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44,000+

volunteers mobilized

37

countries served

200+

community partners

1984

founded

“Bud and Michele established Global Volunteers to provide people with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children around the globe.”

“Granddaddy of the volunteer vacation movement.”

“The work they accomplish meets needs in little-known areas that might not be on the radar of large-scale efforts.”

“Global Volunteers is one of the oldest nonsectarian organizations to offer short-term volunteer vacations.”

“Travel with a conscience and help people on a Global Volunteers journey.”

“A model that has been replicated worldwide.”

“Global Volunteers has what are regarded as the best programs in the field.”

“Global Volunteers is at the leading edge of the surge in popularity of volunteer vacations.”

“In 1979 Michele Gran and Bud Philbrook helped people in a poor mountain village in Guatemala. That lead to Global Volunteers — spiritually fulfilling, intellectually stimulating and incidentally tax-deductible volunteer vacations.”

“Though the volunteers may be vacationers, the aid they bring is real.”

10 Best Volunteer Abroad Organizations: “A pioneer of volunteer vacations organizations, Global Volunteers was founded in 1984 – that is, long before it was a trend.”

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Why You Are Needed

There is a child hundreds or thousands of miles from you who needs help. Who needs something you know how to do. Who needs a week or two of your time, and their life’s arc will be forever changed. And your life will be forever changed with it.

Learn more about Why You Are Needed

Who Volunteers

Volunteers from all backgrounds and all ages – professionals, tradespeople, retirees, students, and others who know the power of positive, collective action can help families and communities in need. Working together in teams and under the direction of local leaders, hand-in-hand with local people abroad or in the US, volunteers nourish children, mentor youth, teach students, care for patients, support parents, befriend refugees, and inspire teachers in response to community needs wherever we are invited to serve.

Individuals – Everyone can make a difference

Retirees Solo Families & Couples Professionals

Groups – School groups qualify for discounts

College Corporate High School Employee Resource Group Professional Association

“Volunteering abroad holds magic on so many fronts. It’s the springboard for my global explorations. I can’t imagine one without the other anymore.”
-Seija Webb, 8-time Global Volunteer

What You Can Do

We Engage Short-Term Volunteers in Long-Term, Community-Driven, Sustainable Human and Economic Development.

Deliver Essential
Services
for Children

Teach
Conversational
English

Support
Community
Development

Supplement
School-Based
Curricula

View all community work projects

Where You Can Volunteer

Volunteer Abroad and in the US. Make Positive Change Happen Here.

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What’s The Cost

As a private, non-profit organization independent from government and religious funding, Global Volunteers’ programs are financed almost entirely by volunteer contributions. This is important because our community partners cannot afford the “open market” costs of the services and materials we provide.

Service program fees cover all on-site operational expenses, meals, accommodations, ground transportation, trained team leadership, project materials, comprehensive program coordination, and administrative support.

Discounts & Credits Fundraising

See service program schedule and cost