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!

Conversational English Greece

Teenager from UAE Shares Her Volunteer Experience in Greece

At just 14 years old, Prem Garg embarked on a transformative volunteer experience in Greece this past spring with her father Priank. Passionate about volunteering, she has consistently sought opportunities to help others, from organizing extracurricular…

Staff Worldwide St Lucia

Meet Your St. Lucia Team Leader: Sue Beckwith

When I left the UK and moved to St Lucia in 2007, I had no idea what the future held. I worked in Europe and North America as an electronics engineer, promoting components from large Japanese companies to large corporations. But my then husband…

Volunteer Voices Portugal

Teaching Conversational English in Beja, Portugal – A Personal Narrative

Richard Lee, a retired business journalist from Connecticut, shares his enriching experience volunteering in Beja, Portugal with Global Volunteers. Richard details his week teaching English in local schools and a correction facility. He describes…

News and Updates Malaysia

New Service Program Opens in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a captivating tapestry of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and modern innovation. With its exhilarating culture, vibrant festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine, this dynamic country entices…

Conversational English Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal

Best Volunteer Service Programs in Europe

The history, architecture, scenery, cuisine, safety, and climate of Europe make the continent a favorite travel destination. The culinary delights, from Italian pasta and Greek mousaka to the Polish pierogi and the Portuguese bacalhau à brás,…

volunteer abroad in retirement

Volunteer Voices

Three Reasons to Volunteer Abroad in Retirement

Choosing to volunteer abroad in retirement can be the most fulfilling decision you make! Unencumbered by work schedules, you can respond to needs worldwide, and in the U.S., and be assured that your contributions are appreciated and useful.…

News and Updates

40 Years of Service: Global Volunteers’ Guiding Principle – We do whatever we are asked to do

In this ongoing series, we describe Global Volunteers’ guiding principles. These ten foundational values shape our human and economic development approach and, in partnership with communities we serve globally, have yielded remarkable results.…

Development Impact

Volunteering Abroad: Travel that Feeds the Soul

Volunteering abroad is a transformative experience that leaves a mark on both the communities served and the volunteers themselves. Stepping out of one's comfort zone and immersing oneself in a different culture can lead to personal growth,…

Staff Worldwide Montana

Meet your Montana Team Leader: Rosie Morrison

Rosie has a heartwarming story about her meaningful relationship with Montana to share. She is currently Global Volunteers Montana Team Leader, having joined the staff in 2023. In this blog post, Rosie shares her connection to the Blackfeet…

News and Updates

40 Years of Service: Global Volunteers’ Philosophy of Service – Wage Peace and Promote Justice

Each of us is accountable for our own personal development. However, we are also entrusted with gifts and talents to be shared with others. Global Volunteers provides a direct way to share those gifts and talents. We are dedicated to building…

Family Volunteering Cook Islands, Cuba, Greece, Italy, Nepal, Peru, Poland, St Lucia, Tanzania

Best Family Volunteer Abroad Programs for Summer 2024 & 2025

Volunteering as a family is a remarkable opportunity to bond, grow, and positively impact the world. Families strengthen their relationships by coming together to serve others and instill valuable lessons of empathy, compassion, and community…

News and Updates Cuba

Volunteering in Cuba: A Journey of Service and Connection

With anticipation and excitement, Global Volunteers' 113th volunteer team in Cuba embarked on an adventure in service. The team comprising eight dedicated volunteers, arrived in Havana ready to make a difference and served for two weeks. With…