IVHQ - Programs & Reviews

Why choose International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ?

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s #1 rated and largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 40+ countries - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in good hands! With over 17 years of experience, IVHQ provides safe, impactful and affordable fully-hosted volunteer experiences. Our multi-layered support network and flexible booking policy means you can volunteer abroad with confidence.

Our programs range from 1 to 24 weeks across premier destinations in Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, North America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Join 130,000+ IVHQ travellers who have spent over 8 million hours supporting local communities.

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Website

www.volunteerhq.org

Founded

2007

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Community Photos

Los extraño, esos niños fueron increibles

Having lunch in the kitchen after our day was finished

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Reviews

Ashlee was superhelpful - from the moment I made contact, my enquiries were always answered properly with knowledge and care.
The support materials and user-friendly website made the whole registration and pre travel prep really easy. I had all the information I needed to plan for the trip. Upon arrival in Sri Lanka there was the flexibility to try a couple of different programs which was great. All in all I found the whole process very streamlined and supportive and would happily recommend IVHQ to others.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

You get out what you put in - so throw yourself into the volunteer projects.

Pros

Met great people
Had some very rewarding experiences through the projects
Ate some delicious food

I did the Bali-Ubud Turtle Conservation project and it was amazing! Everyone was so kind, including the people I met on the trip and the coordinators. I loved being in a new environment, like a vacation, while also feeling like I was doing something to help the area. It was very fulfilling! The ratio of working with the turtles and free time was great, we got the full turtle conservation experience while also getting time to explore Bali. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone!!!!

What was your funniest moment?

One time when I was cleaning a turtle tank that was full of fish, I fell into the tank. It was so funny and everyone around me was laughing and it was a great memory.

Pros

You get to meet new people from all around the world
Explore a new area and learn of a new culture
Spend time with baby turtles and help them

Cons

none!

I loved my time in the Philippines volunteering in childcare. It is truely something I will never ever forget. The people, the culture, the school, the staff and the friends I found there made my whole experience something I will hold in my heart for life. I truely felt I made an impact and helped those who needed it more. For future volunteers my advice is to give it your all, try new things, experience it all, say yes to the unknown because those are the chances you get to make lifetime memories.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

I left home at 18 solo travelling and this volunteer project was my first stop. I was scared, nervous and unsure of how I was going to fit in and truely make an impact. But I was welcomed so warmly by the staff and the students at the school that all my nerves became excitement and I couldn’t wait to be part of such an incredible journey. I think the way I did this was by being involved and saying yes to things that sounded interesting and different. You never know where something will lead you.

Pros

Food
Culture
Everything

Cons

Nothing

I had a great experience volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City through IVHQ. The whole process, from applying to arriving in Vietnam, was really well organised and the support from the IVHQ team made travelling overseas for the first time much less stressful.

The volunteering itself was incredibly rewarding. It was great being able to help people in the local community while also meeting volunteers from all over the world. I made some great friends and created memories I'll never forget.

If I ever had any questions before I left, the IVHQ team was quick to respond and made everything easy. I'd definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about volunteering overseas. It was an amazing experience and one I'm really glad I did.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would have stayed longer. Two weeks went by really quickly, and by the end of the program I felt like I was just settling in. I would have loved to spend more time volunteering and exploring Vietnam.

Pros

Excellent support and communication before the trip.
Well organised program that made travelling overseas easy and stress free
A rewarding experience with the chance to make a real difference while meeting amazing people from around the world.

Cons

The time just went too fast and I wish I could have stayed longer.

Everything was spectacular—a unique and unforgettable experience.
From signing up for the program at home months in advance to the farewell at Kilimanjaro Airport, the local coordinating team in Tanzania had absolutely everything organized down to the last detail. I felt safe and well-supported the entire time.
My homestay experience was a perfect 10! The food was fantastic and hearty.
The tours and guides were excellent; I have nothing but gratitude for all of them.
I will undoubtedly do another program with IVHQ.

Original:
Todo fue espectacular . Una experiencia unica e inolvidable.
Desde la inscripcion al programa desde mi casa unos meses antes hasta la despedida en el aeropuerto de Kilimanjaro.
La empresa THE coordinadora local en Tanzania tienen todo absolutamente organizado hasta el ultimo detalle. Siempre acompañada y segura.
Mi experiencia en casa de familia fue de 10 ! La comida fue fantastica, completa.
Los tours y guias excelentes. No tengo mas que agradecimientos a todos ellos.
Volvere a hacer otro programa con IVHQ sin dudas.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

Entrar al Day Care, encontrarme con esos niños y que sin conocerme corran a abrazarme, fue increible; y asi fueron todos los dias del programa. Pude ver como es un dia de ellos en la salita, como juegan, como estudian, como comen. Todo me sigue emocionando. Son puro amor. Se genero un vinculo unico e indescriptible.
Espero haberles dado un decimo de la felicidad que ellos me dieron a mi.

