Community Partner since 2007.
When Cisco increased volunteer time off for employees from one to two weeks, Carolyn Philippe jumped at the opportunity to combine her love of international travel with volunteering. In October 2021, after not having been able to travel for almost two years, Carolyn participated in her first service program with Global Volunteers. Fully vaccinated and […]
Six-time Portugal alumnus Donn Rance was eager to return to service in Beja last fall after not having been able to serve in 2020 due to the pandemic. During this service program, he worked with many students who had never had a Global Volunteer in their classroom before. Here, he shares what it was like […]
The history, architecture, scenery, cuisine, safety, and climate of Europe make the continent a favorite travel destination. The bonus of getting to truly get to know local people through community projects – experiencing the fullness of their culture, and making life-long friends – is a highlight of a Global Volunteers program. Each is summarized here […]
After a stimulating week back in English-language classrooms in Beja, Global Volunteers’ Portugal volunteers have a variety of options for weekend and evening free time. For those who love history, architecture, culture, and great food, the options keep enthusiastic team members busy. Some like to explore the region’s natural and historical attractions after the work […]
Portugal alumnus Donn Rance has returned to Portugal to teach English to youth with Global Volunteers nearly every year since 2013 – the most of any other volunteer. Now as he prepares for his seventh Portugal service program in October 2021, he reflects on his personal enrichment on volunteer journeys not only in Portugal, but […]
Charlene Mizner had spent time stationed in the Azores, Portugal in her 22-year career with the US Air Force. So when she came across Global Volunteers’ Portugal service program on an internet search for volunteer work abroad, she envisioned giving back to the Portuguese people as they had given to her years ago. In Beja, […]
By Maho Jordan This was my first experience with Global Volunteers. Being of service as part of a team taught me the importance of connecting with other cultures through education, service and friendships, and small acts of kindness. It just differs so much from being the “regular tourist.” I was able to learn about the […]
Judy Marx, a three-time Global Volunteer alumna, said an ancient Judaism tradition, Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “world repair”), propelled her search for international volunteer opportunities. The world is imperfect, the lesson teaches, but is in our own hands to make it better every day. Judy and her husband John said they’ve since discovered that volunteerism […]
Three-time volunteers and twin sisters, Kit Prendergast and Diane Clark, have identical perspectives on the value of service abroad. They share how they created lifetime memories on an adventure in volunteering together in Beja, Portugal recently. “My twin sister Kit and I joined service programs with Global Volunteers in Greece and Peru, and both our experiences […]
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 […]