Thumbnail

Global Crossroad

Why choose Global Crossroad?

Global Crossroad, LLC is one of the world's fastest growing international volunteer vacation organizations. Its ever-expanding programs offer a variety of volunteer and travel programs in 18 different countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America: Volunteer Abroad, TEFL Abroad, Tours and Travels, Internship Abroad, Mini-Venture, Group Seasonal Escapes and Paid Teaching opportunities.

Our philosophy involves more than simply placing a volunteer in a grassroots project. We offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of our clients: individualized placements, travel and adventure, cross-cultural learning experiences, in-country travel arrangements, free-time exploration, and other services as per the special needs of our participants.

Reviews

Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An enriching and fulfilling experience for the whole family

I wanted to take a trip that would be adventurous and fulfilling for the whole family. My kids are 15 and 12 years old. We have been so privileged to have what we do in the United States and I wanted to share what we could of our time and donations to those that don't.

What better way to open your heart than to see experience it with young children at an orphanage? It was the perfect balance of volunteering and free time for adventures. My son did get sick and Global Crossroads was so helpful in helping us navigate our way around the health system and to translate for us when we really needed it.

This type of experience you can only learn from doing it and not reading about it or hoping someday you will get to go when the time is right. It is not easy but if you are thinking even a little bit about it just apply and go! There is no way you will regret it and GC is there to answer all your questions.

Pros
  • Cusco is an amazing city and I never got bored walking around town and exploring. The Peruvians are kind and helpful.
  • It is a great place to practice your Spanish. There are so many adventures just outside of Cusco. It feels safe and is easy to get around town.
  • The orphanage was welcoming and the hours are flexible to accommodate your schedule. the weather in August was incredible!
Cons
  • I didn't know a lot of Spanish so that made it hard (this is my fault though) but it was still manageable for sure and I learned a lot while I was there.
  • The host family was a wee bit away from the city so would have liked to have stayed a bit closer.
  • It was a bit chilly in the house at night an something to get used to.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Julie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Heartwarming Experience: Working with Children and Moms in an Orphanage

My family and I went volunteering at an orphanage, and I can confidently say that the experience has been nothing short of heartwarming and transformative. Working with children in need has opened my eyes to the strength and resilience that these young souls possess, making my time spent at the orphanage an unforgettable journey of love and compassion.

From the moment I stepped through the orphanage's doors, I was greeted with the warmest smiles and heartfelt gratitude. The children, despite their challenging circumstances, radiated an innocence and spirit that was infectious. Their enthusiasm for life and their ability to find joy in the simplest of things were truly humbling.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working in an orphanage was the opportunity to build meaningful connections with the children. Each child had a unique personality, and we felt privileged to be a part of their lives, even if only for a short period. My interactions with them ranged from playtime and educational activities to providing emotional support and guidance. Witnessing their smiles and calmness over time was immensely gratifying.

The orphanage staff was an incredible team of dedicated individuals who shared a genuine passion for the well-being of the children. Their tireless efforts to create a nurturing environment and provide essential resources were commendable. They were always ready to lend a helping hand, ensuring that both the children and us volunteers received the support needed to thrive.

Throughout my volunteer journey, I learned valuable life lessons that have left a lasting impact on me. Patience, empathy, and resilience were just a few of the virtues that the children unknowingly imparted to me. Additionally, working in an orphanage highlighted the importance of community and reminded me of the positive impact that simple acts of kindness can have on someone's life.

It is important to acknowledge that working with children in an orphanage can also be emotionally challenging. Witnessing the hardships that some of these children faced and their longing for a stable family environment tugged at my heartstrings. However, the strength and resilience they displayed in the face of adversity inspired me to do my best to contribute positively to their lives.

In conclusion, working with children in an orphanage has been a life-changing experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a meaningful and rewarding volunteer opportunity. The joy of making a difference in these children's lives, even in small ways, is unparalleled. The love and gratitude you receive in return is immeasurable. My time spent at the orphanage has taught me the true essence of compassion, and I will forever cherish the memories of the precious souls who touched my heart.

Pros
  • life changing experience
  • Hands on time with Moms and their kids
  • Practice your spanish language skills
Cons
  • Emotionally challenging
  • Physical environment is not child proof
Default avatar
Deborah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteer Teaching

Working with children in the schools and orphanage in Tanzania was a very rewarding experience. At the orphanage I got to see how the orphanage was managed and helped to wash clothes and prepare the daily meal. The small school I worked at was so rewarding. The children were a delight and the teachers were so welcoming.It was an honour to be able to observe and help the teachers. My host Mama Alice was amazing. I also went on a safari, a waterfall and coffee tour. An absolutely fantastic experience.

Pros
  • Ease of arrival in Moshi and being greeted at airport by Aloyse
  • Mama Alice's welcome and the accommodation was fantastic
  • Overall African experience
Cons
  • Long flights from Australia
  • Excursions booked through Global crossroads too expensive.
Default avatar
Fairooz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Healthcare volunteering project in Kathmandu, Nepal

This was my first ever solo-trip, so I was rather nervous to begin with. However, from the moment of first contact with the organisation until the end, they were always there to support me and answer any questions that I had. My country coordinator was especially helpful and showed me around the town and helped me exchange money and get a sim card. The people at the hostel were also very accommodating and treated me like a family member. My project was healthcare and although I could only do minimal amount of work (since I was only a high-school student), I still took away a lot from the nurses, physicians, and patients.

