A few months ago I began working at Global Service Corps’ headquarters in office in San Francisco. Global Service Corps has been operating service learning volunteer programs in Thailand for over a decade. In April of 2007 I retired from my position as an executive with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, and I was looking for something meaningful to do with my newly found free time. Working for GSC ft the bill. In existence since 1992, GSC has designed and implemented the kinds of community development projects that produce, sustainable, quantifiable results. Programs in Thailand and Tanzania focus on Teaching English Abroad, International Health, HIV/AIDS Prevention and Sustainable Agriculture.
It is a common perception that participation in such programs is limited to younger volunteers. But in fact GSC has had many older participants. GSC recognizes and values their knowledge and experience, and its projects are tailored to meet their interests and needs. No previous training or experience is required. Are you mid-career or an active retiree who wants to give something back? Would you like to really get to know a new country and culture? Why not join one us for two weeks to six months, or longer.
Contact me at thailand@globalsericecorps.org or at (415) 788-3666, extension 128. I hope to hear from you!
Steve Deering
P.S. Think international volunteering might be too rigorous? I have traveled to Asia many times, and after retiring I spent six weeks on a solo journey to Thailand, Laos and Burma. Part of my trip was spent working on a very satisfying education project with Burmese hill tribe children. Believe me, if I can do it, so can you, and you will have a great time!
