Community Partner since 2007.
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 […]
Journal by Cisco, Global Volunteer in Portugal: March 3, 2018 Another day, another morning, I got dressed and ready for breakfast. I head downstairs, returned my key, and as I walk to catch the school bus, it made me reflect of the time here in Beja and what kind of impressions I have left in […]
Ten-year anniversaries are cause for celebration! Marking 10 years of service in Beja, Portugal, Global Volunteers anniversary team (February 17-March 3, 2018) will be out of the ordinary in so many ways. Unique community events, stimulating conversations with community leaders, and exceptional meals are just the icing. Teachers, students, community partners, and returning Beja volunteers will […]
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 […]