemmas of the Cuban People

Ken, a volunteer from one of the Cuba teams in January, reflects on the virtues of the Cuban people as well as the challenges they face and their dilemma of whether to stay in Cuba or try to emigrate. After only 4 days here, I am already…

Cuba Volunteer in Havana

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Cuba Volunteer: “I really did not expect it would be like that.”

Reflections from Karin, Cuba Volunteer, about her service in Havana with Global Volunteers: I absolutely loved my week in Havana. I really did not expect it would be like that, since I knew no one and it was my first time going with Global…

Poverty in Lima Peru

Volunteer Voices Peru

The Tragedy of Poverty in Lima, Peru

Learn about our partnership with Sagrada Familia and your opportunity to help children in Peru here. Global Volunteers' team members are motivated by a sincere desire to help improve the daily lives of children living on the margins of Lima,…

volunteering in Cuba is something you will not regret

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Volunteering in Cuba: More Than You Expect!

This is the story of Steve, a first-time volunteer in Cuba. He decided to spend part of his retirement as an international volunteer - something that was new to him. Cuba was his first experience with Global Volunteers, but not likely to be…

use your career to make a difference in Vietnam

Projects for Professionals, Volunteer Voices Vietnam

Volunteer Uses His Professional Background to Make a Difference in Vietnam

Tom has volunteered 5 times in Vietnam. Like Tom, you can use your career to make a difference in Vietnam. The weather today was beautiful -- blue skies with a moderately warm temperature. It helped make it another pleasant day in Hanoi. My…

Dominoes Game in Cuba

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options Cuba

Volunteer Joins a Dominoes Game in Cuba

There are some people who can just walk up to a person and make conversation in the most kind and natural way. I’m definitely not one of those people. But Jerry is. His ability to quickly bond and make friends gave him the chance to be asked…

volunteer in vietnam

Volunteer Voices Vietnam

Why I Enjoy Volunteering in Vietnam

Have you ever wonder what would it be like to volunteer in Vietnam? Keith, a 4-time Vietnam volunteer describes a typical day volunteering in Hanoi. "I'm not sure what part of my day is most enjoyable." It could be my solo run around Hoan…

the greatest service possible

Volunteer Voices

The Greatest Service Possible

Karen has participated in seven volunteer programs in the last year. We asked Karen how and why she does it. This is her answer, a lesson on how to make the greatest service possible: If you are anything like me you spend a lot of time thinking…

Volunteer Voices

Husband Tells of His First Experience Volunteering Abroad in India

On a previous post, Jake told the story of how his wife convinced him to join her on a service program. Now, Jake shares about his first time volunteering in India. Why India? In my circles of academic/student recruitment, many of…

Best Volunteer Programs in North America

News and Updates

Best Volunteer Programs in North America

You don’t have to jet-set across the world to be a Global Volunteer. Serve nearby on the best volunteer programs in North America. Make a significant difference in the lives of your neighbors and volunteer for one, two or three weeks - as…

Wife Gets Husband to Come on a Volunteer Trip

Volunteer Voices

Woman Invites Husband on a Volunteer Trip. Man Falls in Love.

With volunteering couples, it's more likely that a wife invites her husband on a volunteer trip than the other way around. Some 70% of Global Volunteers team members are women. One recent example is Holly and Jake. Holly had volunteered five…

The Cubans

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Another Reason to Love Cuba: The Cubans

Eugenie recently volunteered for the first time with Global Volunteers. She went to Cuba, and the thing she loved most about it was the Cubans. As with every day I have spent volunteering here, my day began with a walk. Sue, another member…