I’ve been fortunate in my life to have a career in nursing that has allowed me to care for people in many different settings—from dialysis units and hospitals in Massachusetts to home healthcare visits on Cape Cod. But some of the most profound experiences I’ve had as a nurse have come from volunteering abroad, traveling to underserved communities, and witnessing firsthand the power of healthcare to change lives. Global health volunteering has been a journey that has shaped not only my professional life but also my perspective on humanity, compassion, and the importance of service.
The Call to Serve
I first felt the call to volunteer internationally through my involvement with organizations like Global Volunteers and medical brigades in Honduras. I wanted to contribute my skills where they were most needed, and I realized that in many parts of the world, access to basic medical care is still a daily challenge. For me, it wasn’t just about providing medical attention; it was about being present, listening, and offering reassurance to people facing circumstances very different from my own.
I’ve seen communities with limited resources, overcrowded clinics, and patients who have traveled long distances simply to receive basic medical or dental care.
Learning from Local Communities
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through global health volunteering is the importance of listening and learning from the communities we serve. Medical knowledge is essential, of course, but understanding cultural context, local customs, and the social determinants of health is equally critical.
In Honduras, for example, we provide medical and dental care in underserved communities, but the work doesn’t stop there. We talk with local leaders, educate families on hygiene and nutrition, and build relationships that extend beyond a single visit. These interactions have taught me that healthcare is more than diagnosing and treating—it’s about collaboration, trust, and empowering communities to take control of their own health.
The Rewards of Service
There’s a profound sense of fulfillment that comes from global health volunteering. The simplest interactions—a smile from a child, a parent’s relief when a chronic condition is addressed, or the laughter shared while teaching basic hygiene—stay with me long after I return home.
These experiences also remind me of the universality of human needs and emotions. People may live in different countries, speak different languages, or follow different traditions, but the desire to be healthy, safe, and cared for is the same everywhere. Being part of that process—helping someone regain their health, confidence, or hope—is both humbling and deeply rewarding.
Facing Challenges and Growing
Volunteering abroad isn’t without its challenges. Clinics can be busy and under-resourced, language barriers exist, and conditions are sometimes harsh. But these challenges offer opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, think creatively, and work closely with others under pressure.
The experience also deepens your empathy and patience. When resources are limited, you have to prioritize, communicate clearly, and make the most of every moment with each patient. These lessons carry over into my nursing practice at home as well, reminding me to be present, flexible, and patient with every person I care for.
The Importance of Teamwork
Medical brigades and global health initiatives rely on teamwork. Volunteers from different backgrounds—nurses, doctors, dentists, students—come together to provide comprehensive care. I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with other professionals, sharing knowledge, and learning from their expertise. It’s inspiring to see how people from different parts of the world can unite with a common goal: improving the health and well-being of others.
Teamwork is also essential for supporting each other emotionally. Witnessing hardship can be intense, and having colleagues to debrief with, share successes, and provide encouragement makes a real difference. These bonds often extend beyond the volunteer trip, creating lifelong friendships rooted in shared purpose and compassion.
Bringing the Experience Home
Volunteering abroad changes you in ways that extend far beyond the trip itself. I bring back new perspectives, renewed gratitude, and practical skills that enhance my nursing practice at home. I also share my experiences with colleagues, friends, and family, hoping to inspire others to consider service in their own way.
Global health volunteering has reinforced for me the importance of humility, curiosity, and ongoing learning. It’s a reminder that healthcare is not just a profession—it’s a calling, and one that can be exercised anywhere in the world, whether in a small clinic in Honduras or in a patient’s home on Cape Cod.
A Lifelong Commitment
I don’t see my work in global health volunteering as a one-time experience; it’s a lifelong commitment. Wherever I go, I carry the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the understanding that small actions—listening, caring, teaching—can create lasting change.
Global health volunteering has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. It has deepened my understanding of the world, strengthened my commitment to nursing, and taught me that caring for others—no matter where they live—is one of the most powerful ways we can make a difference.