There is a moment that nearly every volunteer traveler describes “usually within the first day or two of arriving. It happens when the novelty of a new country gives way to something deeper: a sense of genuine connection, of purpose, of mattering. It is the moment a volunteer vacation stops feeling like a trip and starts feeling like a turning point.
That moment is exactly what Globe Aware has been building toward for more than two decades.
April 7, 2026 – Time for Impact Podcast- Redefining Volunteer Tourism
In this episode of Time for Impact, Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, challenges traditional Volunteer Tourism, volunteer models, arguing that real impact comes from community-led solutions rather than feel-good efforts. She shares lessons from 25 years in the field—including missteps like poorly matched aid projects—and explains how ethical volunteering is shifting toward cultural sensitivity, local partnership, and sustainability. The conversation also explores the decline of the “white savior” mindset, the rise of corporate-supported service, and the lasting personal impact on volunteers, who often return home with deeper empathy and a lifelong commitment to giving back.
What if your next vacation left the world — and you — genuinely better off? That’s not a slogan. For the thousands of travelers who have joined a Globe Aware volunteer vacation since 2000, it’s simply what happened.
In the second half of this special two-part series, the Culture Encounters Podcast welcomes back Kimberly Haley-Coleman, the visionary Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Globe Aware. Host Chad dives deeper into Kimberly’s personal journey, uncovering the pivotal life experiences that inspired her to dedicate her career to international service. By sharing her story, Kimberly offers a rare look at the passion and persistence required to lead a global movement focused on genuine human connection and cultural immersion.
Volunteering to teach abroad is one of the most impactful ways to combine travel with meaningful service. Through programs like Globe Aware, volunteers can support education initiatives in communities around the world while experiencing new cultures firsthand. These short-term volunteer vacations make it possible to contribute to global education without requiring prior teaching experience or long-term commitments.
Cambodia is a country shaped by resilience, deep-rooted traditions, and striking beauty. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat to the everyday rhythms of life in and around Siem Reap, it offers travelers far more than a checklist of sights.
The Anthropos: Rethinking Travel: Sustainable Tourism, Voluntourism, and the Future of Responsible Travel
In the latest episode of The Anthropos: Unwavering Ecolution, the discussion turns toward the rise of regenerative travel. This movement goes beyond traditional sustainable tourism to restore and improve the destinations actively visited.
The Philippines is often celebrated for its turquoise waters, colorful festivals, and famously warm hospitality. But for many travelers, the country offers something more than beautiful scenery. It offers the chance to slow down, connect, and give back through a volunteer vacation in the Philippines.
Can short-term volunteer trips foster genuine connection, or are they prone to exploitation? In this episode of Expat On A Budget, host Kimberly Anne sits down with Kimberly Haley Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, to explore the realities of ethical volunteer travel after 25 years in the industry.
Nestled in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, Bhutan is one of the world’s most distinctive and least‑visited countries. Long isolated from outside influence, the kingdom has preserved a way of life shaped by Buddhist tradition, dramatic landscapes, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Today, Bhutan draws travellers seeking more than scenery—offering a place where history, spirituality, and national values remain deeply connected.
