IVHQ had an excellent review on the internet as one of the most affordable Volunteer Abroad programs. Being a single mother and having the ambition to bond with each of my four children individually, I looked for something I could afford! I had one requirement, and that was being in a home stay so as not to be too crowded with the younger volunteers who are needing quiet space! They were excellent at making that happen!
Alumni Spotlight: Isaure Kelly -De la Presle
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Born and raised in Paris until age nine and having to immigrate to America not speaking a word of English had made Isaure Kelly a flexible world traveler. It gave her resilience and a sense of adventure!
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
IVHQ organizes every detail from your day to day routine, your job responsibilities, and your home stay. They have a very detailed website in all paper preparations, and all we needed to do was get our flights to match the dates we gave them. If you want to travel on weekends, they have discounted safe and organized visits for all their volunteers.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Traveling to another country usually means leaving your comfort zone. Store that away on a shelf and prepare yourself for an adventure! Let go of expectations, and embrace surprises, new flavors, new ways, and extraordinary bonding with people from all over the world! If you go with an open heart, this is a life experience that you will never forget and will bring you unconditional love!
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The program is built on half day schedules. Depending on your energy, there is a host home to greet you with homemade food when you can rest and dream the afternoon away. Other volunteers energize each other, and next thing you know, you’re off trying food, or visiting lively markets, or shopping to bring your schools, orphanages, or aids program gifts to make their world a better place.
Weekends are full of adventures, visiting parts of the country with other volunteers all well and safely organized by IVHQ, or if you prefer, on your own!
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
No matter how many countries I have traveled to, a new one is the unknown, and the greatest fear is safety. Tanzania was one incredibly welcoming country. The people there were kind and loving to us. We were respected for being volunteers and helping their community as much as we were respectful of their ways and customs, remembering we were guests in their lives.
What was it like volunteering in Tanzania?
If you’re prepared to let go of your western hot showers and indulgent rapid service, Tanzania is one of the most beautiful landscape and wildlife country you will ever visit! IVHQ made it so easy, and the prices from flights to Safari were so affordable because we were volunteers, and we filled our weekends with memorable adventures!
Our host mother Mama Liz was so thoughtful and attentive to every detail to each and every one under her care that we broke into tears saying goodbye after a month. It was truly one of the most memorable experiences for me and my son as we bonded working together in an orphanage and traveling around Tanzania with the many other volunteers we continue to be in touch with!