On a previous post, Ken, a U.S. and international volunteer, explained why he’s dedicated much of his life to volunteering abroad. His wife Suzanne offers her take on the reasons behind her family’s volunteering abroad experience. Why do you volunteer abroad? I think it is really enriching to volunteer abroad. My husband is a geographer […]
Ken is one of those people who not only tries to live happily without harming anyone, but actually invests his time helping others. He has helped in his home city of Seattle building houses for low income families, teaching at a school for homeless children, and serving at the Board of his local Girl Scouts […]
Experienced and retired teachers tell us frequently how much they enjoy engaging with new students and teachers in a new culture and in new classrooms on a service program abroad. One of the most fulfilling challenges our volunteers report is leveraging the skills they’ve honed over decades to benefit children who might have been exposed […]
Choosing to volunteer abroad in retirement can be the most fulfilling decision you make! Unencumbered by work schedules, you can respond to needs worldwide and in the U.S. as they occur, and be assured that your contributions are appreciated and useful. What’s more, the personal connections you make on a service program with Global Volunteers can be profound […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Global Volunteers Vietnam Team Leader Jim Swiderski reflects on Peace in Vietnam, Peace Lilies, and how to make both of these flourish. Goooood Mooorrnig Vietnaaam!!! A garden of “Peace Lilies” next to the lake and park in central Hanoi greets my morning walk. It’s hard to capture the rush of emotions I have today as […]
Reflections from Karin, Cuba Volunteer, about her service in Havana with Global Volunteers: I absolutely loved my week in Havana. I really did not expect it would be like that, since I knew no one and it was my first time going with Global Volunteers. My Teammates were wonderful. The Abuelitas at the Senior Center were so […]
This is the story of Steve, a first-time volunteer in Cuba. He decided to spend part of his retirement as an international volunteer – something that was new to him. Cuba was his first experience with Global Volunteers, but not likely to be his last! Steve said serving in Cuba is an experience he’ll […]