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!

Greece Global Volunteer

Conversational English, Volunteer Voices Greece

Reflections on A Volunteer’s Role in Greece

Anna Goshua says the historic timing of her July Crete Service Program added significance to her volunteer contribution. As the Greek government negotiated austerity measures with the EU, Anna focused her personal efforts on daily…

dancing in Costa Rica

Cultures and Traditions

Dancing in Costa Rica

Ever wondered what dancing in Costa Rica looks like? Costa Rica’s central geographical location and colonial history have resulted in a varied musical culture that incorporates elements from North and South America and the Caribbean islands.…

making friends in Poland

Volunteer Voices Poland

I’ll Always Remember the Smiles of the Kids in My Class

Poland Volunteer Vicki Kappus talks about her experience at Reymontowka camp, teaching English, and making friends in Poland. Milk soup for breakfast! I loved it! Classes went really well for all 5 teachers. I think we're getting the…

Greece Global Volunteer

Volunteer Voices

“Those who are happiest are those who do most for others.”

Journal by: Jamie Huntley First day of the volunteer work projects for Team #206: This day was a big one. In the morning, we all got up probably thinking the same thing, “today is the day we get to find out why we are here.”…

Hands-on learning through service in Costa Rica

Reaching Children's Potential

Forest Trails for Hands-on Learning

Our host partner in Costa Rica is Colegio Técnico Profesional de Santa Elena or Technical Professional Secondary School of Santa Elena, located in a small town in the cloud forest region of Monteverde. It is called Colegio for short, which…

Greece Global Volunteer

Volunteer Voices

Beautifully and Wonderfully Different

Team Journal Entry for Friday, July 10 Today was so bittersweet. We concluded our service at daycare center one today and those kids and tías have made such an impact on me. The love and fun and humor and respect and value shared within…

Greece Global Volunteer

Volunteer Voices Greece

The Greek Struggle!

Author: Sam Pinakoulaki, Greece Country Manager As I sat out in the playground for recess watching the children laughing and playing, tears filled my eyes…70 innocent souls that spend 4 hours a day with our Volunteers learning English…

Greece Global Volunteer

Reaching Children's Potential Cuba

Experience the Cuba Service Program Virtually

If you're interested in visiting a unique country with a charming culture, an extraordinary history, and welcoming people, then Cuba is for you. Our Cuba service program combines the best of volunteerism and people-to-people exchanges. Hear…

Greece Global Volunteer

Volunteer Voices Poland

First Day of Teaching In the Midst of the Tatra Mountains

The day opened with wisps of mist wrapping the mountains. It was another beautiful day In Zakopane. Even without sunshine, the view from our balcony is always lovely and green. It promised to be a bit chilly and a bit wet and the promise…

Cultures and Traditions, News and Updates Cook Islands

“But do we make a difference?” You sure do!

We are often asked by volunteers whether their support of literacy with children really makes a difference. We can tell you emphatically - YOU DO make a difference in the Cook Islands! The Cook Islands culture is predominantly an oral culture…

best volunteer programs in South America

Reaching Children's Potential Peru

“Look mom! That’s my hand!”

It has been a most satisfying progression. First, we were asked by the community of Alto Progreso to help build a wall next to the community Pre-K and soup kitchen (which serves 120 children). This wall was needed to protect the children…

Greece Global Volunteer

Volunteer Voices Greece

Advice from Lesley, a Greece Global Volunteer

Greece Global Volunteer, Lesley Rainey, shared her heart on her first service program in Greece back in 2013. Since then, she's loyally supported the people she met in Greece - through not only returning to serve, but also through spreading…