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.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to far-reaching consequences for children and their families in the communities we serve. Volunteers are needed now more than ever to help deliver essential services and support our community partners as they get back on their feet. Those who joined our first programs back or who are registered to volunteer […]
Eight-time Global Volunteer Judith Love Schwab (pictured in 2012 in Cuba, fourth from left) says her first trip away from her Pennsylvania hometown at age 7 taught her that education isn’t limited to books. Experiencing life from different perspectives – as well as subjects otherwise avoided in daily life – became a magnet for her […]
New York mother and retail professional Tenley Zinke recalls her excitement of discovering new project opportunities each day as a Montana volunteer. A highlight: Getting to meet local people in their typical daily routines. Read on for her description of a day’s volunteering schedule in Montana. By Tenley Zinke Volunteering on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation […]
What is true happiness? Joy? Thankfulness? Aluma Linda Thill served at Sagrada Familia children’s home for orphaned, abandoned, and neglected children in Peru over Christmas for her first international volunteering experience. As a retired special education teacher, Linda’s worked with many children over the course of her life. But, she says this teaching experience exceeded […]
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 […]
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 […]
Alumnae Gail Ferguson is eager to return to volunteering curtailed by the pandemic. Serving each year since 2017, she’s traveled to Cuba, St. Lucia, Peru, and the Cook Islands. Read on for her inspiration about volunteering abroad. by Gail Ferguson I so enjoy traveling – seeing the sights, experiencing something new, and possibly learning along […]
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 […]
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. […]