IFRE Volunteers Abroad

I was able to volunteer at a camp for the kids in Antigua, Guatemala and this experience was life changing. I was able to make such meaningful relationships with the kids and improving my Spanish was a bonus!! The host family I was with was also so so amazing and I had no problems with them at all. They were the sweetest people and I cannot wait to go back and stay with them!! Even outside of the program, I was able to explore the beautiful city of Antigua and it was so fun being able to immerse myself in the culture there. I highly recommend this program !!

Had an absolute blast. So much to see in Nepal and so many Nepali youth to help and just have fun with. Nepali locals are friendly and accommodating, and working with the IFRE allowed for a smooth, welcome transition into Nepal. Food and activities are great and cheap. There's a ton to experience in Nepal, especially if you want to take a hiking trip outside of Kathmandu. Try to see and enjoy as much as possible, especially helping with loads of diverse volunteer work. It can be a very fulfilling trip to take, as well just a lot of fun.

Volunteering at the orphanage was more than just a simple act of giving back; it was a deeply enriching and transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. From the moment I stepped through the doors of the orphanage, I was greeted with smiles that radiated warmth and genuine affection. The children, despite facing challenges and hardships that no child should ever have to endure, possessed an incredible resilience that was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
One of the most striking aspects of the experience was witnessing the boundless energy and zest for life that the children exhibited on a daily basis. Despite the uncertainty of their circumstances, they approached each day with an infectious enthusiasm that was impossible to resist. Whether they were playing games engaging in creative activities, or simply learning, their joy was palpable and served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.

The project itself was a wonderful stage for me. Kathmandu is full of festivals, events and beautiful moments. The coordinator will help you figure out your topic and offer you information around it and any related things that are happening in the city. You can build your portfolio with them and experience life as a photojournalist. The program does require you to be highly proactive. After all, it's a stage, you are the performer. I'm glad and happy that I joined the program and met wonderful people. The hostel feels like a second home to me.

This was my first time doing an overseas volunteering program and it was absolutely amazing! The placement in the school was quite nice and the students really enjoyed your company there. Although they clearly were not used to English, they put effort and they were very eager to show their culture. The hostel accommodation was very safe, clean, and the family was superbly fun! I really miss the hotpots and the delicious curry! Ayutthaya is a gorgeous city and I have plenty of time to explore it (to the point of getting a sunburn from trying to visit all the places!). I was checking the photos of took there the other day and there is none where I'm not smiling. It was my first time in Thailand and I think I never learned so much about a foreign culture as I did this time. I definitely recommend it!