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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.

Cultures and Traditions Vietnam

Hoàn Kiếm Lake: The Heart of Hanoi

In Hanoi’s city center, people for generations have integrated Hoàn Kiếm Lake into their daily lives. Central to their social, physical and cultural routines, youth and adults crowd the site day and night. In the early morning, community elders congregate in traditional areas to practice Tai Chi, while youth and young adults jog on the […]

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February 17, 2020/by Michele Gran
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Hoan-Kiem-Lake-scaled.jpeg 980 1500 Michele Gran https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Michele Gran2020-02-17 23:09:222020-02-18 09:40:53Hoàn Kiếm Lake: The Heart of Hanoi
Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices Greece

The “Gift” of Susannah – Cretan Hospitality at its Best

Susannah - Cretan hospitality at its best

With a thirst for cross-cultural knowledge, octogenarian Carolyn Gallaher joined her third service program with Global Volunteers in hope to uncover the true heart of Crete. She soon learned she wouldn’t be disappointed. Carolyn was grateful to work on a variety of service projects that put her in direct contact with Greeks of all ages, […]

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February 10, 2020/by Sam Pinakoulaki
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/P1050060-e1579534973461.jpg 746 1500 Sam Pinakoulaki https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Sam Pinakoulaki2020-02-10 10:45:292021-11-25 21:17:05The “Gift” of Susannah – Cretan Hospitality at its Best
Cultures and Traditions Cuba

Highlight on Service During Havana’s 500th Anniversary Year

Havana anniversary

Cuba’s capital city began as a Spanish port (San Cristóbal de la Habana) on the Gulf of Mexico in 1515; founded by the Spanish explorer Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar. As it grew to become a busy trading post, a nearby harbor was recognized to have greater access to the Gulf Stream, and the city was […]

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May 2, 2019/by Michele Gran
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cuba-1.jpg 424 693 Michele Gran https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Michele Gran2019-05-02 14:40:242019-05-02 15:21:30Highlight on Service During Havana’s 500th Anniversary Year
Cultures and Traditions

May 1st – May Day – International Workers Day

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 […]

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May 1, 2019/by Sam Pinakoulaki
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Add-a-heading-3.png 315 560 Sam Pinakoulaki https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Sam Pinakoulaki2019-05-01 07:19:072021-04-30 15:10:46May 1st – May Day – International Workers Day
Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options Nepal

Free-Time Activities In Nepal on a Global Volunteers Service Program

Free time activities, Volunteering in Nepal

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 […]

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September 18, 2018/by Sam Pinakoulaki
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Nuns-in-Kathmandu.jpg 693 1024 Sam Pinakoulaki https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Sam Pinakoulaki2018-09-18 11:39:502019-03-21 22:09:36Free-Time Activities In Nepal on a Global Volunteers Service Program
Conversational English, Cultures and Traditions China

Your Guide to Volunteering in China, Bao Li Wang

Travel in China

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 […]

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March 13, 2018/by Global Volunteers
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Travel-in-China-9.jpg 853 1280 Global Volunteers https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Global Volunteers2018-03-13 12:02:162019-04-28 10:40:37Your Guide to Volunteering in China, Bao Li Wang
Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options Tanzania

Weekend Safari is Exotic Diversion on Tanzania Service Program

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, […]

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March 4, 2018/by Michele Gran
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/tanzania-safari-1.jpg 1125 1500 Michele Gran https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Michele Gran2018-03-04 13:29:432020-09-02 23:18:57Weekend Safari is Exotic Diversion on Tanzania Service Program
Cultures and Traditions

Diwali Festival of Lights

Diwali festival in India - children with firecrackers

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 […]

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October 18, 2017/by Global Volunteers
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/IMG_20171017_195425-resized.jpg 1125 1500 Global Volunteers https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Global Volunteers2017-10-18 10:14:522017-10-18 10:16:59Diwali Festival of Lights
Cultures and Traditions, Volunteer Voices

Hearing the Heart of India

Hearing the Heart of India

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 […]

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April 6, 2017/by Stephen Raja
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/india.jpg 739 1500 Stephen Raja https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Stephen Raja2017-04-06 18:36:582017-04-06 11:31:47Hearing the Heart of India
Cultures and Traditions, Free Time Options Cuba

Volunteer Joins a Dominoes Game in Cuba

Dominoes Game in Cuba

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 […]

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February 28, 2017/by Global Volunteers
https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Volunteer-playing-Dominoes-with-locals-in-Ciego-de-Avila-Cuba..jpg 843 1500 Global Volunteers https://globalvolunteers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Global Volunteers2017-02-28 18:36:542021-11-25 22:44:17Volunteer Joins a Dominoes Game in Cuba
Page 3 of 13‹12345›»

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