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!

Volunteer Voices

My 3rd Time to Christ King School

Journal entry by Fran for August 1, 2016. The weekend is over and it is Monday, my first day at Christ King School. Actually, it is my first day at the school this year. I volunteered at Christ King in 2013 and 2014, but it is like any…

Volunteer Voices

Experienced both Joy and Sadness

Team Journal by Fran for Friday, 29th July 2016. Today is my last day of volunteering at Assisi Illam. I had not anticipated the depth of feelings I have developed for the children and kind women there. I experienced both joy and sadness,…

Exploring Indian Markets

Free Time Options, Volunteer Voices

Exploring Indian Markets

Team Journal by Fran for Thursday, 28th July 2016: Exploring Indian Markets. My day in Chennai began earlier than usual. I left the guest house around 6:30 this morning to go to the market. It is important to arrive early at Indian markets…

Volunteer Voices

Fun with the Little Ones at Assisi Illam

Team Journal by Fran for Wednesday, 27th July 2016. I was awake before the call of our crow this morning. I have concluded that my strange sleeping hours will make the adjustment for the 12.5 hour difference between Arizona and India time…

Blackfeet Reservation July Volunteers

Volunteer Voices Montana

Good Times As Blackfeet Reservation Volunteers

Journal by Irene, Montana Blackfeet Reservation Volunteer. Today on the Blackfeet Reservation some volunteers started the morning with exercise, while others stayed back to shower and make lunches. Shortly thereafter, we headed out…

Volunteer Voices

Delightful Second Day in Chennai

Team Journal by Fran for Tuedsay, 26th July 2016. I awoke to the raucous cries of our crow, the swoosh sound of the native coconut stemmed broom scraping the concrete, and the awakening of traffic. Soon the metal pots and pans began to play…

service-learning in Cuba

Conversational English, Service-Learning Cuba

A Day of Service-Learning in Cuba

Ever wonder what a day of service-learning in Cuba looks like? We assure you that when you help others in Cuba, your life, in turn, changes in unimaginable ways. But you don't have to trust only our word... Read the words of Sydney,…

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Cuba

Cuban People’s Pride is Evident

By Zach, Cuba Global Volunteer. After several days in Cuba, I've been trying to think of one word to summarize the Cuban people. Some might say they are lively, innovative or humble. While all of these are true, after today I'm going…

Busy First Day Volunteering in India

Volunteer Voices

Busy First Day Volunteering in India

Team Journal by Fran for Monday, 25th July 2016: Busy First Day Volunteering in India. Message of the day: One does not meet oneself until one catches the reflection from the eyes of another human being. The message for the day seems especially…

Volunteer Voices

The Start of my New Adventure

Team Journal for Sunday, 24th July 2016. Sunday arrived with sunshine. I am already adjusting to the 12.5 hour difference in time. I suspect my plane travels contributed to the success. I slept well and arose around seven, read, and ate…

Volunteer Voices Greece

A week of Teaching and Learning For All of us!

Today was the end of a full week—a week of teaching and learning for all of us. The word “bittersweet” came up a few times this morning at breakfast for Meghan and me on our last day of teaching. Last walk by the blue morning…

first days as volunteers

Service-Learning Cuba

First Days in Cuba Set Expectations for Student Volunteer

Most volunteers abroad discover that the first days in the partner community is a time to settle in learn the day-to-day routine of service work. Some insights by a recent Cuba volunteer: By Becca, University of Central Missouri student and…