Program Reviews

The program at the teachers college in Kunming is well run; I have volunteered for three summers, and plan to go again. Using Global Volunteers' philosophy, developed over more than 25 years, teams of two volunteers guide 12 to 15 Chinese teachers of English in increasing their conversation skills. We decide on the curriculum, which may include games and songs and folk dances that the teachers can then teach their students. Although some have taught English for years, they may not have not heard a native speaker in person; they are eager for new ideas that will encourage their students to learn English, which is now required in Chinese schools, beginning in kindergarten.

A plus to teaching in Kunming is the weather. At 6,200 feet, this "city of eternal spring" is pleasant in the summer. Our hotel is comfortable, and the food, while quite different from what we're used to, is a tasty adventure.

This was my first global volunteer experience. I went with an open mind and eager to learn. For two weeks I taught conversation English at the Xi'an Biomedical Technical School. The age group ranged from 15 to 22 years of age. The school had a "foreign affairs" office, comprised of native Chinese who spoke and taught English. They were very supportive. We were allowed to be creative and were energized by the students, who were very respective to our presence.

I felt welcomed, accepted and valued. The Country coordinator met with us daily to review and refresh. We documented our days by journaling. We learned basic Mandrin, cultural traditions and had an opportunity to visit historical sites on the week-end, including a Tang Dynasty Opera, Peking Duck, the old city, Terra Cotta warriers to name just a few.

I learned a lot about the people and the country by first hand interaction with the local people. You would never experience such an intimate "view" if you were only there as a tourist.

Plan to return. I've written a poem and journal about my adventure and also prepared a collection of pictures on a DVD presentation that was shared with our host school.

Teri Calvin
Surprise, Arizona

My Husband and I spent 2 wonderful weeks working with mentally disabled adults at a center in the mountains of Crete with Global Volunteers. We worked with our friends on craft projects that they sell to support the center. We stayed at a friendly family hotel in Gaza (just outside of Heraklion) and had a great group of volunteers from around the US. Our country manager and project leader, Samantha, was well connected in the community and helped to ensure that our volunteer time was well-spent. I have written a blog on our trip at http://mygrecoromanholiday2011.blogspot.com/2011/04/two-day…