12,400+ volunteers welcomed since 2001 · flexible dates · apply for free
About us
Global Citizens exists to make hosted, ethical volunteer travel affordable and easy to plan — without cutting corners on safety or the communities we work with.
Since 2001
Global Citizens was founded in 2001 by a small team of former volunteers who felt that hosted volunteer travel had become either too expensive or too unstructured. We started with a single childcare project in Kathmandu and have since grown to three countries across three continents, always keeping the same model: local partners design the projects, we fund and staff them.
Every placement is reviewed each season, every host family is vetted in person, and every project aligns with a need identified by the community itself — not by us.
Our journey
Take a look at how we’ve grown alongside our communities over the last two decades.
2001
Initially launched with a single childcare project in Kathmandu, establishing our core philosophy of strictly community-driven goals.
2006
Branched out into North America and Africa, initiating long-term community and conservation programs in Denver and Monrovia.
2012
Formally standardized physical security, medical support, and emergency protocols across all expanding international placements.
2017
Our global alumni network surpassed the 5k milestone, creating scholarship initiatives and post-travel fundraising circles.
2024
Proudly celebrated placing our 12,400th active volunteer in community clinics and public conservation zones worldwide.
Our values
Local partners design every project; we resource it.
Our fee breakdowns show exactly where your money goes.
24/7 local support and vetted placements, every season.
We only run projects designed to matter after you leave.
The people
The passionate people behind Global Citizens who make it all happen.
Founder & Program Director
Dana founded Global Citizens in 2001 after volunteering across Southeast Asia. With over two decades of experience in international development and volunteer coordination, she has built the organization from a single project in Kathmandu to a three-continent operation. Dana holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and is passionate about creating sustainable, community-driven volunteer programs that make a lasting difference.
Liberia Country Manager
Samuel oversees all Global Citizens operations across Liberia, managing community health initiatives and educational support programs in Monrovia and surrounding regions. Born and raised in Liberia, Samuel brings deep local knowledge and connections that ensure every project is culturally appropriate and community-driven. He holds a degree in Public Health from the University of Liberia.
Nepal Country Manager
Anjali manages the full suite of Nepal-based programs, from childcare in Pokhara to medical outreach in Kathmandu. A former volunteer herself, she understands first-hand the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange. Anjali holds a Master’s in Social Work from Tribhuvan University and has been instrumental in expanding Global Citizens’ Nepal operations to include five distinct projects.
Medical Programs Director
Dr. Rivera leads the design and oversight of all medical volunteer placements across Global Citizens’ three countries. A board-certified physician with experience in global health delivery, he ensures that every medical project meets rigorous standards of care while providing meaningful learning opportunities for volunteers. Marcus completed his residency at Johns Hopkins and has published extensively on community health in developing nations.
Volunteer Experience Coordinator
Priya is the first point of contact for every volunteer who joins Global Citizens. She manages the entire onboarding journey—from initial application through pre-departure preparation to in-country orientation. Her warm, detail-oriented approach ensures volunteers feel supported and prepared. Originally from Pokhara, Priya speaks four languages and has coordinated over 3,000 successful placements.
Community Partnerships Lead
James builds and nurtures relationships with local communities, NGOs, and government agencies across all Global Citizens destinations. His work ensures that every volunteer project is aligned with genuine community needs rather than external assumptions. James holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Ghana and previously worked with UNICEF on youth empowerment programs.
Marketing & Communications
Sarah leads Global Citizens’ digital presence, alumni storytelling, and brand communications. She has a knack for turning volunteer experiences into compelling narratives that inspire others to take action. Before joining the team, Sarah worked at a top creative agency in New York. She holds a degree in Journalism from NYU and is an avid travel photographer.
USA Programs Manager
Robert manages all domestic volunteer programs in Denver and across the United States. With a background in urban community development and non-profit management, he ensures that stateside volunteers receive the same high-quality, impactful experience as those traveling abroad. Robert is a Colorado native who previously directed operations at Habitat for Humanity’s Denver chapter.
Safety & Compliance Officer
Fatima is responsible for maintaining Global Citizens’ rigorous safety standards across all destinations. She conducts regular audits of host families, accommodations, and project sites, and manages the 24/7 emergency support protocol. With a background in risk management and a Master’s in International Security from King’s College London, Fatima ensures every volunteer’s wellbeing is the top priority.
Finance & Operations
David oversees Global Citizens’ financial operations, ensuring radical transparency in how volunteer fees are allocated. He prepares the detailed fee breakdowns that the organization is known for and manages relationships with banking partners across three countries. David is a Chartered Accountant with prior experience at Deloitte and a deep commitment to social enterprise.
Alumni Relations Manager
Elena manages the growing Global Citizens alumni network of over 12,400 former volunteers. She organizes reunions, coordinates post-trip fundraising circles, and manages the scholarship fund that enables underrepresented volunteers to participate. Elena volunteered with Global Citizens in 2015 and loved the experience so much she joined the team full-time. She holds a degree in Sociology from UCLA.
Field Operations Coordinator
Tom coordinates day-to-day logistics across Global Citizens’ Nepal project sites, including transportation, accommodation, and meal arrangements for volunteers. A trekking guide turned operations expert, Tom’s intimate knowledge of Nepal’s geography and culture makes him an invaluable resource for volunteers and staff alike. He speaks Nepali, Hindi, and English fluently.
Our advisors have volunteered themselves — ask them anything.