20-time alumni Steve Fox is a retired teacher from Washington State who participated on his first Global Volunteers program in Minnesota in 2003. 15 years later, as a retiree and octogenarian, Steve has contributed 1360 hours of service on 20 service programs worldwide. Here he shares his reflections on volunteering in retirement. (pictured here with […]
First-time Global Volunteer Denise Nelson Nash has always had a passion for volunteering. In Hanoi, Vietnam, she accomplished a long-held goal – teaching conversational English at the Vietnamese Institute for Development Strategies (VIDS). She shares her story here: “As a young adult, I lived and worked in Venezuela. Living in another country taught me the value […]
While it’s never cited as the major motivation for joining a Global Volunteers Tanzania service program, a weekend trip to Ruaha National Park and Game Reserve can’t be topped. This Tanzania safari destination is East Africa’s largest park and game reserve, about 40 miles from Iringa. It’s home to 10,000 elephants and over 500 species of birds, […]
Reflections from Karin, Cuba Volunteer, about her service in Havana with Global Volunteers: I absolutely loved my week in Havana. I really did not expect it would be like that, since I knew no one and it was my first time going with Global Volunteers. My Teammates were wonderful. The Abuelitas at the Senior Center were so […]
There are some people who can just walk up to a person and make conversation in the most kind and natural way. I’m definitely not one of those people. But Jerry is. His ability to quickly bond and make friends gave him the chance to be asked by total strangers to take part at an […]
Brandy was part of a University of Central Missouri summer student volunteer group in Cuba. After two weeks of teaching conversational English to Cuban children and people and supporting the community of Sancti Spíritus in other ways, she wanted to share a message with anyone considering serving in Cuba. Brandy hopes you will pick up where she […]
Some 35 percent of our 32, 000 alumni volunteers have served on previous programs. Lori is a particularly loyal Poland volunteer, and over her 30-plus service programs, she’s formed relationships with several of the same students year after year. Her reflections as a Global Volunteer alumnus are excerpted from the team journal. I’m fortunate to have met so many great […]
Long-time Poland alumni report that learning about the Polish people – Polish customs, dance, music, as well as their hopes and dreams is the highlight of volunteering in Poland. This testimonial from Lori, a 30-time (!) Poland Global Volunteer exemplifies how the Polish people enrich the lives of all who come to know them. Several years […]
When you consider how to volunteer abroad on your first…or tenth program with Global Volunteers, think about serving as a couple. You’ll discover much more about each other than in your daily lives. Serving together is a life-changing experience that will both challenge and strengthen you. And it’s a unique adventure you’ll share forever. “Jake and I have […]
Five reasons to join Global Volunteers’ Alumni Program: 1. To significantly reduce your service program fee You have the opportunity to spread the word about Global Volunteers by sharing your unique volunteer story with friends, family, neighbors, school groups, and colleagues AND earn credit for your next service program – as a thank you from us […]