Global volunteers, has anyone worked with them?

No I haven't, but I have seen over the years many posts from people looking for ways to stay beyond the normal visa times (90 days in the Schengen area, different times elsewhere) by doing work; or to defer some of their living costs by doing work.

It may be a very reputable organization - I've not heard of that particular one - or it may run very very close to the wind like wwoof and them. I suggest you do lots of research, and read exactly what they say about work visas and work in exchange for lodging and food. Work visas can be a minefield.

Any work, even volunteer work, can run you into visa trouble.

I have also been interested in teaching English as a volunteer with them. They are one of the links here for Socially Responsible Travel...so I thought was a good start. Would also love to here of any info anyone can add.

Any work, even volunteer work, can run you into visa trouble.

Just to highlight point, it is illegal to work in Europe, either as a volunteer or otherwise at any time without the correct permits. The consequences of being caught is that you will be deported at your expense, possibly fined and barred from reentering the Schengen area for a period of years.

I could not see this mentioned anywhere on their site nor does the application form ask you anything about your right to work in Europe. Accordingly I would be very careful about paying over fees to these people without some kind of assurance that if you fail to get the permits required to work in Europe, that the fee will be refunded.

I never worked with global volunteers but I have worked with volunteeringsolutions.com and volunteeringindia.com , very good and unforgettable volunteering experience.

In regards to the concern about right to work in Europe and having the correct items in place, that is really the service that Global Volunteers and other similar orgs. is organized to do. They being the registered NGO in the countries where they have projects, designate the individual as the service provider, you would be acting as their agent, they handle any visa issues. I am sure you would still need to show you were eligible (No criminal history, outstanding warrants...etc) and for the program they likely would want to see that you have some means of support and likely you would also be responsible for your own healthcare.

"Globalvolunteers doesn't help in getting the visa because their programs are one, two and three weeks long. They call it volunteer vacations. Yes you pay a fee which includes, lodging, food, health insurance and materials and tools etc." So basically... they don't arrange the visas, they don't fly you to the destination, they charge you for lodging... and then they expect you to work? Am I missing something, or does this just seem like any other vacation, except that instead of relaxing and having fun, that you work without pay? Hell, if that's all it takes, does anyone want to help me with my garden? I won't pay any of your expenses or let you stay in my house, but hey, you could work in Europe! Just make sure you scram before the 90 day limit hits.

If you want to volunteer in Europe without paying for the privilege, you might want to check out Vaughantown or Diverbo. With both programs, you get yourself to the departing city (for Vaughantown it's Madrid), meet up with the group, and you're bused to the location. You are housed and fed in four star hotels or resorts free of charge. You spend six days having one-on-one conversations, telephone calls, and conference calls with Spanish executives and professionals looking to improve their English fluency. You do not teach, just converse. You eat together, participate in leisure activities, take part in skits, no Spanish allowed. It is a fantastic week, and you can make great friendships in a short time. On my trip last August, I took part in a Vaughantown week, but before I got there, I met up with two Anglos (English-speakers) I had met on my Vaughantown week the year before to stay a few days in Scotland and attend a wedding reception. Then I flew to Barcelona to meet up with one of last year's Spaniards, who acted as my personal tour guide for four days before I took the train to Madrid to go on another Vaughantown week. The Diverbo program has some locations in Germany, too. You get yourself there and back, but otherwise, all costs are covered - and these are nice places.

Globalvolunteers doesn't help in getting the visa because their
programs are one, two and three weeks long. They call it volunteer
vacations. Yes you pay a fee which includes, lodging, food, health
insurance and materials and tools etc.

It does not matter what they call it, how long it is or even if you pay for the privilege - if you work and are caught you can expect serious consequences.

That sounds lovely, Nancy.