Why is JOURNEYS Partnering with Global Volunteers?
As a JOURNEYS client, you know the value of international travel - opening your eyes to other
cultures and returning home with a fuller understanding of the world. If you seek new opportunities to connect and engage with peoples in other countries and cultures, a short-term volunteer option may fill that need. Global Volunteers sustains and nurtures true development partnerships with host partners worldwide...relationships that respect, honor and assist local people with life-enhancing projects...and offers these people-to-people connections to you.
Who Participates on Global Volunteers Service Programs?
People of all ages and from all walks of life have joined our service programs since 1984. Global Volunteers designed the volunteer team model to be easily accessible to most open-minded individuals. We require no second language proficiency, previous international experience or professional expertise for participation on USA and international volunteer programs. Half of our team members are under age 50, and half are over 50. Our fastest growing volunteer population is under age 20. Family members frequently travel together.
Vacation volunteers typically share common characteristics such as cultural sensitivity, global awareness, flexibility, compassion, and most importantly, the desire to work with and learn from local people in the host community. They're drawn from all occupations and backgrounds, and from throughout the world; mainly from the U.S., Canada and the U.K. Approximately 60 percent of our volunteers are women. Participants must be in good health and have the mental and physical capability to function as a team member. People who would like to teach conversational English must be native English speakers.
Who Leads Global Volunteers' Service Programs?
Our expert Country Managers and exceptional Host Community Representatives work to maximize the volunteer experience. Global Volunteers service programs are managed by on-site staff who live in the communities we serve. Most are nationals who were either born or raised in the host country. On-site preparations include team-building sessions, an in-depth orientation to the host community, including discussions on local traditions, and language lessons where appropriate, guest speakers -- such as traditional healers, community activists or educators -- and educational events -- such as pow-wows, musical concerts, round-table discussions and the like. Over the years, this total immersion method has proven to be essential for providing insight to the total volunteer experience. Our Philosophy of Service guides every aspect of service and learning with local partners. This people-to-people sharing is the foundation for mutual understanding and respect.
What are Free-time Options?
Each location offers unique fascination and charm. Most of the volunteer work is conducted during the day, Monday through Friday, leaving the evenings and weekends free for you to relax and explore nearby cultural attractions. Combined with a customized JOURNEYS cultural tour, you can explore the host country through her people and her natural and cultural attractions.
What is the Daily Schedule?
Because Global Volunteers is a 501 (c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization, we strictly adhere to IRS guidelines. Our service programs feature full-time volunteering, averaging 40 hours per week. We know this will most greatly benefit our local development partners, and satisfy the needs of our volunteers to truly be of service. Most work projects begin at 8:30 AM and end around 4:00 PM, with an hour for lunch, Monday through Friday. Team members are housed together, double occupancy, and eat most meals together.
