Since 1984, and with tens of thousands of volunteers working worldwide, Global Volunteers has maintained an enviable safety record. This is because we emphasize that "safety trumps everything" in everything we do. You come to serve and work to change children’s lives. So, your accommodations are safe, comfortable and clean, though not luxurious. Your meals are prepared by qualified cooks. Most important, Global Volunteers always observes travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department, even if it means canceling a program.

We take every reasonable precaution to protect your safety when you are in the host community, either in the U.S. or abroad. Here's what you can count on with every service program:

• Our team leaders participate in annual comprehensive training, which includes CPR and first-aid certification, and protocols for managing personal and national emergencies.
• Where it is advisable, we register all team members with the local embassies or consulates.
• Volunteers serving outside of the U.S. are covered by emergency medical evacuation insurance.
• Global Volunteers' emergency contact is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Food, lodging and transportation arranged for volunteer teams are done in a manner to maximize health and safety.

The host communities we serve rarely become involved in political unrest. Because volunteers travel as representatives of Global Volunteers, not as "tourists," team members are accepted as "friends" who are afforded an extra measure of safety. Additionally, volunteers work together as a team, and never need be alone in the host community.

While there has never been a health or safety situation that hasn’t been dealt with quickly and thoroughly, most of us know there are inherent risks and dangers that can arise when travelling or staying in a foreign country. These include, but are not limited to, travel on dangerous roads, different hygienic standards; infrastructure problems (including road maintenance, transportation delays and accommodation conditions); forces of nature, geographic/climate conditions; civil unrest or terrorism; travel by motorcycle, bicycle, train, foot, automobile, aircraft, raft, boat, bus, van or other conveyance the hazards of traveling in mountainous terrain, high altitude, undeveloped areas; and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or availability of medical supplies and facilities.

If you're hearing the question, "You're going where?" from family and friends, you're not alone. While our volunteers rarely let world headlines keep them from their destinations, their loved ones back home often need extra reassurance.

If you're concerned about your security in a host community, contact us for current information. For information on immunizations and infectious diseases, refer to the website for the Center for Disease Control for the latest information about suggested immunizations and travel advice. Overall, be aware that the headlines can overstate or exaggerate reality. Be a world-wise traveler, but don't let the headlines keep you from leaving your mark on the world.