Adventures That Make The Grade
Her Words From The Hill Tribes
Read the diary-like review from volunteering family member Kathy Lindner, as she shares her favorite moments, experiences, and more from Thailand.
"Our family of four volunteered with Globe Aware in the Thailand Hill Tribes program in June 2025. During our time there, we helped to build an extension for the existing chicken coop. The eggs from the chickens (and chickens themselves) are an essential source of protein to feed the 200-plus children living at the home. We saw where the caretaker, Chow, was already hatching nearly 50 new chickens, so we knew the extension to the coop was needed in the very near future.
We worked hard the first three mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and completed the chicken coop in three days. This allowed us free time in the afternoons and on the final day to explore nearby Chiang Dao in the Hill Tribe village, visit an elephant sanctuary, enjoy dinner out with the team and guests, and spend more time with the children!
Experiencing the mission, meeting the exceptional staff, and interacting with the children they serve were the best parts of this experience. Learning about the history of Hill Tribe villages in northern Thailand gave us the foundation to understand why a program such as this is valuable for these students. From the moment our Coordinator, Thak, picked us up, he briefed us on the program and how/why they serve this community of children. The entire staff has the best interests of these children in mind, and entering the property, you could feel the love, dedication, determination, and hope provided.
The children, coming from such difficult circumstances, were all joy-filled, greeting us with smiles, hugs, high-fives, and more hugs every day. They confidently showed us around to the frogs, fish, soccer field, and their community areas. It was evident that they felt safe and cared for, as they were all ready in their uniforms and in line at 6:30 am each morning, ready to board the bus to school. The kids shared with us their school work and, despite a language barrier, we learned from each other about our lives. It was evident they were serious about their education and the opportunity provided to them.
In terms of the program, we enjoyed the flexibility offered for us to interact with the students in our own ways. We enjoyed reading to the younger kids in the evenings, but also, my daughter loves volleyball, so we planned volleyball matches for two nights with the older students. We were able to treat the children to ice cream one night, which Thak helped arrange on the property."
Her Words From The Hill Tribes Cont.
"Speaking of Globe Aware Coordinator Thak, we could not have imagined the week without his incredible kindness, enthusiasm, and guidance. He is so knowledgeable about this region, how the program started by his father, and clearly explained the mission of the program.
He joined us on all the outings to Thai massage, hot pot dinner, temples, the elephant sanctuary, and restaurant meals out. He even sweated alongside us while building the chicken coop, all with a smile on his face the whole week! In addition, he was able to share challenges they face, local cultural norms, and answer hundreds of our questions, with patience, interest, humor, and genuine friendship. We feel so lucky to have had him as our volunteer coordinator!
Thak clearly communicated the pickup time/location, and from then on remained by our side answering questions, setting expectations of what the week entailed, listening to our interests, and being flexible when activities had to shift. Truly outstanding!
We would highly recommend this volunteer trip, and there's nothing we would have changed about our experience. We visited during the start of the rainy season in June, and even the weather cooperated, with rain never impacting our activities or plans.
And we are so excited to work with Joshua in setting up sponsorship for two of the children we met during our week."
Thank you to Kathy and her family for sharing their story. We hope it inspires more families to embark on their own unforgettable Globe Aware journey!
Learn More About Globe Aware's Thailand Hill Tribes Program
Rebuilding Hope With A New Home!
Take a look at the incredible work this family of three accomplished in the Philippines!
At the start of the week, Athena, Lucky, and Lance began building more than just a house. They started transforming a simple makeshift shelter into a real, concrete home. By the very first day, they had already come so far, from laying the first blocks to watching hope take shape before their eyes. In the days that followed, they continued with the flooring and roofing. It was hard work, but the family gave their all, working side by side with locals to bring the home to life. (You can see more on our YouTube channel!)
The team was also honored by a visit from the town mayor, his daughter, and the district chief, who personally came to thank the Globe Aware volunteers.
Rebuilding Hope With A New Home! Cont.
That same spirit of connection carried through the rest of the week. The family visited the school, where they shared a fairytale story that sparked the children’s imaginations and handed out bread they had baked the day before with the help of a local bakery.
"Their laughter (the children), smiles, and wide-eyed wonder are a reminder that once again simple stories and acts of kindness can truly make the world feel like a fairytale." - Coordinator Gege
In between their volunteering efforts, the family also explored beautiful natural surroundings. They enjoyed refreshing hikes and spent a peaceful afternoon at Minalungao National Park.
At the end of the week, the volunteers received a heartfelt letter from the family they had helped, a touching reminder that even brief efforts can leave a lasting impact. Their time in the Philippines blended construction with connection and service with storytelling, leaving unforgettable memories for the volunteers and meaningful change within the community.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Philippines Program
Back to School, But Not Back to the Ordinary!
As routines settle and backpacks fill with books, now is the perfect time to start planning a meaningful holiday break. A Globe Aware volunteer vacation offers students and families the chance to step outside the classroom and into a world of hands-on learning.
In places like beautiful Orosi Valley, Costa Rica, families don’t just travel; they make a difference. This past summer, the Butler volunteer family spent their break working on our community center project, a vital hub that supports residents. It was a week filled with purpose, connection, and memories that go far beyond the school year, with the children actively participating in hands-on projects and seeing firsthand how their efforts benefit the community.
So even though summer break may be over, the opportunity to give back never ends! Here are some top volunteer destinations for student explorers, offering meaningful experiences the whole family can enjoy:
Hone Your Spanish:
Immerse yourself in language and culture in Guatemala, Peru, or Mexico, which is perfect for practicing Spanish while making a meaningful impact.
For Architecture Enthusiasts:
Explore stunning design and historical structures in Jaipur, India, or Romania, a dream for anyone passionate about architectural beauty.
Dive into Asian History:
Discover rich cultural legacies in Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, ideal for students fascinated by Southeast Asian heritage.
Learn more about Globe Aware's Costa Rica Orosi Valley Program
Global Voices, Real Impact
Top tips and more from the Philippines!
In this episode of the Globe Aware podcast, summer intern Santiago López interviews Philippine coordinator Gege to explore what it takes to be a coordinator, common challenges, top tips for volunteers, and the unforgettable memories made along the way!
She's taken part in nearly every Globe Aware program!
In this episode, Santiago chats with long-time volunteer Nancy Hull, who has participated in nearly every Globe Aware program, and often with her granddaughter, Madison, by her side. They’ve explored destinations like Nepal, India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Tune in for Nancy’s inspiring stories, valuable insights, and advice from a life filled with meaningful adventures.
Book Release!
Jennifer Lauren, a valued Globe Aware contributor, has released a new book!
Focused on involving youth and marginalized groups in decision-making, it draws inspiration from youth climate protests and offers fresh ideas for building trust and driving change. It’s a must-read for students, activists, and anyone passionate about civic engagement and global cooperation.
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