The hostel itself was very nice and clean. Both the airport pick-up and drop-off were efficient. The people at the hostel always asked me about how I was doing, how my day was, and made sure I was safe and happy.

Pros
  • Feeling of safety
  • Guaranteed three meals a day
  • Learning to be independent
Cons
  • May be a little expensive (especially the healthcare programme)
  • Language barrier
  • Sometimes a little bored at the hospital
Default avatar
Amy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

This was a life-changing trip. My only regret is not doing it sooner. BUT even at 41 years old with two kids you can still not only do this but have the time of your life. I want to go back ASAP and take my family with me.

Tanzania is the most welcoming country I've ever been to. Volunteering and really getting to learn and immerse myself in their culture was an experience a regular vacation can not give you. Staying with Mama Alice was so special. She takes you in like one of her own and spending time with other volunteers from other countries adds to the depth of the experience. We were all "brothers" and "sisters" when we met for our family dinners at night or into town together.

I volunteered at a hospital but also go to spend 2 days at an orphanage. They all made me feel welcome in a way that I have never felt before. Just showing up and lending a hand or giving 25 cents so a mom could mix clean water with her medicine made such a big difference to them. Everywhere I went I looked so different but was welcomed with "Karibu Sana."

The contrast between how little they have and how much love they give is mind-blowing and a contrast to the US.

I took a break for a 5 day safari which exceeded all my expectations. I didn't know I would be "camping" but it ended up being the part I was most proud of myself for and witnessed things in nature I can't get anywhere else like making new international friends, sunrise over the Serengeti, lions sleeping right next to our jeep, millions of stars at night, and elephants and buffalo at our campsite.

The land is gorgeous but hands down it is the people you meet, both other volunteers, Mama Alice, and other Tanzanians that will make this trip open your heart and mind to places you never thought it would go. I could talk to Mama Alice for hours as she is so knowledgeable, kind, and makes you feel very safe. You will be in good hands and she will be forever in my heart.

Don't think twice about going to this country.

Pros
  • Building confidence, relationships, opening yourself up to a new culture
  • Making a difference and feeling purposeful
Cons
  • It was hard speaking with Mama Alice before the trip while in the US with time difference and connection

Programs

Displaying 1 - 9 of 29

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Amy Lynn Jones

I'm a wife and a mom of 2, 15 and 12-year-old children. I am a Physician Assistant in dermatology and certified in Lifestyle Medicine. I have a passion for health and connection with others. I have always wanted to do a global volunteer trip and finally got the courage to go later in life with the support of my family. After a solo trip I was privileged to take my family to do another one. Now I don't want to stop!
Amy Lynn Jones

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I had a great experience with Global Crossroads the year prior in Tanzania and my husband said he had Peru on his bucket list so I out what GC had to offer in Peru. The orphanage program was something the four of us could do together and I thought my 15-year-old could use a little perspective shift, if I am being honest. :)

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program provider assisted in making arrangements with excursions, pairing us with the orphanage, buying things for the orphanage, and shopping while we were there with donation money. We collected money on our own before going there as well as donations. They helped us navigate the health system since my son was sick while we were there. It is clean safe and great so do not get discouraged by him becoming sick.
We did change our lodging and found restaurants by our own choice to be much closer to the city and we decided where to go to eat and smaller tours to take in our free time.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I have 4 pieces.
It is not essential but learning Spanish, even the basics before you go can be beneficial and appreciated. There are definitely ways to connect without words with the children you are helping but it is also fun to practice getting better at the language and I think the people appreciate it.

Definitely get traveler's insurance (Which you have to with GC anyway) and check your regular insurance and how it is covered. Learn to go with the flow. There is no way to know what your experience will be like but that is part of the fun too.

Bringing a few donations if you can is much appreciated or collecting a few dollars to get diapers etc for the children heightens the experience.

If you are going with a group or family keep things in perspective, make sure you have connection over expectations. I wanted to do EVERYTHING and my family need downtime so we had to compromise a little bit.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

An average day was getting up and having breakfast and heading to the orphanage to work from 9-1 then having the rest of the afternoon free to explore or take a bus tour. At the orphanage, we helped the kids eat snacks, played lots of games, helped them for a nap, and went outside on the playground or around the block for a walk.

You can either eat at your host house or out in Cusco. Engaging with the Peruvians in the stores or getting an Incan massage was really fun. You can even walk to one area of ruins to explore. The views all around the city are spectacular. We did an excursion with the planetarium that took us up on a bus to learn about the stars and the Incan history. There is plenty to city and do close by to enrich your heart.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was altitude sickness. I took the medication and didn't need it. Everyone experiences this differently but the worst was a little out of breath walking up stairs. I feel 95% of the time you worry about something you don't need to worry about. My son got sick and was not expecting this but the coordinator and host and program was incredible at helping us navigate this and by our side when we needed them. I thought their docs and nurses were top notch and cared so well for Ben that it changed by view about the healthcare in a third world country and some of the things we can learn from them.