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-time volunteer or a seasoned global citizen, this conversation is packed with tips to help you travel smarter and serve with confidence. Want to ask us directly for more, call us at 214-824-4562 or visit us at www.globeaware.org or our youtube channel, with thousands of tips and tricks!
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 intern Alida highlighting critical conversations in the international volunteering space. for more on IVPA: https://volunteerinternational.org/
In our first episode, our she interviews Patrick Hickey on delivering international medical care responsibly. The conversation dives into the ethics, best practices, and challenges of providing medical services abroad — a must-listen for anyone involved in global health or volunteer programs.
IVPA serves as a "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for organizations committed to responsible volunteering. This podcast furthers our mission to uplift and inform the field.
#IVPA #VolunteerAbroad #EthicalVolunteering #GlobalHealth #PodcastLaunch
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 experience is not only meaningful, but full of heart. If you’ve ever joined our Philippines program—or are thinking about it—this conversation with our beloved Gege will inspire and move you. Ready to just join the program yourself? Go https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/philippines or call us at 214-824-4562
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 surprised her along the way, and why purposeful travel continues to shape her perspective.Want to weigh in and experience your own adventure in service? Visit us at www.globeaware.org
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 sheer joy of service.
From wading through mangroves to sharing meals with local families, Drew paints a vivid picture of what makes this program so impactful. You'll also hear from our cherished in-country coordinator, Gege, whose warmth, wisdom, and local insight help shape every volunteer’s experience.
Whether you're a past participant, future volunteer, or just curious about ethical, immersive travel—you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of what Globe Aware is all about.
📌 Perfect for:
Anyone considering the Philippines program
Volunteers wanting a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes view
Fans of authentic storytelling and community-based travel
🎧 Grab a coffee, hit play, and prepare for laughter, reflection, and inspiration.
Interested in volunteering with us there? You can, visit: https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/philippines
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 to Dr. Drew — everything.
Join us, and consider starting your own journey at globeaware.org or by calling 1-877-588-4562.
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 he proves just how much impact one week can hold. Ready to change your perspective — and maybe the world? Visit globeaware.org or call 1-877-588-4562.
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-changing travel.
Ready to create your own story? Explore opportunities at globeaware.org or call 1-877-588-4562 to get started.
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, adventure, and humanity wrapped into one powerful story.
Curious about taking your own meaningful journey? Visit globeaware.org or give us a call at 1-877-588-4562.
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, connection, and impact.
Feeling inspired? Learn how you can take part at globeaware.org or call us at 1-877-588-4562.
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 at 10877-588-4562
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 you're not in dental field, your work activity will differ.) But that’s not all—he’s sharing firsthand insights on accommodations, local cuisine, cultural immersion on day one, and even how he handled a credit card hiccup when his primary card wasn’t accepted. Oh, and did we mention the massive earthquake that shook Myanmar and Thailand the very next day? He felt it—tune in to hear what that was like!
Thinking about joining a volunteer adventure of your own? Learn more here: https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/thailand-hill-tribes
The good and the bad on the toilets. What will your bedding be like? Your food? Should I eat what the kids are eating? Our veteran newsman tells it like it is, live from our program location while all that info is super fresh! What to expect if you go on our Thailand Hill Tribes program! Ready to register? https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/thailand-hill-tribes
In the lush landscapes of Laos, Globe Aware volunteers are making a difference—rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife while supporting local communities. In this AI generated episode from our Laos orientation, we explore how our program helps protect endangered animals, assists in conservation efforts, and empowers villages through education and sustainable initiatives. Hear inspiring stories from volunteers and experts on the ground, and learn how you can be part of this incredible mission to preserve both nature and culture in Laos. For more information on this program, go to https://www.globeaware.org/destinations/asia/laos
Get ready for an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Andes! In this AI generated episode, culled from reading our orientation materials, we dive into some of the things you need to know about volunteering in Cusco, Peru—from what to pack and how to get there to the incredible experiences that await. Discover how you can make a meaningful impact while exploring ancient Incan history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Tune in for expert tips and inspiration for your Globe Aware adventure in Cusco! Do not let this replace reading the more comprehensive orientation packet. And do let us hear from you!