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.
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 […]
Expectations Vs. Reality in Vietnam: Fran, a volunteer serving in Vietnam, writes about her expectations and what she actually finds at a day serving with Global Volunteers. Expectations: It is early and I am awake. I want desperately for this day to begin when I will meet and make new friends. In the short time […]
Using your professional skills as a volunteer can be very satisfying, says Sara, first-time St. Lucia volunteer. It might be the best way to experience the Caribbean! She reflects on a two weeks of teaching and health care projects – on the captivating island of St. Lucia. We’re all sad to leave St. Lucia today. For […]
There are many natural and cultural attractions that inspire travelers to explore South America – especially in Ecuador and Peru (the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu to mention a couple). However, to know a place and culture is to know her people. When you volunteer in South America, you obtain a unique perspective through the lives of the […]
by Global Volunteers alumnus Jim Swiderski 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 Global Volunteers prepares for our 30th service program working with children at the NBK School. I reflect on yesterday’s […]
Ken, a volunteer from one of the Cuba teams in January, reflects on the virtues of the Cuban people as well as the challenges they face and their dilemma of whether to stay in Cuba or try to emigrate. After only 4 days here, I am already falling in love with Cuba and the Cuban […]
Reflections from Karin, Cuba Volunteer, about her service in Havana with Global Volunteers: I absolutely loved my week in Havana. I really did not expect it would be like that, since I knew no one and it was my first time going with Global Volunteers. My Teammates were wonderful. The Abuelitas at the Senior Center were so […]
Learn about our partnership with Sagrada Familia and your opportunity to help children in Peru here. Global Volunteers’ team members are motivated by a sincere desire to help improve the daily lives of children living on the margins of Lima, Peru. These journal excerpts depict such a day through the words of Global Volunteer, Mykaela. After […]
This is the story of Steve, a first-time volunteer in Cuba. He decided to spend part of his retirement as an international volunteer – something that was new to him. Cuba was his first experience with Global Volunteers, but not likely to be his last! Steve said serving in Cuba is an experience he’ll […]
Tom has volunteered 5 times in Vietnam. Like Tom, you can use your career to make a difference in Vietnam. The weather today was beautiful — blue skies with a moderately warm temperature. It helped make it another pleasant day in Hanoi. My friend, travel partner and roommate, Keith, and I got up early and took […]