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!

Projects for Professionals Cook Islands, St Lucia

Volunteering Professional Says Service Abroad Enhanced Her Career Options

by Denise Miller My first experience with Global Volunteers was in 2005, when I read an article in The Washington Post about volunteer vacations. When I looked at the Global Volunteers website, the Cook Islands was featured on the front…

Projects for Professionals St Lucia

Mental Wellness Expert Joins Effort to Help Children Reach their Potential

In the years since Ruth Curran first served as a volunteer in St. Lucia, she accepted a position on our Board of Directors, and thereafter joined our staff as Director of Partnerships. As an author, blogger and organizational behaviorist,…

Volunteer Voices Cuba

Couple Volunteering in Cuba Deepens Their Commitment to Service

Volunteering abroad with a partner may lead to new directions and interpersonal connections. It can be one of the most significant experiences of your life! Gail and Bill O'Neal are a couple volunteering in Cuba who truly enjoy service together,…

summer day at PPA

Conversational English, Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices

A Special Day – First Holy Communion for 5 Assisi Kids

Team Journal for Monday, 28th December 2015. Today was a very special day. It was the First Holy Communion for the five youngest children at Assisi Illam: Jasmine, George, John, Sophia and Sylvia. I met these children six years ago and…

summer day at PPA

Conversational English, Reaching Children's Potential, Volunteer Voices

Working with Children – An Absolute Joy

Team Journal for Wednesday, 23rd December 2015 “Life should be great rather than long” - B.R. Ambedkar Today was a great day, and was no exception to the wonderful time we have been having day after day here in Chennai. We had…

Projects for Professionals Cuba, Vietnam

Retired Banker Credits Global Volunteers for Enriching His Career Path

Since participating on his first Global Volunteers service program in Russia in 1992, Norman has participated in service programs in Vietnam and Cuba, and has led numerous volunteer teams in Cuba and Montana. Now retired and living in Calfornia,…

The Kleissler Family Serves in Tanzania

Family Volunteering Tanzania

Family Volunteering Offers Gift of Giving to Mother and Sons

Amy Kleissler and her son Jack said volunteering together in Tanzania was a highlight of their year. This was the second program for Amy, who has taken four sons to Tanzania during summer vacation. She talks about the "immeasurable value" of…

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,…

summer day at PPA

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…