Pros

Conocer gente viajando sola
Tener todo organizado, salidas nocturnas, tours, transporte.
Conocer una cultura, una sociedad al lado de ellos, junto a ellos.Vivir como ellos

Cons

En mi caso, el idioma me limito, ya que no tengo un ingles perfecto. Pero pude salir adelante con mis conocimientos basicos
El destino elegido era muy lejos , el viaje fue bastante largo.
En casa de familia no hay wifi y es necesario ya que debes si o si estar conectado siempre al group chat para seguir indicaciones. La señal de datos por momentos no funcionaba correctamente. t

4.96 •82 reviews

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated...

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Alumni Spotlight: Jeanette

Why did you choose this program?

I taught coffee knowledge for Starbucks back in the early 2000's and when I saw the opportunity to go to Kenya - my favourite coffee... must say it was an opportunity I couldn't pass. PLUS being able to be of service at the same time at Positive Life Kenya - it was a Win Win Win! The attraction to the Women's Education and Empowerment Program was a huge draw as I own a Public Relations & Marketing Company - I knew these services would be valued during my stay.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program provider (International Volunteer HQ) gave me a complete, extremely detailed to- do list with dates needed to be completed, plus a comprehensive look at what the program I was volunteering with was all about. I only had to arrange flights and let them know when I was arriving and I was met at the airport by their driver.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

You must experience this type of travel... it's rewarding, it's safe, and you will be cared for like family. When you follow the outline IVHQ gives, there will be no surprises when you get there. And you can be any age and must be able to walk a minimum 3kms on a bumpy road. You will be always with a person from the program.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The average day was we gathered for breakfast between 7am to 9am, the program lead would let us know if were staying at Faraja House or if we were heading out for home visits or going to the school. We typically finished at 4pm and dinner was a few hours later. You helped out at the school or chatted with the women in the program, or you helped in the classrooms.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Jay Patel

AP Johnson

2023 Alum

Gi elhadidy hat

Alina Palmer

2023 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Why did you choose this program?

The IVHQ program seemed to offer all that I was looking for: destination, available projects, affordability, plus the fact that it not simply an adventure travel company. Their programs were dedicated to helping communities in need. The schools where we worked had all been built by volunteers, and we provided materials and labor to renovate and build toilet facilities for the children. A few weeks of work by a few people eventually build a school.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

IVHQ assists with everything: flight information, visa and health requirements, airport pick up, travel to placement, orientation, daily visits to the worksites, and regular meetings at our residence to discuss any issue.

The website provides most of this information in advance, but it's reassuring to meet "face to face" with the organizers. On our own, we have to arrange emergency travel health insurance, criminal background report, vaccinations, and visa requirements if required.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

In Africa, bring as few clothes as possible, and nothing with long sleeves and long pants. Clothes can be washed daily if necessary. Insect repellents are only required at night, as they simply wash away in the daytime by the heat. Bring anti-malaria medication and personal toiletries, and a small first aid kit.

My advice: DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING! You will be with an outstanding group of people and you will have a fantastic adventure.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Because of the heat in Ghana, all 10 of us only worked in the mornings.

In construction, we left for our 30-minute walk to the site around 6:30 am and it was an enjoyable walk, as everybody waved and greeted us. We returned to our compound around noon on motorbikes.

The childcare group prepared breakfast and lunch for the school children and were finished by 1 pm. Their school was only a 5-minute walk. Afternoons and evenings were spent reading, playing games, interacting with the children.

Weekends were for sightseeing, usually gone for 2 days (at our expense).

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I had no fears, no concerns. The website provides all the information that you need about your program. The country website (tourism) provides the rest.

As for safety, always remember that you are in a group. There are no safety concerns at the placement site, and we traveled on weekends in groups for 8 or more. Local people are very hospitable and helpful. You will soon discover that you have no worries.

Enjoy your stay.

Want to WIN $329* FREE IVHQ credit?!

Want to WIN $329* FREE IVHQ credit?!

Website

Founded

Connect with us

Community Awards

Alumni Interviews

Jeanette Y. Martin

Alumni Spotlight: Jeanette

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Write and answer your own question.

Staff Interviews

Julien Comeau

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?