Volunteer in Greece

“This experience has enriched my life and hopefully helped my students and everyone I met along the way.”
Margie Sisitsky, Greece Volunteer 2025

Be the Change. Be a Global Volunteer in Greece.

“Global Volunteers are priceless….It is not just the work they do within the community; it is also the broader impact they have on our children, teaching them that they too can become volunteers within our community”

Mr Kostas MamoulakisMayor of Maleviziou

“I’ve learned more conversational English tips from these volunteers over the past two weeks than I ever did during my years at college.”

Mrs. JuliaElementary School English Teacher

“My learning of Greek culture was not academic/intellectual; it was definitely the experiential of the soul of Crete in meeting/working with the people.” 7-time Global Volunteer

Liz BradyGreece Volunteer 2025

“I am so glad to have learned about Global Volunteers. Excellent organization with an excellent staff.”

Jeanine KruegerGreece Volunteer 2026

“My family’s time with the Greece program has been unforgettable!” 4th time volunteering with his family

Dan BrownGreece Volunteer 2025

“I wish I could give the food and the accommodations a 10++. We were able to experience so many different foods of Crete and my hotel room was a cozy retreat.”

Anne GardnerGreece Volunteer 2025

“Great experience. Felt extremely well taken care of. Enjoyed the group of volunteers and loved the teacher and kids I worked with.”

Nicole SchreinerGreece Volunteer 2026

“Wonderful food. Nice hotel. Felt very safe and well cared for.” 4-time Global Volunteer

Julie FisherGreece Volunteer 2025

“My family and I hope to volunteer again next year”

Megan Smiley Greece Volunteer 2025

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Share what was given to you!

Help Greek students improve their English skills. Unemployment is high on Crete. Most good paying jobs are in tourism where English is essential. Students must pass a challenging English exam to be admitted to the university. So, knowing English is a passport to a more prosperous and fulfilling future. You are needed to tutor/teach conversational English in classrooms and during summer language camps. Every fluent English speaker can do this. In return, you will gain new friends and a personal understanding of the pride and vitality of an ancient culture, Cretan hospitality, and engaging customs. Experience the spell-binding Mediterranean coast and enjoy mountain vistas where Global Volunteers has worked since 1996.

Volunteer on Crete

Enjoy the wonders of Crete, Greece’s largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

Local time in Crete:

Call: 651-407-6100

Request Program Information

Quick Online Registration

FAQs:

Genuine development projects to help children thrive. Exceptional service-learning for families, groups and individuals.

Community Projects

Teach Conversational English:

During the School Year

Help Greek students aged 8–16 strengthen their English conversation skills during evening classes at six local English schools. Teachers provide the curriculum, and volunteers typically focus on older students as they prepare for their oral English examinations. Your presence gives learners the invaluable opportunity to practice with a fluent English speaker—building confidence, accuracy, and enthusiasm for the language.

Summer in Krousonas

Spend your summer in the picturesque village of Krousonas, where volunteer teams of all ages come together to support an engaging English-language summer school. This lively program combines interactive lessons with group games, creative projects, and outdoor sports—designed by enthusiastic volunteers just like you. It’s the perfect blend of learning, fun, and adventure.

The school complex features spacious classrooms, a large playground, and a basketball court. Students of all levels build confidence in small-group settings while forming lifelong memories and friendships. Each afternoon, volunteers have time to prepare activities for the following day, ensuring every session is meaningful and enjoyable.

Dates & Fees

Upcoming Volunteer Dates in Greece

Select Program Community

Find your preferred date by changing the year and program duration.

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Registration is quick and easy!

Choose program date and duration above.
Click on the option you prefer in the result list.
Complete the online registration and hold your place with a $350 deposit.

Be sure to select all applicable discounts. All payments tax-deductible.

Groups of 10 or more participants interested in dates not shown below should inquire with our Partnerships Department about adding exclusive dates to the schedule. Please email any inquiries to groups@globalvolunteers.org.

Arrival and Departure

Leave the details to us!

Your service program officially begins with the evening meal on the first Saturday. You may arrive at Iraklion International Airport (airport code HER), before 8:15 PM on Saturday.

You must confirm your flight itinerary with us at least two weeks before the service program arrival date to confirm your team airport transfer to the hotel. Plan your departure from Iraklion for after 7:00 AM on the final Saturday of your service program.

Food and Lodging

Rest and comfort for a productive program.

Your health and safety are our highest priorities as a volunteer in Greece. Your secure, beach-side hotel in Amoudara features private bathrooms with hot water, twin beds, in-room safes and telephones and very friendly staff. Most rooms offer wireless internet, and private balconies.

In-room safe and telephone
Single room available for an extra fee
Each unit is equipped with a fridge, cooking hobs and a TV
70 metres from the sandy beach and within a short walk from restaurants and shops
Wireless hot spots

You can expect meals featuring spectacularly seasoned beef and pork, a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, including fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, pita bread, and such traditional favorites such as feta cheese, and fresh black olives. A rich selection of fruits and homegrown vegetables accompanies the meals. Bottled water is provided. Vegetarian diets can generally be accommodated.

