Globe Aware Adventures in Service

When was the term "volunteer" first used and why was it so innovative at the time? Join us for a discussion with one of our peers discussing service in South Africa, through the lens of our industry umbrella organization International Volunteer programs Association. Ross Muri shares with us all sorts of industry tidbits. Ready to serve abroad for only a week in Cape Town? https://www.glo...

What happens when volunteering becomes more than service — when it becomes transformation? In this episode, we explore the powerful lessons that emerge through cultural immersion and meaningful volunteer engagement. From navigating unfamiliar environments to building authentic relationships across cultures, volunteering abroad can challenge assumptions, deepen empathy, and expand global awareness...

Think your credit card automatically protects you when renting a car abroad? Separate fact from fiction before you travel in case you arrange a rental car before or after your volunteer vacation with Globe Aware. In this episode, we break down what’s really covered, what’s not, and how to avoid costly surprises on your next volunteer or adventure trip. Tune in for practical tips to travel smarter...

Want tips and tricks on making your giving especially effective? Globe Aware Executive director Kimberly Haley-Coleman interviews Richard “Rick” Peck , an  independent philanthropy advisor with Richard C. Peck Consulting, LLC ,   working with  nonprofits, donors, potential donors, and professional advisors . He is also the  founder of   The Philanthropy Guy ® , LLC , a leading-edge charitable givi...

Hear from Federico Herrera , Globe Aware’s longtime coordinator in Costa Rica, as he shares what it’s like to welcome volunteers year after year. From his perspective on the ground, Federico reveals how community-led projects shape real change, what volunteers often learn about Costa Rican culture (and themselves), and the surprising ways these short-term experiences create lasting connections tha...

Through the lens of IVPA, International Programs Association, discover how even a short volunteer experience abroad can open your eyes to new cultures, build empathy, and teach you to listen first and act in true partnership. Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, shares stories of the unexpected lessons that come from rolling up your sleeves alongside local communities: lessons that stay...

In this special installment of IVPA’s Industry Series, summer intern Alida Cuttriss sits down with Fiona Lally, one of the foremost risk and insurance specialists in the international volunteer sector. Together, they unpack what your credit card’s travel insurance actually covers—and the surprising gaps that could leave you unprotected while volunteering abroad. From medical emergencies to trip in...

In this episode, Maggie shares her journey as a volunteer across three remarkable Globe Aware projects: helping build sustainable homes for single mothers in Kenya, supporting wildlife conservation in the Galapagos, and improving community infrastructure along the hidden gem of Mexico’s Camino del Mayab. From mixing concrete to animal tracking, Maggie opens up about how she dove into meaningful se...

In this episode of the Globe Aware podcast, summer intern Santiago López sits down with Madison from The Points Guy to unpack practical travel strategies every volunteer should know. From smart budgeting and booking hacks to the best financial safety nets abroad, Madison shares expert insights to help Globe Aware participants prepare for a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether you're a first-...

Since 2020, Globe Aware's Executive Director Kimberly Haley-Coleman has also served as the Executive Director of the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA), a coalition of industry organizations which helps vets the quality and programming of its members through a strenuous series of requirements. We are delighted to share the launch of our new podcast series produced by our IVPA inte...

In this special episode, Globe Aware intern Santiago sits down with Gege, our extraordinary long-time coordinator in the Philippines. With warmth, wisdom, and a touch of humor, Gege reflects on years of unforgettable moments—from hosting solo volunteers to managing large corporate and university groups. Hear how she bridges cultures, supports communities, and ensures that every volunteer experienc...

What’s it like to volunteer across continents with Globe Aware? Intern Santiago López chats with former volunteer Nancy, who shares candid stories from her many service journeys with Globe Aware: India, Nepal, Costa Rica and more. She opens up about her favorite moments, lessons learned, and what makes each destination unforgettable—for better or worse. Discover what inspired her to serve, what su...

