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!

projects for mothers and children

Projects for Professionals, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Women and Children: Centerpiece of RCP Projects Worldwide

Female volunteers of all ages have always been the foundation of Global Volunteers' programs. Some 70% of our team members every year are women. Children, of course, are the focus of every service program. And, mothers are crucial for…

Service Vacations with Global Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Peru

“When we decided to visit Peru, my goal was adventure – not falling in love.”

Here's one couple's story of how they fell in love on one of their service vacations with Global Volunteers - and not fell in love with each other, but instead with three little Peruvian sisters. Told by Jim, two-time Global Volunteer. Let…

Ipalamwa Tanzania

Development Impact, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

Ipalamwa is Nexus for Ambitious Demonstration Program

Ipalamwa, Tanzania is a small rural village of about 5,000 feet in the highest highlands of the Iringa District. It's literally at the "end of the road." And, what a road it is! From here, it seems you can see all the way to the…

volunteer opportunities for experienced teachers

Projects for Professionals

Teaching Abroad Opportunities for Educators

Working and retired teachers tell us frequently how much they enjoy engaging students and teachers in new cultures and schools on a service program abroad. As an educator, you can leverage the skills you've honed over decades to benefit children…

National Volunteer Week 2017

News and Updates

Four Reasons We Love Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are some of the most generous, compassionate and open-minded people in the world. For National Volunteer Week 2017 (April 23 - April 29), we want to express our appreciation for your time and service - as Global Volunteers. Since…

Travel with Your Sister

Family Volunteering, Volunteer Voices

Travel with Your Sister Revels the Joy of Service

A sister-sister relationship is a special one for many reasons. Few people will understand you and your childhood better than a sibling - especially a sister - which is great! However, sisters also know how to get under each other's skin. So...…

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…