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!

Family volunteering in Romani

Family Volunteering

The Kay Family in Romania: A High School Student’s Reflections

When 14-year-old Cassi Kay volunteered in Romania with her grandmother, Shirley and Aunt Colleen, she wasn't aware how that experience would impact her future education. Her essay, "My Epiphany, " submitted with six college applications, helped…

Family Volunteering China

The Gaultieri Family in Kunming, China

"Returning to the Land of Their Birth" Fran and Tom Gualtieri are committed to exposing their three daughters - Nora, Geni and Dia - to all aspects of the country of their birth. In 2012, and again in 2013, the family volunteered together…

Family Volunteering Peru, Poland, Tanzania

Family’s Investment in Worldwide Service Provides Life Lesson for Daughters

Global Volunteers' partner communities have engaged families of all ages and sizes in community development projects on service programs since 1984. The Huff family is exceptional; sharing the world of service in Romania, Poland, Peru, Ecuador,…

A Different Holiday Story

Reaching Children's Potential, Volunteer Voices

Back in India Again – My Second Home

Team Journal for Monday, 21st December 2015 It is great to be back in India again, now for the sixth time. This year is extra special for me as my “friend”, Erich joined in on the adventure. It’s rewarding the share such…

summer day at PPA

Cultures and Traditions Peru

Christmas in Peru

Christmas in Peru, by Peru Country Manager Daniel Salazar: There is no Thanksgiving in Peru, and no other holiday comes close to Christmas in terms of the excitement and commotion it causes. Yes, there is no snow. In fact, it’s summer…

Teaching English in three countries

Volunteer Voices China, Italy, Poland

Grateful Volunteer Says: “I’ll Remember You Forever”

Marilyn has served in three different service programs. Here she speaks about the experience of teaching English in three countries. The eyes are equally expectant, although the faces are different. Silent, shy, and incredibly polite college…

Volunteer Voices

Service Feeds the Solo Traveler’s Soul

by Ladelle Dilli Helen Keller said, "I'm only one person and I can't do everything, but I can do something. I will not let the fact that I can't do everything prevent me from doing what I can." Spending vacation time in travel that feeds…

Volunteer Voices

The Babes of Romania Captured My Heart

by Sue Surma I have many poignant memories of my international travel over two decades, but the ones I most frequently awaken with in the morning is of my volunteer service in Romania. There, I tended and nurtured about 30 infants and toddlers,…

Volunteer Voices Montana

Hospitality, Respect, Pride and Family – My Week with the Blackfeet

by Todd Cannon I nearly bolted from the sweat lodge before the first round was over. I must have looked as if someone had doused me with a bucket of water - a steady stream of sweat running down my head, torso, limbs. The heat and total darkness…

A Different Holiday Story

Cultures and Traditions Peru

A Different Holiday Story in Peru

A Different Holiday Story, by Peru Country Manager Daniel Salazar: Holidays in Peru and the U.S. are similar in many ways. In both countries most people think of getting together with the family around a nice turkey dinner. But it is also…

A Different Holiday Story

Volunteer Voices China

We Continue to Have a Good Time With our Students!

Team Journal for Friday November 20, 2015 Message of the day: The desire to succeed means nothing without the will to prepare - Author unknown We continue to have a good time with our teachers. Today, my class reviewed some…

A Different Holiday Story

Volunteer Voices China

Everyday it Gets Easier to Work With our Students

Team Journal for Thursday November 19, 2015 Message of the day: "Flowers only bloom when they are ready. People are the same way. You cannot rush or force they open just because you think it's time. Be patient." – Timber Hawkeye Everyday…