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.
Here’s one couple’s story of how they fell in love on one of their service vacations with Global Volunteers – and not fell in love with each other, but instead with three little Peruvian sisters. Told by Jim, two-time Global Volunteer. Let me be honest. When my wife Connie and I decided to visit Peru, […]
A sister-sister relationship is a special one for many reasons. Few people will understand you and your childhood better than a sibling – especially a sister – which is great! However, sisters also know how to get under each other’s skin. So… Why spend two weeks on a volunteer program to travel with your sister? […]
International volunteer work is rewarding, and can be especially so in retirement. While giving back and helping others, you make new friends, learn about a different culture and get out of your “comfort zone.” Mature adults who volunteer report higher levels of well-being. Some studies indicate those that volunteer live longer than those who lead more […]
A blackout seemed to frustrate a volunteer’s English classes one night. But soon our volunteer, Jennifer, would learn that there is no darkness in Cuba. I am going to remember Monday as a collection of sounds, lights, and … darkness! Breakfast at hotel: The slurps of coffee and leche, the undertones of Deutsche – sprechen […]
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 […]