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.
Each February for the last three years, Darby Hansen and her husband, Paul Agosta, have volunteered in St. Lucia – where they first visited on vacation. At that time, the island tugged at their heart, and they were gratified to discover how Global Volunteers could enable them to return in meaningful service. Although the pandemic […]
When Global Volunteers launched an online gift catalog last year, donors welcomed it as a complementary way to support the communities they’ve served. Read on for two couples’ reflections on giving back while their own volunteer travel is on hold. 11-time alumni volunteers Marcia and Greg Potvin say their years of service abroad has enlightened […]
Global Volunteers relies on a steady stream of volunteers to serve in partner communities each year, ensuring that essential services continue. Volunteers are our crucial resource – the human capital that partner communities request and require. Most communities also need our help to support their vision of self-sufficiency with additional financial capital. Donors help Global […]
Carole and Jay Kennerly have spent decades sharing experiences together – and among the highlights of their years as a married couple are their four service programs with Global Volunteers. From Greece to Cuba and Vietnam to the Cook Islands, the Kennerlys have enriched their lives through service. They offer a glimpse into their journey […]
Four-time volunteer Gail Ferguson has volunteered each year on a service program since 2017 — first in Cuba, then in St. Lucia, Peru, and the Cook Islands. She writes about uncovering what’s important about meeting different people around the world, and why she hopes to connect through service again in 2021. by Gail Ferguson I […]
Peru Volunteer Mark Bierbaum says each day working with the children of Sagrada Familia is “building on community goals and being part of something larger.” Read on for his description of a typical day’s volunteering schedule in Peru. By Mark Bierbaum After our volunteer service in Peru, I would often get the question, “what was […]
Six-time Global Volunteer Ann Sweeney has served in Cuba three times – including twice for New Year’s celebrations, where she enjoyed Cuban graciousness and tradition. She writes of making connections and nurturing friendships as the focus for Cubans at this very special time of year. By Ann Sweeney After the first train whistle blasted in […]
First-time volunteer Marsha Dixon, a retired benefits consultant from New Hampshire, reflects on teaching youth and meeting parents in Ipalamwa, Tanzania. In this interview with Volunteer Engagement Manager Maggie Bjorklund, Marsha describes her experience as humbling and impactful. Could you tell us a bit about your experience volunteering in Tanzania, Marsha? Teaching kindergarten and second […]
In the months since the onset of the global coronavirus pandemic, many alumni volunteers tell us they look forward to resuming the service travel in 2021 that they missed in 2020. One frequent volunteer is Don Marshall of Sebastopol, CA, who recently reminisced about about his rewarding Vietnam service journey, including memories of teaching and […]
Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski reveals why he says “yes” to opportunities during uncertain times – and why he anticipates that discipline will be most important post-COVID-19. By Jim Gorski, Global Volunteers Alumnus and Retired Board Member There will come a time when the pandemic recedes into the past and some form of normalcy will establish itself. […]