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!

Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Cuba

The Impact of a Simple Handshake in Cuba

Reflections on a handshake in Cuba by Michael, Cuba Global Volunteer and Blake School Student. Oh, a handshake! The simplest connection that humans can make. Those from different languages, races, cultures, and worlds are able to feel…

Volunteer Voices

Donald and Mickey Marshall: Dedicated Global Volunteers Couple

Global Volunteers salutes Donald (Don) and Mickey Marshall for their loyalty, dedication, and service. Since 2006, Don has volunteered on 10 Global Volunteers service programs, and together, he and Mickey have served on 9 of them in the…

Volunteer Voices

Greg and Marcia Potvin, Global Volunteers on 7 Service Programs

Global Volunteers salutes Greg and Marcia Potvin, who have volunteered with us in Cuba, India, Peru, Tanzania, Romania and Ecuador on 7 service programs since 2007. Greg writes, I have had the opportunity to work with children in Romania…

Volunteer Voices

Reflections on Global Volunteering in Retirement

Global Volunteers received this letter from Don Maher III, who has served on 10 programs since 2006 in Mexico, Romania, Italy, China, Tanzania, Costa Rica, India, Vietnam and Poland. One Man’s View of Global Volunteers Travel Worldwide Do…

Volunteer Voices

Steve Fox Celebrates 17 Service Programs

Global Volunteers salutes Steve Fox, a dedicated Global Volunteer, who has served on 17 short-term service programs with us. Steve began his journey as a Global Volunteer back in 2003 in Minnesota, helping immigrants to converse in…

Life-changing trip to Romania

Volunteer Voices

This Romania Volunteer Program Saved His Life

Although he didn't know it at the time, Ken Kieffer made a life-changing decision to become a Romania Global Volunteer over a decade ago. The attachment he felt to the children on his 2005 service program became an "early warning" of what…

Global Volunteer Alyssa Peiffer helping child on slide in Ecuador

Volunteer Voices

Squealing With Excitement at the Park

Alyssa, a Global Volunteer in Ecuador, reflects on two weeks of caring for children in Ecuador, offering: “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – C.S. Lewis. Today is our last…

Volunteering in Poland

News and Updates Poland

Top 10 Reasons for Volunteering in Poland

This list will open your eyes to a dream volunteer abroad opportunity. Poland’s extraordinary beauty, hospitality, history and meaningful service awaits! Add volunteering in Poland to your bucket list! Here's why... 1. Eager, engaged students Polish…

Volunteer Voices Greece

Volunteering Unboxed: Responding to Syrian Refugees

Since early 2016, Global Volunteers Crete teams have been called upon by local authorities to help meet the needs of Syrian refugees in Greece. To date, volunteers work packaging and sorting donated clothing at the port of Heraklion,…

Volunteer Voices Cuba

American and Cuban Women Connect Through Service

What a pleasure it was to meet these wonderful Cuban women everyday at the Church in Ciego de Avila. There was a beautiful bonding that took place while working on a quilting project and showing each other different techniques. I would communicate…

Conversational English, Reaching Children's Potential Tanzania

“Iringa Town” is New Service Destination for 2016 Tanzania Volunteers

Over 30 years, team members have come to know the sights, sounds and energy of Iringa - the small economic center and transportation hub which has been Global Volunteers' overnight stop on the way to our partner communities. But, visits…

Volunteer Voices Cuba

My Favorite Memories Volunteering in Cuba

by Kathy LeNoir My favorite memories while volunteering in Ciego de Avila all include interacting with the local Cuban people. The gardeners at the community garden were just lovely. We arrived there every morning in horse-drawn carriages…