What Volunteering Means to You
Happy New Year
This year, our extraordinary volunteers continued to make a profound impact worldwide. They provided dental care in Guatemala, the Philippines, and Thailand, built a much-needed latrine in Cambodia, renovated two schools in Peru, scaled Bhutan's iconic Tiger Monastery between service projects, and helped construct an animal shelter for rescued animals.
They also supported sea turtle monitoring in Costa Rica, contributed to wildlife conservation in Africa, including one volunteer returning to honor his late wife, who served the year before, and explored Romania's castles while lending a hand at a special needs center we helped build.
As we welcome a new year, we're excited for 2026, filled with opportunities to keep creating meaningful change. Giving back begins at home, but having the chance to pay it forward while traveling adds an extraordinary dimension. It turns a trip into a deeper, more memorable experience-one that you, your family, colleagues, or friends will carry with you long after you return.
Solo Holiday Adventures - Hill Tribes with Priya
"A lot of them don't have homes that provide them with food."
That realization hit volunteer Priya early in her volunteer week with Thailand's Hill Tribes, where many children come from difficult backgrounds and can face daily food insecurity. Her project focused on local farming efforts, allowing the kids to grow their own vegetables and enjoy healthier meals.
Priya jumped right into the work, planting, watering, and tending to the gardens alongside Globe Aware's local coordinator, Thak.
"I am loving it!" she shared, thrilled to see how even simple tasks could support long-term nutrition for the community.
Her days weren't only spent outdoors. Priya also read stories to the children, with Thak translating. Despite the language barrier, the kids soaked up the attention, relaxing in a way that can be rare for those who've experienced instability.
By the end of the week, Priya had made a real connection with the land, the local team, and the children who greeted her with eager smiles each day. Working hard and loving every moment, that's what a Globe Aware volunteer vacation is all about.
Solo Holiday Adventures - Hill Tribes with Sara
“This was my 5th trip with Globe Aware, and hands-down my favorite.
It was a great blend of helping out and also having fun. I worked in the field harvesting rice one day, got elephant hugs the next; helped sew bags in the AM, and then had coffee on a mountain top in the afternoon.
The location where I stayed houses 200+ kids that wouldn’t have gotten a chance at an education otherwise, and seeing all their tireless efforts was an inspiration.”
Volunteer Sara explored Chiang Mai before heading to our program base, where she helped with farming and harvesting rice, an incredibly time-consuming and physically demanding task. The children assist daily and take pride in enjoying the rice they help grow.
Solo travelers, including women, are always welcome. A local coordinator is with you throughout the program, guiding you every step of the way and ensuring you don't miss out on meaningful connections with the local community.
I’m still glowing from the experience - what a beautiful country, amazing people, and vibrant culture. Thank you for offering it, and for answering all my queries as I was making my decision."
Thanksgiving in Cuba!
The Bross family spent the week in Cuba, engaging in a variety of activities, including collecting egg cartons to reuse in crafts with the children and to teach them about recycling. They helped clean one of the play areas built for local kids, enjoyed their Cuban percussion class and a classic car tour, and had plenty of other unforgettable moments, such as a tour through Viñales Valley.
"I had a great week here with the projects and experiencing Cuban culture, thank you, Globe Aware." - Volunteer Henry Bross
"Though Globe Aware, I've had the privilege and the honor of witnessing the vibrant love and spirit of the Cuban community."
- Volunteer Anna Bross
"It has been especially meaningful to me to spend my Thanksgiving holiday in Cuba with my family. I am so thankful for this immersive experience. And the history, beauty, and culture of Cuba. I am so grateful to our guides and host who have so generously shared their expertise and hospitality with us. Thank you, Globe Aware, for making this possible." - Volunteer Michelle Bross
"Jorge and Patricia, thank you for welcoming us into the Globe Aware Cuba family. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge of the Cuban culture and history of the Cuban people... I know that you have made a difference with me and made me a better human. Thank you again, Globe Aware Cuba."
- Volunteer Steven Bross
Worth a Listen: Podcasts We’re Loving Right Now
Openings Pathways Podcast
In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, CEO and founder of Globe Aware, shares her journey of creating a nonprofit focused on short-term service projects that promote cultural awareness and sustainability. She discusses the influences that shaped her values, the challenges faced in leadership, and the importance of personal growth and community engagement. Kimberly emphasizes the need for empathy and connection in today’s world, while also providing insights for aspiring nonprofit leaders.
Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley Podcast
How can meaningful travel go beyond sightseeing to create lasting impact? Brains, Borders, and Betterment dives into how immersive volunteer experiences can transform both the communities served and the travelers themselves. Together with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, they discuss how to utilize intelligence, creativity, and compassion to address global challenges, break down barriers, and achieve better outcomes for all parties involved.
The radical idea of being worked on by your surroundings
In this Psychology Today article on biophilia, our innate human love of nature, Globe Aware Founder & Executive Director Kimberly Haley-Coleman explains how immersive volunteer travel and service abroad experiences allow the environment itself to transform us. You can read the full article below, or listen to the podcast!
Rotary eClub of Silicon Valley
Discussing Biophilia and its meaning
Earn Credits
Been on our programs? We’d be so grateful for your public review here