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to volunteer with Globe Aware, don’t miss this special extended 3.5-hour podcast episode from one of our favorite returning volunteers, Drew Lombardi . In this thoughtful, unscripted conversation, Drew offers a raw, insightful, and personal look at his time on our Philippines program —capturing the culture, the challenges, the connections, and the shee...

Our summer intern Santiago interviewed Sandy about her Globe Aware adventures in service, from Cambodia, Costa Rica, The Philippines, the Galapagos and beyond. Hear what she has to say about her experiences, her tips and tricks, what she got out of it and more!

Hear about Drew's experiences overlapping with the Zeilman family and champion return volunteer Don as they all serve, smile and savor their Thailand adventure in service with Globe Aware. We welcome you to join us on this experience; sign up for any available date at your leisure. See more at www.globeaware.org or call us at 1-877-588-4562

Globe Aware programs are typically 6 nights/7 days, but D Drew request we are often able to accommodate, just let us know. Our Hill Tribes program in Thailand helps severely impoverished vulnerable refugee children from Myanmar. Email us at office@globeaware.com for more info!

As his week begins to draw to a close, Dr. Drew Lombardi reflects on his last day with Globe Aware in Thailand — a day filled with gratitude, laughter, and meaningful goodbyes. From heartfelt moments with the children to quiet reflections on the week’s impact, he shares how this journey has deepened his understanding of service, community, and connection. What can one week truly change? According...

As he comes to his last days volunteering and providing dental care to the scores of local children and neighbors, Dr Drew continues to share details about his experience volunteering with Globe Aware. Is it something that interest you? If so, call us at 1-977-588-4562 if you are ready to change your life AND THEIRS!! www.globeaware.org

What is it about volunteering abroad that keeps people like Dr. Drew coming back again and again? Listen in and be touched by what lights that lamp for him and so many others! Call us at 1-877-588-4562 or visit us at www.globeaware.org

Do you still think you can't get anything meaningful done in a week? Think again. In this episode, Dr. Drew Lombardi shares his powerful story from his one week Globe Aware volunteer vacation in Thailand. In just days, he helped saw wildfires, provided much-needed dental care, experienced an earthquake, laughed with children, and built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers. Listen in as h...

Dr. Drew Lombardi just wrapped up his third and fourth Globe Aware volunteer trips — and he’s sharing every unforgettable moment. From an unexpected trip to Myanmar, experiencing wildfires and getting dentistry done for countless children in the hill tribe communities of Thailand, to riding out earthquakes and connecting through laughter with local children, Dr. Drew paints a vivid picture of life...

Dr. Drew Lombardi is back from not one, but two back-to-back Globe Aware volunteer trips in Thailand. In this heartfelt audio diary, he walks us through the sights, sounds, and emotions of his journey — from confronting wildfires and offering dental care in remote villages to feeling the tremors of an earthquake and sharing joyful moments with local children and fellow volunteers. It’s service, ad...

In this episode: Dr. Drew Lombardi returns for his 3rd and 4th volunteer adventures with Globe Aware — this time in the heart of Thailand. Join him as he shares a vivid, day-by-day account of his unforgettable journey: from battling wildfires and providing dental care, to navigating earthquakes, laughing with local children, and bonding with fellow volunteers. It's a rollercoaster of purpose,...

Dr. Drew Lombardi volunteered on his 3rd and 4th volunteer vacation with Globe Aware this spring. Herein listen along as he takes you through his day by day experience., from wildfires, dentistry, earthquakes, laughing with children and meeting other volunteers, he tells you it all! Interested in joining yourself? Go to https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/thailand-hill-tribes or call us a...

Dr. Drew, a retired orthodontist and seasoned Globe Aware volunteer, has already made an impact in Cusco, Peru, and the Galápagos—now, he's at our Hill Tribes location, just across the border from Myanmar. From there, he's gearing up for our Philippines program! What makes his experience extraordinary? He’s providing much-needed dental care for local children, just as he did in Peru. (If y...