Program Reviews

Global volunteers in Hanoi is an opportunity to work daily with some of the most engaging young adults you will ever have a chance to meet. These students are eager, optimistic, and open to what you bring them and thirsting for an opportunity to speak with native speakers. Every day was a challenge, but a satisfying one and the volunteers got together after each day with stories of humor, warmth, and curiosity. Hanoi is a fascinating place - as my wife put it, Hanoi is dirty, noisy, old, crowded and we would go back anytime! Watching Vietnam emerge with fervor into world culture is remarkable. Global does a wonderful job of supporting the volunteers and every day was organized, fun, educational, and satisfying. I would recommend this trip to anyone with a sense of adventure and a good dose of cultural flexibility.

Sara and I prepared for teaching in Xian by: a) reading up on China; b)meeting with a former Chinese mother I'd helped learn English for tips on Chinese; and c) cruising up the Yangtze to Chunging for the week before we were to start. We'd never traveled so far before starting our tasks, but we knew that two older ladies in their 70's needed to be a bit rested in order to be at their best.
Our interaction with Chinese travelers and then our Chinese hosts was delightful in every way. Our 'tutor' had told us not to be surprised if people just stared. So we smiled back. Those who spoke a bit of English were eager to try and chat, which can be done in words, gestures and smiles.
Global Volunteers always has program leaders to help you find your way. All nine of us stayed at the Holiday Inn across from the Old City gates of Xian. We had various assignments ... some with teenagers; others with elementary students. We had ample time to plan, but for me, it was a challenge because I'm used to secondary students. My first assignment was Grade One (7 year olds, 50 of them sitting at small desks on small stools, packed together like sardines.
My theme for the week: the Human Body. Each class was 50 minutes long. The teacher, Miss Lily, said she'd never taught English before, so was interested in my techniques.
So, we did 50 minutes of song and games. By the end of the week, I also drew figures on the board and had them label them in English. 'Head and shoulders, knees and toes,'... I'm sure you've sung the song and know the movements. I found the second verse ... and there's even a third verse, which was new to me. But the children did learn English names for major body parts. Five could come up to the front of the room and demonstrate the song; then have the class join in.
Actually, the Body lesson plan was usable for second and third grade as a review. After the first day, we received a schedule of the classes for each day, so we could plan and prepare. Teachers in the older classes used us as native speakers. I've always wondered what Miss Lilly did the following week.
Sara found a sixth grader with such proficient English that he lectured her about our Civil War. He was a history buff and read voraciously.
Each day was an adventure with attentive, well behaved students and friendly teachers. The food was fabulous. We wandered through many shops in the neighborhood near the hotel, and managed to visit museums like Shaanxi History Museum, Hu'Xian Peasant Exhibition Hall where we met artist, Li Finglan. All nine of us taught Sunday morning for a trip to the famous Terracotta Army, 221-206 B.C. in the afternoon.
I love traveling as a Global Volunteer. You get to meet and interact with real people, and make new friends, always feeling safe.

The Global Volunteers Crete program leader is particularly good at assuring that you are taken care of, and that you have a great cultural experience. She is very knowledgable about the culture and shares her knowledge openly. She also includes her family in the activities. Working with the children is fun and challenging.

This program has a wonderful in-country leader. The people of the community are very welcoming and appreciative of the work that is done. They support the efforts of Global Volunteers.

I spent two weeks in Peru in 2005 working at the orphanage in Miraflores. I spent the morning on a work crew that upgraded the laundry facilities. I worked with three other volunteers and the work crew, who knocked down a wall, built forms, mixed and spread concrete (by hand) and painted the walls. We worked hard and, I believe, gained the respect of the workers for all that we did. (I have a feeling that they thought that we would not complete the project.)

In the afternoon I hung out with the kindergarten boys. They were energetic and spunky and a tremendous amount of fun.

I even had the opportunity to rock to sleep the toddlers!

I probably had a greater impact with the work in the laundry. I did accomplish what I wanted to do -- do good for someone else.

The Global Volunteer staff on site were knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. The hotel we stayed at was perfect -- locally owned with terrific food and accomodations. The food throughout was so good that as a group we felt guilty eating so well. The staff made sure we had opportunity to see other places in Peru and the city of Lima.

It was a wonderful experience. Had I not gotten married and had a family, I am sure I would have taken another trip with GV.

This was a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek culture. Beautiful surroundings, fresh food, friendly people- it was amazing. Teaching children English= priceless. You can't imagine how even the simple things (playing duck, duck goose) make such a difference. The kids are so excited to learn and so curious about their teachers from afar. Days were scheduled, but plenty of free time to see and experience things around the island. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity!

In 2008, I spent two weeks of my life in Gazi, teaching fourth grade children. Two weeks have never impacted my life more. Not only were the students awe-inspiring in their determination, enthusiasm and spirit, but also being in Crete on the Mediterranean was breath-taking. We stayed in a quaint hotel that catered to our every need. We really got to know the staff, it felt like family! In the mornings we taught children, in the afternoon we relaxed on the beach (my happy place) and at night we hit the town and had an absolute blast. The people of Crete were so open and friendly! The weekends were for sight-seeing and more beach dwelling! I went on a ferry ride to Santorini and toured a volcano, it was amazing. If you want a trip that will allow you to get to know local culture, be relaxing and have an active nightlife, this is THE trip for you! It also looks GREAT on a resume!

I have been to Poland five different years as a volunteer with Global Volunteers, and I will be returning again this year for 4 weeks. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who may have an interest in volunteering. The students are engaging and eager to learn, and the staff at Reymontowka are fabulous. Can't wait to return later this year to volunteer for 4 weeks.

I have had many opportunities to teach English abroad as both a volunteer or a staff member. My experience in Crete was wonderful in every way. The children were enthusiastic, the local staff was welcoming and the Global Volunteer support perfect. There were opportunities to really teach and time and materials for lesson preparation. As for free time, there were unlimited possibilities within easy reach by walking or public transportation.

We spent 2 weeks in Hanoi teaching English with Global Volunteers in the fall of 2010. We had the honor of serving with a very experienced team of volunteers and were lead by a compassionate and fabulous team leader. We loved the small hotel where we stayed, the local Old Quarter which became our home away from home, and especially the students we taught at the local University. These students were so eager to learn how to improve their English, it was a pleasure to spend time in their classrooms.

Hanoi was a wonderful place to be, and we found the Vietnamese to be warm and welcoming. Global Volunteers does a great job with logistics, housing, work projects and safety. We couldn't have been more pleased with our trip and often talk about returning!

Barbara Morris and Phil Zeitler