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

Little Smiling Faces

Today we started the day off great by practicing our final celebration song on the bus ride to Calderón. At the center, we were greeted with “holas” and chubby faces stuffed with breakfast. A lot of progress was done everywhere around…

Volunteer Voices

Connections

It has been said that wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow. While listening to people talk about their experiences today, I was reminded of that quote. And, while listening to some of my new friends talk over dinner, one word kept…

Volunteer Voices China

Our last day of teaching in Kunming- a somewhat bittersweet day

Thought for the Day: Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together. Woodrow Wilson Today we headed to the university for our last day of teaching – always a somewhat bittersweet day. The first hour and a half…

Volunteer Voices China

A special day with our teacher students

Thought for the day: Tomorrow is dream that leads me onward Tomorrow is a path I've yet to choose. It's a chance I've yet to take, a friend I've yet to make, it's all the talent I've yet to use. Tomorrow is a dream that leads me onward,…

Volunteer Voices

Another Rewarding Day in the Classrooms

It was another eventful and rewarding day for the Global Volunteers. Anne shared our Message of the Day, Gandhi’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” With that in mind, we headed out to the center. The groups decided…

Volunteer Voices Poland

First day of teaching in the midst of the Tatra mountains

Monday morning at Zakopane camp began at 7:45 AM for us. At 4 AM many were awakened by daylight streaming through the windows and birds singing. Through the fog we could see the outlines of the mountains and the green of the pine trees. Soon…

Volunteer Voices Italy

Saturday & Sunday – Well Deserved Time Off

For the weekend, Betty and Perry organized a wonderful tour of nearby cities. After breakfast we were off in a 16 passenger van (with driver) for an adventure. We drove past expansive olive groves and some gnarled trees, some hundreds of…

Volunteer Voices China

A good and rewarding week making differences in Kunming!

Thought for the day: We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee. – Marian Wright Edelman We’re…

Volunteer Voices Italy

Wednesday – Mid Week And We Feel At Home

This morning we woke up to our first cloudy and breezy day. It was actually a relief from the previous day’s heavy air. We met as usual for our morning meeting and discussed the day's assignments. Claire and Lexi joined us today to go to the…

Volunteer Voices Italy

Monday – Our Week Begins – We Tutor Our First Adult Group

Oh! Did we forget to mention breakfast? As I began my day at the pool looking overlooking the sea- quiet peaceful- fisherman are on the rocks trying to perhaps catch lunch or dinner! Next - forget what they say about being able to find a hot…

Volunteer Voices Italy

Tuesday – What? Another Birthday – This Time A Young One!

It is very pleasant to report Tuesday was another clear and warm day in Monopoli, Italy. The slight morning breeze is to be appreciated. Tuesday morning is the open market day. At seven o'clock vendors are setting up awnings, tables and…

Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options

Free time – Visit to the Koyembedu Market and the Churches

Message of the Day: “Travel is more than seeing sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living” –Miriam Beard (Madeline Chastain) Today was our first day to not be with the kids because…