Community Partner since 2007.
Reflections from Bill, 3-time Global Volunteer, on couple volunteering in Portugal. My wife Karen and I joined a small team of seven Global Volunteers in Beja, Portugal for a 1-week volunteer service experience. This was our first service trip together, but not our first experience with Global Volunteers; I participated alone in a Global Volunteers service trip […]
Four-time Global Volunteer Connie reflects back on her volunteer teaching projects and experiences from Vietnam, Cuba and Portugal – comparing and contrasting them… These words “rigid, fluid, and tech” describe three Global Volunteers tutoring experiences in Vietnam, Cuba, and most recently Portugal. “Rigid” curriculum and teaching structure in Vietnam contrasted to the “fluid” evening conversation sessions […]
Observations on Teaching Experience in Portugal by Dot, 7-time Global Volunteer: My experiences in Beja, Portugal were with high school students – in school and via tutoring – and 7th graders. The high school students’ behaviors in Beja were similar to those of high school students in the United States (compared and contrasted with the […]
This is the fifth part to our series on Myths and Legends. Now in Portugal, here is the legend of the rooster of Barcelos One day in a northern town of Barcelos someone stole silver from a landowner. No one knew who the thief was, but they were all eagerly looking for him. When the […]
by Joe Testa Beja has become my home away from home. I always look forward to returning year after year. Not only is it beautiful with its narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses, the people are friendly, warm and eager to welcome you into their community. Their old fashion traditions will woo you. It […]
Global Volunteers Jim and Mary Diel share their top 5 reasons for volunteering in Portugal. 1. The local people Working with the children and adults on their English studies is certainly a highlight of volunteering in Portugal (Beja). Eager, enthusiastic and respectful are just a few of the words that describe our interactions with these students. You’ll love […]
by Scott Johnson One week of teaching has gone by in a flash. Beja continues to reveal itself as a beautiful city inhabited by warm and friendly people. Loretta and Scott (volunteer teammates) walked this afternoon to the super, supermarket in the shopping center to see Beja’s interpretation of the American Dream. Huge food market […]
Our first day teaching in a Beja was without a doubt successful. All 5 of us had nothing but positive things to say about our experiences with our students. Claudia taught an enthusiastic group of 6th and 9th graders. Many students in her 9th grade class impressed her with their knowledge. One especially bright boy […]
Joe’s intrepid band of volunteers had another good day continuing to work with students at several schools and also with one-on-one tutoring. David reported that he and Noreen had a lively discussion with a 10th grade class who had formulated questions regarding the media and censorship in the U.S. They also met with a 9th grade […]
Hard to believe that this is the beginning of our final week in Beja. We know much more about this beautiful city, the surrounding areas, and the Portugese than we did just one week ago. We all have mastered how to get to our schools and I’m pleased to say I finally know how to […]