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 with you long after the trip ends. The surprising real beauties and real challenges of a culture

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 interruptions, Fiona shares practical tips to help program providers and volunteers travel smarter and safer. Produced by the International Volunteer Programs Association, this episode is part of our ongoing effort to raise the quality, awareness, and safety of short-term overseas volunteer experiences. https://volunteerinternational.org/

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 service without any special training, just a willingness to help. Tune in to hear how these hands-on experiences reshaped her understanding of global community, responsibility, and personal growth. www.globeaware.org and follow us on our social media to see real-time clips about our programs!