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Overlooked Benefits of being a volunteer

1. Volunteering connects you to others.
One of the better known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Most volunteer with the want to help others. However, Volunteering is a two-way street, and it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Volunteer work helps you make friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

2. Volunteering is good for your mind and body
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. One of these benefits is it can help boost self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Nothing provides a natural sense of accomplishment then doing good for others. Good that will be beneficial to a whole community. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future aspirations. Not to mention the physical health benefits you receive from doing a little manual labor.

3. Volunteering has potential to advance your Career
 Volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable stretching your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first. While learning new skills can be beneficial to many, it’s not a requirement for a fulfilling volunteer experience. Bear in mind that the most valuable skills you can bring to any volunteer effort are compassion, an open mind, a willingness to do whatever is needed, and a positive attitude.

4. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life
You shouldn’t look at volunteering as work. Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

How to get the most out of Volunteering

1. Ask questions: if you have any questions before your trip don’t be afraid to ask. Your volunteer coordinator can address any questions you have.
2. Know what is expected: You’re going to be away from home and basic amenities the longer then you’re probably use to. It may also be your first time out of the country. This can sometime get stressful, but can be circumvented if you prepare yourself.
3. Enjoy yourself: Most importantly, make sure you’re having fun! The best volunteer experiences benefit both the volunteer and the organization. If you’re not enjoying yourself, ask yourself why and change it so you can be enjoying yourself.

Find your perfect volunteer vacation with Globe Aware - CLICK HERE!

Stay Involved, Commemorate

As you reflect upon your program, you may ask yourself “how can I continue to help?”

Purchase this $28.95 survival cord bracelet to memorialize your experience. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of more project materials for the location you choose.

Order Your Commemorative Bracelet Today - CLICK HERE

November Volunteer of the Month - Katie Fennel

The time I spent volunteering in Cusco, Peru with Global Aware is something that shall forever be engrained in my memory as an unbelievably beautiful and eye opening experience. I was given the chance to understand a culture so very different from my own.  I arrived at the Cusco airport slightly hesitant as I suddenly realized I had arrived in a country where I knew no one, nor spoke the language, but my worries quickly diminished as soon as I met Rocio at the Albergue. She greeted me with warmth and friendliness. At that point I knew I was in for an amazing trip and I decided to jump in whole heartedly. Getting to know the children was an experience that will forever be one of a kind. Bonding over soccer, volleyball, and schoolwork made me realize that verbal communication is simply just one in the vast variety of aspects in which we find it possible to connect with others. We lived in entirely different worlds, yet we shared so much in common.

Katie is in the front row, pink shirt

I enjoyed the opportunity to help construct a new classroom for the students. Climbing up high on beams to stick plaster to the ceiling and digging out holes for the electrical components. I loved learning Spanish from the same kids who I was trying to teach English to, and I came to understand that they had just has much to teach me as I had to teach them, if not more. I will never forget dancing around with the girls as if we knew the same songs and dances, and exchanging smiles over dinner at the end of a full day. Laughing hysterically with the kids over jokes and tasks gone hilariously wrong. I remember so vividly having the toughest time saying goodbye to my new friends at the Albergue, which I had been pleased to call home for my duration in Cusco. I hope to return someday and reconnect with the same smiling faces who became my friends that summer.

Check out more of her story here:  Volunteer of the Month

And vote katie on Globe Aware’s Facebook Page!

Globe Aware takes its volunteers’ safety very seriously. Not only do we monitor the U.S. Department of State travel alerts, advisories and warnings and those produced by the equivalent agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom, but we also follow situations in each country closely through our staff on the field and our peer organizations and by calling the Embassies directly. It is our policy to cancel programs whenever there is an official travel advisory issued to a particular country or region. Other warnings are evaluated and assessed, and programs will be adjusted accordingly as Globe Aware deems appropriate. For future travel advice, please stay updated on Globe Aware’s Facebook page for suggestions and insight into current alerts.

Travel the World in your Pajamas!

Globe Aware has joined Pinterest!
Globe Aware has recently joined the online pin board Pinterest. We are sharing beautiful photos for our volunteers past, present and future to add to their own boards. Globe Aware trips are perfect additions to your travel boards, wish list, or bucket list boards. Follow us today! See what other volunteers have experienced: the change they have made in communities as well as the breathtaking beauty of the destination.

CLICK HERE

Pho

Ingredients:  

• 8 ounces rice noodles

• 12 ounces lean beef sirloin, fat trimmed

• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

• 1 large onion, halved

• 1 4-inch piece ginger, unpeeled, halved

• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 5 star anise pods

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4 scallions

• 2 jalapeno peppers, preferably red and green

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro

• 2 to 4 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 cup fresh bean sprouts

Directions

1. Prepare the rice noodles as the label directs.

2. Meanwhile, place a large pot over high heat. Poke the meat all over with a fork to tenderize it and season with salt and pepper. Sear the meat until charred but still rare, 2 to 3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate. Add the onion and ginger to the pot; cook about 4 minutes. Add the broth, 3 cups water, the star anise and cinnamon, reduce the heat and simmer about 20 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, thinly slice the scallions and jalapenos (remove seeds for less heat) and tear the cilantro. Thinly slice the meat against the grain. Drain the noodles.

4. Add the fish sauce to the broth and boil 5 minutes. Discard the ginger, star anise and cinnamon stick. Remove and slice the onion. Divide the noodles among 4 bowls; top with the broth, beef, scallions, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapenos and onion.

5. Per serving: Calories 334; Fat 4 g (Saturated 1 g); Cholesterol 34 mg; Sodium 961 mg; Carbohydrate 51 g; Fiber 2 g; Protein 22 g

Call our offices Toll Free 877-LUV-GLOBE (877-588-4562) or 214-206-1421 or email for more information.