IVHQ Globe

International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

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 5 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in good hands! With over 16 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.

Reviews

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Jenna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best week of my life!!

I could not recommend volunteering abroad enough. It was such a great experience and truly has changed my view on the world. It is such an eye opening experience that pushes you outside of your comfort zone in all the best ways. It allows you to branch out from what you are used to and gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn more about yourself while getting the chance to meet so many amazing people. I felt so included everywhere I went and have gained so much confidence from this trip. I hope everyone gets the chance to be involved in an experience like this because it truly is life changing and will give you such a greater appreciation for life itself.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice for future travelers is to go with an open mind. The first day or two took some adjusting to get used to the culture and language barrier. But after I got adjusted and comfortable it was an unreal experience. It is difficult at times and is scary but that is all apart of the process and makes it that much more rewarding because after a week, I was crying tears of joy leaving my homestay.
Pros
  • the school was so welcoming and was such a great opportunity to learn about a different school system.
  • I met some of the coolest people and felt so included with everyone I met there
  • the local organization was very supportive and helpful with any questions I had
Cons
  • the area was hard to get around with the buses, they were pretty confusing
  • the language barrier is difficult
  • the area is not safe at night to walk around in
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Sesili
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative journey

Volunteering within special needs communities offers a transformative journey of empathy, resilience, and societal impact. Engaging in activities that support individuals with diverse challenges fosters personal growth, cultivates essential life skills, and contributes to building more inclusive societies. Embrace the opportunity to make meaningful connections and foster a culture of acceptance and belonging.By volunteering with special needs populations, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also gaining valuable insights and experiences that can enrich your own life. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.

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Faith
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Another Fantastic Trip with IVHQ

This is my 3rd trip with IVHQ and that speaks volumes. Right from when you sign up, you get immediate support and assistance. Once you get to the country you are volunteering in, as a solo female traveler, you feel safe and comfortable with the help and organization they provide. All the lovely people I have met at the local placements have been wonderful and helpful. Food is always delicious (one of my favorite parts!) and the added excursions in some of these trips are fantastic!!! I am already planning my 4th and 5th trips.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would not sign up for the excursions in advance. I would sign up when I get to the country.
Default avatar
Charles
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most incredible trip of a life time!

If you want to go on a trip that will transform your life for the better, enhance your understanding of the world, help people in need and make unbreakable connections, then IVHQ Ghana is the trip for you!
The team there treat you like family. They cook with love, tell you about the best sites to see, share aspects of their culture to you with detail, help you get the best price for whatever you need and so much more. Also the team prior to departure provide you with all the support you need. I needed to arrive early due to flight scheduling and they made that happen in such a stress free way. My recent trip with IVHQ was my second! I can’t wait for third trip and the many more after that!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I did do it again and I wouldn’t change a single thing. When you go there, you’ll live more in the time spent in Ghana than at any other time in your life
Pros
  • The food is so unique and nutritious
  • Everyone greets you with a smile
  • You bare witness to the positive impact you make in the community
Cons
  • The only con is that sometimes the power goes out. But this is the perfect time to go out and play with the kids if it’s during the day. At night it doesn’t matter, because you’ll be asleep.
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Jane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved my time in Vietnam

I can not thank you enough for my time shared in Ho Chi Minh City on the food outreach project.
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish, I have already registered for my next program, that shows just how wonderful things were.
I ate things that were different from the normal things I eat. The strangest thing was a big snail & I liked it!
I experienced a lot of different Vietnamese culture & I especially loved the coffee. (I took two coffee making classes)
I arrived back in the U.K. last night & I am already missing my daily coffees.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I ate a snail
Pros
  • Great food
  • Great meeting people
  • Brilliant experience

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

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

AP Johnson

She is from South America born and raised and now lives in the United States. She has a career in Finance, enjoys playing golf, traveling and helping others.

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I chose International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) because of the reviews from previous volunteers as well as their comprehensive website. Everything I wanted to know about the program was right there and very organized.

The reviews were well written and provided insight into the program. All of the reviews I read were consistent with my experience.

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

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Provided me with everything I needed for my trip.
The program and all of my pre travel requirements were presented in an organized manner. This included a pre-departure webinar ( was EVERYTHING!) culture, airport pickup, accommodations, meals, list of what to pack, volunteer placement and transparency regarding fees. They provided me with everything I needed!

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

I will offer two pieces of advice if I may. The first is to be open minded. My host family were amazing!!! But, its much different to being at home. Second, I highly recommend taking a few extra days to go site seeing. Third make friends and have fun!!! Ok, that may be four, but seriously, its a great opportunity yo not only give back, but enjoy the rich culture that country has to offer.

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

Once you land you’ll be picked up at the airport, then its off to orientation! It was for me!!!

The next day was a free day for me, so got up and was greeted with the most amazing break-fast (see pics). Hung out with my host family and room-mate (whom i had just met), we explored some on that day, then home for dinner.

On Monday our host took us to the Volunteer center via bus and showed us the route and the cost. I was then taken to the Community Center where I was placed and a tour, but not before helping to unload some donations with the other teachers… back to the community center for Spanish class and another orientation.

The rest of the week, I taught my students, did done site-seeing, took Spanish lessons and hung out with my new friends. Oh! Did I tell you the real reason I went was to give back during my birthday?! Well my host family and room-mate threw me a surprise birthday party!!!

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

There was an article trending on Yahoo that questioned if Americans should travel to Costa Rica - so I had some reservations and in fact was planning not to go evening after paying for everything except purchasing my ticket up until that point.

Luckily I called my program manager! She was very professional during our Teams call and answered all of my questions and let me know that she was reading the same articles as well. After our call I felt comfortable enough to make the trip. I followed all of what was shared in webinar training and orientation.

What was most rewarding about your experience?

Gosh! I had a terrific experience! My host family was amazing, they had breakfast and dinner ready every day (never the sane meal). I made four new friends - one is like famous. Yup!!! Lol Finally, the kids at the community center were everything! Please don't forget to pack some school supplies to donate!!!

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.

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.

Professional Associations

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