While service to children and families is the purpose of Global Volunteers programs, working alongside local people is the best way to experience culture and traditions in your host country. Learn more about some of the customs, language and history that comes alive when serving for one, two or three weeks with Global Volunteers.
May 1st is celebrated in many countries worldwide, with two seemingly contradictory intentions. One dates back to ancient times – officially welcoming spring with flowers, festivities, and Maypoles. The other dates to the 19th century, when May 1st was chosen as the date to celebrate International Workers’ Day – a celebration of worker solidarity and […]
The Holi festival, known as “Phagu Purnima” in Nepali, is named after the mythical demoness Holika, and is one of the most anticipated annual celebrations in Nepal. A three-day festival of color and joy, Holi is observed on the full moon day, which falls either late February or early March. If you’re fortunate enough to serve […]
In Part Two of their blog post about their service program in Crete, Greece Volunteers Tom and Rondi Olson talk about Cretan history, hospitality, cuisine and free-time activities available to volunteers serving in Greece! Read Part One. Part Two: Discovering Crete’s “Backstory.” We came to Crete without a mental picture, and really had no idea […]
Volunteering abroad doesn’t have to be all work! With Global Volunteers programs, ample time on evenings and weekends are available to enjoy the cultural, educational and natural attractions in our partner communities. The free-time activities in Nepal are varied and numerous. These opportunities to explore sites near Kathmandu and in the northern regions are recommended […]
A native of China, Bao Li Wang is our China Country Manager. Bao Li joined the Global Volunteers team in 2005 and manages and leads all teams in Xi’an and Kunming, China. While on a service program in China, Bao Li is your guide on everything – volunteering, culture, development, and travel in China. Bao […]
While it’s never cited as the major motivation for joining a Global Volunteers Tanzania service program, a weekend trip to Ruaha National Park and Game Reserve can’t be topped. This Tanzania safari destination is East Africa’s largest park and game reserve, about 40 miles from Iringa. It’s home to 10,000 elephants and over 500 species of birds, […]
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 […]
The Indian Festival of Lights Today marks the Indian festival of lights, called Diwali or Deepavali, which is celebrated throughout the country. The Diwali festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. There are many stories associated with this festival. The most common is […]
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 […]
There are some people who can just walk up to a person and make conversation in the most kind and natural way. I’m definitely not one of those people. But Jerry is. His ability to quickly bond and make friends gave him the chance to be asked by total strangers to take part at an […]