The Rewarding Nature of a Grateful Smile

I would say my most memorable experience was being able to teach the kids different words and phrases and the kids being able to understand them and repeat them. That was very rewarding personally.

I feel it might have helped some Thai people view Americans in a different perspective because of the time we spent together.  I could also remember mothers and fathers smiling at me because I had taught their sons and daughters.

Kenneth P., Thailand Orphanage Care Program

Focusing on the Breath

Vipassana meditation is practiced by focusing on one object throughout the hour (or a length of time of your choosing) and becoming aware of other thoughts that might distract us from this original object. This hones concentration, which is necessary to figure out the true nature of mind and body. Once someone has harnessed that concentration, we may use it as a sharp object to cut through all the disillusions and accept the three principles (the nature of impermanence, the nature of dissatisfaction, and the nature of insubstantiality). Two main methods of meditation are taught: Breathing directed or abdominal movement focused. These are self explanatory.

For my first session, I decided to attempt the breathing route as it seemed physiologically advantageous (watch out Incentive Spirometer). These were my thoughts: Breathing, breathing, breath…I wonder what my oxygen saturation is at the time…what’s the sea level elevation of Cambodia (it affects the partial pressure of oxygen)…man, I really need to try more fish as it’s fresh from the Tonlé Sap lake and much cheaper than the states….crap, I need to focus on breathing…breathing…breathing…breathing…I remember once in physics we were asked to figure out how many molecules of oxygen we were breathing per minute of Galileo’s last breath…I miss physics…wait, what was I supposed to do again?

Efren M., Cambodia Buddhist Immersion Program

Getting to Know Your Neighbors

I really enjoyed my week long village trainings. I enjoy being outside and that along with the staff and the villagers, really made my experience an unforgettable one. After every day of trainings I would try to get to know some of the people in the village in my own way with the help of some of the staff by laughing and trying to learn different things about each other together. This may not be for everyone but I enjoyed every minute I spent with each person even if we didn’t understand each other. I believe if everyone was immersed in these sorts of experiences like I was, they would truly benefit. I definitely felt sufficiently immersed [in the culture] and enjoyed every minute of my program. I think that because I developed personal relationships with many of the staff, it greatly helped how much I was able to take in Tanzania and truly appreciate the culture.

Brady C., Tanzania Integrated Program

Learn about Global Service Corps’ volunteer abroad programs at our website here!

New Perspectives

The weeks I spent working in Maasai villages were my favorite weeks of the program.  In the villages I gained incredible insight into the Maasai culture and way of life.  Additionally, during these weeks I spent significantly more time with GSC staff and counterparts; time which helped shape our relationships and share our cultures and perspectives.  The relationships I built with GSC staff and counterparts had the largest impact on my experience overall and I will treasure these friendships for life.

The project has impacted my future career plans, increased my self-confidence, and has given me incredible insight as to the needs of developing countries.  I really enjoyed building relationships with the counterparts, staff, and my home-stay family.

Mary S., Tanzania Integrated Program

Reflections in Phnom Penh: A Simple Truth

Having now completed my volunteer assignment, my insights tend to surround life in Phnom Penh. It is 40,000 motorcyclists and tuk tuks weaving in and out of the morning traffic, bypassing the fat cats in their shiny new SUVs and sedans. It is the smell of chicken on a neighborhood grill at 7 am, and a couple of doors down a lady on her haunches doing the morning’s laundry in a big steel bowl. It is steamed rice with almost every meal and a brown out almost every afternoon. It is a welcome breeze or a little cloud cover on a sweltering afternoon. It is a steady stream of laughter, music, barking dogs, and motorcycle engines until 2 in the morning – every morning, everywhere.

In the final analysis, I think I learned a simple truth: that there is dignity in forgiving the past, living a day at a time, eking out an honest existence, and enjoying each other’s company along the way. I think this is the genius of the Cambodian people and will serve them well for many years to come.

Doug H., Cambodia International Health Program

Learn about Global Service Corps’ volunteer abroad programs at our website here!

The Fruits of Tanzania!

Imagine sitting in class when a loud clashing sound reverberates over your head.  As you nearly jump out of your skin, the volunteer coordinator just laughs and says, “Don’t worry, it’s just another avocado dropping on our tin roof.”

Yes, avocados grow on trees here and they’re huge…the small ones are still at least 2 times bigger than any I’ve seen in the states.  Numerous other fruit trees dot the landscape here along with beautiful flowers. Greens grow wild and we have them at every meal except breakfast.  We also have bananas, avocados, oranges and cucumbers at every meal.  Fortunately, I like all of them so I’m enjoying them.  Bananas are sometimes cooked with meat or just roasted giving them an almost potato-like texture.  They’re quite good cooked.  Last week, I tried fresh passion fruit for the first time and I loved it.  It’s sweet but also has a nice tangy taste as well.  With its unique taste and texture, I find it hard to describe.  And of course, the mango is so wonderfully delicious!!!

Patricia J., Tanzania International Health Program

Learn about Global Service Corps’ volunteer abroad programs at our website here!

Volunteer with Global Service Corps in Thailand, Asia: Teaching English

In order to provide Thai children with more opportunities and brighter futures, the Thailand Ministry of Education has prioritized English as a Foreign Language (EFL) training for Thai students.

Global Service Corps is supporting the Ministry to meet this need by providing volunteers to teach English abroad. Volunteers teach basic conversational and intermediate English to students in rural areas of Thailand, and give the students a chance to practice their English speaking skills.

GSC’s Teach English Abroad Program Highlights

•    Receive in-country teacher training and become prepared to effectively teach English to students. GSC prepares volunteers with role-play materials, conversation practice outlines, and games and activities for use in the classroom.

•    Teach basic conversational or intermediate English to students and help develop their skills for a brighter future.

•     Explore Thailand with fellow volunteers on sightseeing trips including the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Immerse yourself in the Thai culture and experience the deliciously spicy Thai cuisine during group meals and the local tour. Learn more about our cultural orientation and training.

•    There is no language requirement, and previous teaching experience is not required – just a positive attitude and a willingness to approach challenges with patience and enthusiasm!

For more information and to volunteer with Global Service Corps to help create brighter futures, please visit our website here.