Stories from students, retirees, working professionals, couples, families, groups, solo travelers, first-time volunteers, volunteer veterans and everyone in-between from more than 20 countries around the world. Learn about your favorite country in their own words.
For Kurt Jaeger, a 13-time Global Volunteers alumnus, volunteering abroad—especially in Peru—has always been about building meaningful relationships. During his service at Sagrada Familia in Peru, he formed a special bond with a dedicated teacher, Hugo Sutizal. Through that kindred spirit, Kurt came to truly understand the deep and lasting impact of human connection. Here’s […]
Elizabeth Wang, Senior Marketing Product Manager at Google, sought both a different way to travel and a meaningful way to give back to the global community. After reviewing several organizations online, Elizabeth selected Global Volunteers’ Vietnam service program. She served in Hanoi at Blind-Link, a non-profit organization which trains visually impaired adults in massage therapy […]
Global Volunteers alumni Tom and Rondi Olson were eager for their service program in Crete, Greece. After serving in Peru and Cuba, they said the island’s craggy beauty and friendly culture drew them to their next volunteer adventure. In a two-part blog post, Rondi and Tom report on the students, teachers, and volunteers they worked […]
A recent retiree volunteering in Cuba describes the sights, sounds and inspiration she experienced while practicing English conversation with gracious elders and lively students. Mary Ann Fitzgerald says her life was enriched through this unique program, and shares how Global Volunteers enabled her to easily and safely explore Havana, Cuba through service. Florida retiree Mary […]
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., 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 […]
Alumni volunteer Ann Sweeney serves with Global Volunteers “to learn about other cultures, build relationships with people, and contribute to others in areas of need.” A 10-time volunteer, starting in 2006, Ann returned from her Puerto Rico Service Program in March 2024 with more unique insights about the value of international travel. “We get to […]
Dive into the inspiring chronicle of Beth Capek’s remarkable journey—a story that blends education, exploration, and the joy of making global connections. In Sicily, she shared her passion for teaching English and discovered a world of camaraderie, laughter, and meaningful change. In the midst of Beth’s life story, a significant chapter unfolded during her years […]
Lee Park and Eric Tiffany have always wanted to give back through service and, for years, have been interested in the possibility of doing a long-term volunteer program abroad. With that in mind, they chose a two-week service program in Crete to “wet their feet” and gain a little experience for their future retirement; exploring […]
Global Volunteers alumni and octogenarians, Wilma Bennett (above, left) and Popi Anastassatos (above, right), have been best friends since the late 60s. When in 2022 Wilma invited Popi to explore her Greek heritage on a service program, Popi was soon to join her. Read on to learn why they dubbed it “an adventure of their […]
Upon completing her 50th service program, Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Thompson paused to consider what first motivated her in 2003 to join a Global Volunteers team, and what inspires her to enable others to serve. We asked her to share with us her insights as a volunteer, team leader, and employee of Global Volunteers. What advice […]