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 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 […]
Young couples, mature couples, newlyweds, 50+ anniversary couples, LGBT couples… All different kinds of couples join Global Volunteers to experience an adventure in service together. This is an opportunity to learn about a new culture and do something meaningful with your better half – all while growing closer. We offer service trips for couples in […]
You’re never truly alone on a Global Volunteers volunteer program. Joining like-minded and compassionate people from all over the world on important community development projects can be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of your life. Two-time Global Volunteer Jennifer explains why she believes solo volunteer travel is the best way to travel. I […]
Comprising about 30 percent of our volunteers, the “Baby Boom” generation has been foundational to Global Volunteers’ growth over the past three decades. In 1984, forward-thinking Boomers helped Global Volunteers pioneer development partnerships worldwide. Here are some of our most popular volunteer programs for Boomers: Havana or rural Cuba The volunteer projects in Cuba are particularly appropriate for […]
by Cassidy Toner During the seven days our team has been at the hospital, some things have become very familiar — the sight of Ionut running out of the playroom, exclamations of “acolo” from Ema and Delia, Shrek 2, meows from Alina, and David dumping out every container of toys he can find. However, each […]
When you consider how to volunteer abroad on your first…or tenth program with Global Volunteers, think about serving as a couple. You’ll discover much more about each other than in your daily lives. Serving together is a life-changing experience that will both challenge and strengthen you. And it’s a unique adventure you’ll share forever. “Jake and I have […]
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 […]
Volunteering abroad with a partner may lead to new directions and interpersonal connections. It can be one of the most significant experiences of your life! Gail and Bill O’Neal are a couple volunteering in Cuba who truly enjoy service together, as recorded in their program journal: We have been fortunate to be able to travel. It has […]
Marilyn has served in three different service programs. Here she speaks about the experience of teaching English in three countries. The eyes are equally expectant, although the faces are different. Silent, shy, and incredibly polite college freshman in Xian, China; raucous, rambunctious and never quiet high school seniors in Ostuni, Italy; and respectful, mature adults […]