First-time volunteer Kathy Lafond was motivated to expand her volunteering options once she retired. “It’is time for me to give back to those less fortunate,” said the former IT project manager from VA. She chose St. Lucia for the opportunity to tutor 6- year-olds for two weeks. There, she said she learned more than she […]
A dedicated volunteer, Thomasina Tafur, is once again getting ready to pack her bags – to serve in both Poland and Italy. She says she “loves to serve,” especially “helping young people maneuver through their life’s path.” She began her Global Volunteers journey in 2017, with a service program in Cuba, and followed it in […]
By Maho Jordan This was my first experience with Global Volunteers. Being of service as part of a team taught me the importance of connecting with other cultures through education, service and friendships, and small acts of kindness. It just differs so much from being the “regular tourist.” I was able to learn about the […]
Retired engineer and Global Volunteers alumnus Greg Enders has been motivated by a lifelong desire to support and help those in need. He first joined Global Volunteers in China in 2008 to teach conversational English in schools. His second service program in Asia came with the opportunity to experience more of the continent’s diverse culture […]
Seventeen determined Medtronic employees joined a March team in Quito, Ecuador for a week of service and bonding. Pouring their hearts, skills, and strength into their assignments, the women helped paint the exterior of the two-story early childhood development center, tiled the dining room, and cared for the 80 children alongside the center’s teachers. The […]
Alumni volunteer Sapna Srivastava and sons Shaan (10) and Rowhan (13) Daly volunteered over the boys’ spring break – serving the children in Maleviziou, Crete. It’s become a family tradition to serve together. Rowhan participated on his first Global Volunteers service program with Sapna in Montana in 2013. Shaan soon joined them when they served […]
After a 30-year professional teaching career, Global Volunteers alumna Pat Harper said she’s not finished teaching! In her 80s when she first served with us in Vietnam in 2014, she was drawn to the the opportunity to again help others learn. The joy she found teaching in retirement on a service program in Cuba not […]
Barb Holdridge was intrigued when her good friend recommended a new type of travel. But, she didn’t know she’d also catch the volunteering abroad “bug” so quickly! Sixteen years and 10 trips later, Barb says that international volunteer travel is “the” way to learn from local people, build long lasting friendships, and have fun while […]
Fed up with a harsh Minnesota winter, alumna Alan Maclin boarded a plane bound for sunny St. Lucia to volunteer and get his mind off snow drifts. In his own words, Alan reflects on his service experience, and explains how the warm and friendly primary school students he taught helped him forget the cold back […]
Global Volunteers’ Team One shares their reflections on their first week of work on our inaugural Nepal service program in Kathmandu! Saturday – Nepal Arrival Throughout the day, the team assembled, some coming from a trek out of Pokhara, some after long flights from the USA, and others having arrived early, from other parts of […]