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.
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. […]
Tim Cunniff and Keith Kresge are Global Volunteers “veterans.” Between them, they’ve served on 44 programs in 18 different countries – from Tanzania to the Cook Islands. Despite the obvious contrasts between these societies, they say one truth is common to all: People are more alike than different on a basic-needs level. But, how people […]
Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski writes that purposeful travel unites communities and travelers in meaningful learning opportunities, and such connections form the foundation of humanity’s well-being. In these difficult times, Jim says, social connection is what we need most. Here, he shares his hopes for what purposeful travel will bring in the future. By Jim Gorski, […]
Greg and Marcia Potvin have served on eleven service programs with Global Volunteers since 2007. In this interview with Maggie Bjorklund, Volunteer Engagement Manager, Greg and Marcia tell why they continue giving of themselves as volunteers, what they’ve learned from our partner communities around the world, and why they intend to return once the pandemic […]
Tanzania volunteer Marsha Dixon served in Ipalamwa, Tanzania in January 2020 on her first service program with Global Volunteers. She wrote this poem on Ipalamwa and her worries now that the world is facing a pandemic. Her hope is that our futures are filled with more human connection. By Marsha Dixon Ipalamwa It is through […]
Three-time volunteer Melinda Staveley says she chooses Global Volunteers service for her travel abroad for the deeper human connection and cultural learning. In Vietnam, Melinda taught conversational English to visually impaired young massage therapists. The non-profit spa where they train and work serves mainly international clients where English language skills are essential. Read on for […]
Three-time volunteer Jim Gorski describes his yearning to learn about other cultures, and go beyond tourist attractions to understand how ordinary people around the world live. Here, Jim reflects on Global Volunteers’ Philosophy of Service and how it affords people the opportunity to make a real contribution to local communities and enriches the volunteer experience. […]