Q: Could you give us a short background on Globe Aware:
A: Globe Aware's short international volunteer vacations are about promoting cultural awareness and sustainability, so all activities we do have something to do with one of those objectives. At the moment, Globe Aware has been concentrating on Latin America and Asia. Our programs are tri fold, offering collaborative community work projects, cultural excursions and activities, and free time for solo exploration. There's no political or religious affiliation. This doesn't mean we do not work in communities where they have a specific religion, it mostly means that we do not go in for the purpose of proselytizing or to be proselytized. All program costs, including the cost of airfare, are tax-deductible. Globe Aware is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt charity.
Q: What are some volunteer opportunities you offer? Do you have any volunteer opportunities you are particularly proud of?
A: We install water pumps in Vietnam, teach conversational English in Thailand, assemble wheelchairs in Cambodia, build lorena stoves in parts of Peru, work with deaf and needy children and at orphanages, tsunami relief, basic computer instruction, in short all sorts of projects. We're very proud of our work with the deaf orphans in Peru, as we've been able to bring a fair amount of exposure to their plight. Most of them had little choice but to become beggars as their likelihood fro adoption was so low, and they are given so little in the way of education or training. We're in the process of making a documentary on Peruvian Sign Language for that program. We've also had 2 major documentaries filmed on our work their. We've designed educational workshops, teaching kids about wordworking, sewing, cooking, etc.
Q: What kind of daily life should prospective volunteers expect?
A: Living accommodation vary considerably, depending on location. They go from quite comfortable hotels (Laos) to local style stilt housing with no electricity in Thailand (probably the prettiest and most comfortable location). Food is always prepared fresh locally with local ingredients with a traveler's stomach in mind. Bottled water is provided, and vegetarian (and any other specific diet) can often be easily accommodated. Cultural excursions to see ruins, old towns, monuments and such are a part of most programs, and activities such as a cultural scavenger hunt or group journals bind volunteers together. Most people will have at least 2 hours of solo exploration time a day, should they choose, and weekend time.
Q: What is the most important piece of advice you can offer future volunteers?
A: Come with an open mind.
Q: What is the biggest challenge while volunteering abroad?
A: Phsyically: the altitude in Cusco and emotionally: the emotional attachment when working with needy kids.
Q: On the flip side, what is the biggest reward?
A: Knowing you've worked side by side toward the betterment of someone's future, and learned how they live, its just a glorious feeling! Hard to explain, but unavoidable once you've experienced it!
Q: Why should they pay to volunteer with Globe Aware? How is the money used?
A: The fee for your program covers not only the cost of your meals, accommodation, on-site travel (but not airfare), donations to the various community projects, your orientation package, volunteer coordination, program development, country manager expenses, community team recruitment, logistical support, medical emergency evacuation, medical insurance are included and project consultants. Your entire contribution is used to support Globe Aware sponsored programs and development. By spreading the costs across a number of our programs, Globe Aware is able to assist in projects that would otherwise not be able to exist. No funds are collected from any religious or political organization. Less than 12% of your program fee goes toward overhead and administration.
Q: Do you have any advice on funding a volunteer experience abroad? (Fundraising, Budgeting, Scholarships etc…)
A: On our website we offer an easy way for volunteers to conduct a fundraising campaign.
Q: How does volunteering abroad fit into the bigger picture of aid and development?
A: All aid and development is essentially accomplished one person at a time. You can simply write a check to help needy people, but the human connectedness that happens by being a part of people-to-people exchange is priceless for both parties involved. Its simply makes for a better planet.
Q: Why should someone volunteer with Globe Aware?
A: We have no payroll, so more of your contribution goes directly to community, we offer a wide array of projects, though they are generally low on the manual labor scale, we are open to all ages groups and families. Our motto is :Have Fun, Help People - and we mean it!
Q: How can someone get in contact with Globe Aware and learn more about your volunteer abroad opportunities?
A: Toll free 877-LUV-GLOBE (877-588-4562) or 214-823-0083 or www.globeaware.org or info@Globeaware.org
