International volunteer work is rewarding. It’s an opportunity to give back and help others. Plus, you make new friends, learn about a different culture and get out of the house through the process. Older adults who volunteer report higher levels of well-being. Some studies indicate those that volunteer live longer than those who lead more sedentary […]
A blackout seemed to frustrate a volunteer’s English classes one night. But soon our volunteer, Jennifer, would learn that there is no darkness in Cuba. I am going to remember Monday as a collection of sounds, lights, and … darkness! Breakfast at hotel: The slurps of coffee and leche, the undertones of Deutsche – sprechen […]
When selecting a Global Volunteers location, you may consider community projects, airfare rates, and time of year. But what about another factor: Where you live? No matter which state you call home, we pulled together the most popular Global Volunteer location by state. Where do volunteer travelers in your state serve more than anywhere else? Check […]
Despite its incredible growth, India remains true to its historical essence. This is a brief account by Rita, a first time India volunteer, of her experience hearing the heart of India. This is my fourth Global volunteers program. The first three were in Romania. In December of 2016, I took a Road Scholars trip to Northern […]
Expectations Vs. Reality in Vietnam: Fran, a volunteer serving in Vietnam, writes about her expectations and what she actually finds at a day serving with Global Volunteers. Expectations: It is early and I am awake. I want desperately for this day to begin when I will meet and make new friends. In the short time […]
Immediately following the fall of Romania’s Ceaușescu regime, the failure of the communist dogma that population growth would fuel economic growth was evident in tens of thousands of children abandoned to state care. The world was shocked by the images. Mihaela Cirjontu, then a schoolgirl, was moved to take personal interest in solutions to provide the […]
How Does a Volunteer React After Sorting Five Kilos of Beans? Bob, a first time volunteer in Cuba, had such a rewarding experience that he actually came up with a verse. Our task was to examine five kilos of black beans for foreign objects, then do the same with five kilos of white rice. I was so moved […]
Beyoncé sings about it; we know it’s true: Girls run the world when they work together with purpose and kindness. Redmond, WA Girl Scout troop demonstrated their influence can extend all the way to Quito, Ecuador! And, they earned mature new perspectives in return. Dedicating their spring break to service, the Scouts focused their energy caring for at-risk children […]
Using your professional skills as a volunteer can be very satisfying, says Sara, first-time St. Lucia volunteer. It might be the best way to experience the Caribbean! She reflects on a two weeks of teaching and health care projects – on the captivating island of St. Lucia. It is with bittersweet emotions that we take our […]
Give purpose to your summer! You can do this… So can your child, siblings, spouse or friends! “I’m humbled by how well I was received, and how much I learned that I had to give. It was a true exchange every day in the classroom – between the students and each one of us volunteers. […]