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!

How is Christmas in China

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options China

Demythifying Christmas in China

This is part of our series on Christmas traditions worldwide. Here Baoli Wang, China Country Manager, describes Christmas in China to Peru Country Manager Daniel Salazar. In many countries, Christmas is the most important holiday…

The Terracotta Warriors in China

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options China

The Chinese Legend of the Terracotta Warriors

This is the tenth post of our series on Myths and Legends. This is the legend of the Terracotta Warriors in China, told by China Country Manager Baoli Wang. Many foreign visitors know about the amazing Terracotta Warriors in China,…

The Chinese Legend of Winter Solstice

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options China

The Chinese Legend of Winter Solstice

This post is actually a mix between two series. It's part of our series on Myths and Legends but also part of our series on Christmas traditions worldwide, as it takes place during the holiday season in China, although most people there…

Polish Christmas Eve Dinner

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options Poland

A Polish Christmas Eve Dinner

Continuing with our series on Christmas traditions worldwide, Country Director Dorota Wierzbicka describes the age-old customs at her Christmas Eve dinner table. Wigilia is the Polish name for Christmas Eve. The whole family gathers…

Global Volunteers’ training

News and Updates

Global Volunteers’ Staff Train Together in Minnesota

Daniel Salazar, Peru Country Manager, writes about Global Volunteers’ training in Minnesota, where Country Managers and staff from around the world travel to connect, learn, and grow. On our way to Global Volunteers’ training…

Global Volunteer Teaching Projects

Conversational English Cuba, Portugal, Vietnam

“Three Nations, a Million Smiles”

Four-time Global Volunteer Connie reflects back on her volunteer teaching projects and experiences from Vietnam, Cuba and Portugal - comparing and contrasting them... These words “rigid, fluid, and tech” describe three Global Volunteers…

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Group Volunteering, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Boy Scouts Explore, Serve, and Learn in Cuba

A Boy Scout troop recently went on a great adventure to Cuba. Michael, one of the leaders, tells us how Boy Scouts explore, serve, and learn in Cuba. How do you end up in Cuba? Boy Scouts are known for their commitment to service and their…

Student serving in Cuba

Group Volunteering, Service-Learning, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Student Volunteer Recommends Cuba Volunteer Program for Group Service-Learning

Brandy was part of a University of Central Missouri summer student volunteer group in Cuba. After two weeks of teaching conversational English to Cuban children and people and supporting the community in other ways, she wanted to share a message…

Observations on Teaching Experience in Portugal

Conversational English Portugal

Observations on Teaching Experience in Portugal

Observations on Teaching Experience in Portugal by Dot, 7-time Global Volunteer: My experiences in Beja, Portugal were with high school students – in school and via tutoring – and 7th graders. The high school students' behaviors…

the invention of Chopsticks

Cultures and Traditions China

The Invention of Chopsticks

This is the eighth part to our series on Myths and Legends. Again in China, this is the legend of the invention of Chopsticks. For westerners visiting China, one of the things one must learn in order to survive is to manage the use of…

The Legend Behind the Great Wall

Cultures and Traditions China

The Legend Behind the Great Wall

This is the seventh part to our series on Myths and Legends. Now in China, this the legend behind the Great Wall. What’s the first thing that pops out in your mind when you think about China? Exactly. We all think of Meng Jiangnü. Or…

Internet access in Cuba

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Internet Access in Cuba

Internet access in Cuba is relatively new, and it’s limited in several ways. There is only one telecommunications service provider, ETECSA, which is government owned, like most things in Cuba. ETECSA sells Wi-Fi cards which can be used…