: Greek Salad is a popular meal choice.

: Enjoy healthy and delicious meals in Crete.

: The relaxing costal view of Crete, Greece

Health and Safety

Your safety is our priority.

Your lodging, food and transportation are provided always with a mind to protect your health and security. Your team leader is trained in CPR and first aid to handle most emergencies. Global Volunteers includes emergency medical evacuation insurance in your service program fee. Read more about health and safety here.

We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information. For general recommendations, consult the following sources:

Centers for Disease Control | Health Canada Online | Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

We also recommend health insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance in the event you must cancel your participation on the service program. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Click here to read risks associated with international travel.

Global Volunteers’ Respiratory Viruses Policy for Service Programs in the U.S. and Abroad

Mobility

Mobility:

Maleviziou, Island of Crete - Level 2 - Somewhat Mobile
Our service program on the island of Crete involves walking or taking public buses to schools and restaurants in urban areas and small villages.
Walking: Volunteers should be comfortable walking to local restaurants, a few to several blocks from the lodging. The lodging is a five-minute walk from the beach.
Community Project: Volunteers must be able to independently enter and exit public buses and taxis. The English language schools require climbing at least one flight of stairs to enter.
Lodging: There is no elevator at the lodging. Volunteers should be comfortable climbing one flight of stairs daily.

Maleviziou, Island of Crete - Summer Camp - Level 2 - Somewhat Mobile
Our service program on the island of Crete involves walking or taking public buses to schools and restaurants in urban areas and small villages.
Walking: Volunteers should be comfortable walking to local restaurants for dinner, a few to several blocks from the lodging.
Community Project: Volunteers are transported by van or bus to the summer camp school and must be able to get in and out of the vehicle independently.
Lodging: There is no elevator at the lodging. Volunteers should plan to climb one flight of stairs daily.

Team Leader

Excellence in team management so you can focus on service.

Samantha (Sam) Pinakoulaki got involved with Global Volunteers in 2005, initially assisting the Volunteer Team Leader as a translator. In 2006, she was offered and accepted the position of Greece Country Manager in Greece. She has successfully managed more than 100 teams consisting of adults, youth, and young children. Samantha is recognized by both volunteers and community partners for her dedication, leadership, and passion for cultural exchange.

Born and raised in England, Samantha has lived in Greece since 1989. She studied performing arts and traveled extensively with dance companies worldwide. Her last performance contract brought her to Crete, where she met her husband, Dimitris, they got married and together they have five wonderful children.

“Sam was very organized, informative, helpful, flexible, resourceful, and great fun to be with during dinner, meetings, and other activities.” ~ Vicky Hoagland, Greece Volunteer

“Sam was consistently responsive and thoughtful, energetic, and had a good sense of humor. She was also great at facilitating communication with the kids during our sessions.” ~ Lee Park, Greece Volunteer

“Sam is a warm, caring leader. She is passionate and committed to the goals and mission of Global Volunteers, but at the same time, she cares about each of us, our well-being, our experience, our energy levels, and even our health. I consider Sam a friend and an exceptionally talented leader.” ~ Andrea Kingman, Greece Volunteer

“Very welcoming and kind. She was a great support to my dad and me throughout our time in Crete.” ~ Prem Garg, Greece Volunteer

“Experienced Global Volunteers staff with local ties that really help to provide a good experience for volunteers and community partners. She gave us the freedom to lead our classes but was always there to help if needed. Helped us work and feel like a team.” ~ Thomas Leonard, Greece Volunteer

“Excellent team leader, everything was thoroughly explained, and clarified, and is an optimistic person! Sam also always made me feel safe.” ~ Karen Griffin, Greece Volunteer

“Sam is a wonderful team leader and one of the reasons I return to the program.” ~ Susan Brandler, Greece Volunteer

Free Time

Oh what sites there are to see!

Ample time is available before or after classes, depending on the season, and on weekends to enjoy the numerous nearby natural and cultural attractions. Soak up the Mediterranean sun at various uncrowded beaches. Or, mingle with tourists and local residents at the nearby shopping areas. A short bus trip takes you to the island’s capital, Iraklion, with its Archaeological Museum, Venetian port, and excavated and reconstructed palace of King Minos at Knossos. Or walk through the birthplace of painter El Greco in nearby Fodele, and explore nature in parks and wild areas. Crete boasts a rich variety of plants -including 130 unique species of wild flowers and herbs.

Hiking is a popular diversion for those who aren’t beach-goers. Three mountain ranges stretch in a spine across the island. The same geological forces that created the mountain ranges also created awe-inspiring gorges. Faragi Samarias (Samaria Gorge) is the most famous, with a length of 16km, making it the longest gorge in Europe.

