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!

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…

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…