Community Partner since 1998.
Alumna Carol McNertney’s “second act” began with her students’ suggestion to expand her horizons. She writes how a promise to them led her on a true journey of the “heart” in her retirement – first to Montana, then to the Cook Islands. By Carol McNertney, Global Volunteers Alumna The Promise Everyone who commits to volunteering […]
It might be that there’s no farther point from the Cook Islands in the United States than Maine. But, that didn’t discourage University of Maine Honors College student Lucie Bonneville from traveling to the South Pacific with Global Volunteers. Undaunted by the 7,000 mile journey, she sought to help others in the global community and […]
The benefits of volunteering are endless across the spectrum of life. Service to others helps us understand the world and ourselves, connect with people, impact events and make a difference. During her gap year, 18 – year – old Cassidy Richardson learned all these lessons and more in the Cook Islands with Global Volunteers. She […]
When Annie saw the description of Global Volunteers’ Cook Islands program, she suspected it might be precisely the type of “once-in-a-lifetime” destination for her wife, Toby’s, 70th birthday. Together, they decided that celebrating Toby’s milestone birthday in service to others would be unforgettable and rewarding. Read Toby’s story here! By Toby S., First-time Cook Islands […]
Juliet Cooke from Wellington New Zealand said teaching at St. Joseph’s School in Rarotonga was a unique way to learn about the Cook Islands culture from the “inside.” In the classrooms, she helped students improve their reading and literacy skills and supported their teachers. In an interview with Marketing Assistant Millie Pinakoulaki, Juliet describes the highlights […]
Throughout her childhood, Cassidy Richardson was interested in learning about different cultures and languages. The more she learned, the more she felt drawn to help others while putting her growing understanding to work. When Cassidy turned 18, she decided to get out of the comfort of her home and volunteer in the Cook Islands. In […]
Volunteering gives you the chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself, find purpose, and use your civic responsibility for the greater good. On a Global Volunteers service program, you can provide hands on help to communities in need around the world. Without the help of volunteers, our partner communities would struggle to […]
Anyone who’s experienced the Cook Islands knows that the crystal-blue waters and beaches are simply off the charts. Global Volunteer Jedd Wasson enjoyed teaching at Apii Avarua primary school on Rarotonga by day, and captured these stunning drone photos of the island during his free time. He said combining his love of travel and photography […]
Reflections from Global Volunteer Jedd about his volunteer trip to the Cook Islands. My volunteer trip to the Cook Islands was incredible. I worked at a local school close to where we were staying, called Apii Avarua. It is a K-8 school and decently sized, about 30 per grade. Three of us 9 volunteers helped […]
More than 1,400 volunteers have positively impacted the lives of children, families, and community leaders on the island since 1998! We’re anticipating the 1,500th volunteer to serve in the idyllic South Pacific island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands this February. Join us, and you can expect a special celebration of all our volunteers and […]