Some resources for weekday trips:

Little Fun Train (5 minute walk from hotel) 2 hour tour of the area including a visit to a small mountain village and monastery.
Gazi Town: (15 minute walk from the hotel) Home of the Malevizi Museum, also offering a bakery, banks and pharmacy.
Archaeological Museum of Heraklion: One of Greece’s most important museums, featuring the world’s finest collection of Minoan artifacts.
Minoan Palace of Knossos: The legendary Bronze Age palace complex believed to be the center of Minoan civilization and the home of King Minos and the Minotaur myth.
Cretan Aquarium: (30-minute drive) One of the largest in Europe.
Water City (water park): A lively water park featuring slides, pools, and family-friendly attractions.
Dinosauria Park: An interactive theme park where life-size dinosaur models and activities bring prehistoric creatures to life.
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: A fascinating museum displaying reconstructed inventions that highlight the ingenuity of ancient Greek engineering.
Natural History Museum of Crete: A rich museum exploring Crete’s flora, fauna, and geology through hands-on exhibits.

Weekend Destinations:

Rethymnon Town: (1.5-hour drive west)
Arkadi Monastery: (20-minute drive into the mountains from Rethymnon).
Chania town: (2.5-hour drive west) Agios Nikolaou: (1.5 hr drive to the East)
Visit Spinalonga Island the old Leper colony, short boat ride from Agios Nikolaou.
Matala, the Roman Caves Phaestos/Gourtys Palace: Archaeological ruins famous for the Phaestos.
Santorini Island: (2.5 hr boat ride from Heraklion port). World-famous Volcanic island with black and red sand beaches…and the best sunsets in the world!

Family Opportunities

Minimum Ages for Family Service Projects

Parents and legal guardians of minors – under age 18 – must complete a Minor Registration and travel with their children. Children 15 and under must work closely with their parent or legal guardian on family service projects.

Country	Community	Min Age	Notes
China	Xi'an	10
Cook Islands	Rarotonga	8
Greece	Maleviziou, Island of Crete - Summer Camp	6
Greece	Maleviziou, Island of Crete	12
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	10	summer camps JuneAugust
Italy	Castelvetrano, Sicily	12	school year
Malaysia	Johor Bahru	7
Montana	Blackfeet Reservation	8
Nepal	Kathmandu	10
Peru	Lima	7
Poland	Reymontowka - School Year Program	6
Poland	Reymontowka - Language Camp Led by Ukrainian Team Leader	6
Poland	Siedlce - Polish-Ukrainian Summer Program	6
Puerto Rico	Aguada	10
St. Lucia	Anse La Raye	8
Tanzania	Ipalamwa Area	13
Texas	San Juan	12
Vietnam	Hanoi	15

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Families who volunteer together, grow together!

You don’t need teaching experience. You don’t need to speak Greek. You only need to enjoy working with kids. Your children can work with students from the villages and rural neighborhoods of Gazi County and the major city of Heraklion. They’re growing up in a world where English proficiency is a global given – and they want and deserve to become as fluent as their urban peers. That’s where you come in! Families of all ages can work together in summer language school with students of all ages.

You emphasize speaking skills, not the formal rules of grammar in many different ways. Practice pronunciation, talk about mutually interesting topics, and read texts. You might share stories or play games. You might sing or dance or take your students on a scavenger hunt.

Parents and guardians are expected to supervise their minor volunteers, and collaborate with our team leader and local partners to maximize the service experience for everyone. Youth are invited to offer their own perspectives in team meetings and fully participate in free-time activities. In this way, your child gains a personal understanding of the Greek culture as well as the role and responsibilities of a team member. They likely also will create life-long friendships with local youth who share their interests and experiences.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone, you must comply with Global Volunteers’ minor supervision policy.

Group Opportunities

Picture your group volunteering together in Crete!

This is the inspirational center of Minoan civilization and mythical birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. Our program offers diverse Greece volunteer opportunities and a flexible schedule to enable people of all backgrounds and skills to fully contribute. Teaching English conversational skills to Greek students or encouraging young adults with special needs, or Greek children displaced from their homes can be many times more enriching than a traditional Greece “tour” experience. We work with you to meet your group’s unique goals and personality.

Greece service-lerning for high school and college groups

Groups volunteering together on Crete discover what tourists never experience. Inside Greek classrooms, a day activity center, a women’s association and a children’s home, you gain a rare, “insider” perspective of daily life in Greece. Participating in local Cretan dance and music, learning raki making from the experts, hearing the Greek language spoken, and experiencing Greek customs and local events with your hosts take you beyond the typical island tour. Around the pool or on the beach with your teammates, you compare notes to paint a mural of true understanding and respect. Nothing can replace the experience of volunteering together in Greece and experiencing the Greek culture as you live it.

Read details on group volunteering:

Volunteer Voices: Read and Hear What Volunteers Say About Serving in Greece

Recent Stories from Greece

April 15, 2026