International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

My three months in Ghana through IVHQ were unforgettable, life changing and worth every penny. The staff made sure that we everyone was comfortable while experiencing new skills and adventures, all of which were interesting and enjoyable. The online team are helpful even before you arrive and offered advice on all aspects including what to take, how to sort visas out and ensuring that any concerns I had were diminished before I left. On arrival finding the friendly member of staff who was there to pick us up was relatively easy in the crowded and hectic airport. Orientation was well organised and informative with a language lesson from a brilliant member of staff named Evans who is one of the most hardworking and dedicated members of the team. He is also in charge of arranging malaria testing for the children in schools and local people. Evans encourages everyone to come and test people in towns, as not only is it an interesting and good experience it is also a wonderful skill to learn and gives those with malaria a fighting chance (as we also distributed medication too) .
On weekends trips were arranged. In my time there I did a few, including Cape Coast, Twi Waterfalls and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary. Arranged by Elvis and Evans, these trips were well organised with enough flexibility for it to be massively enjoyable while also interesting and informative, allowing us to experience new things we may never have experienced otherwise. The trips were affordable and the accommodation comfortable, clean and in a good location.
The accommodation (in the purple program in Frankadua) I had been in during the weekdays was comfortable, accommodating, in a good location- about 2 hours from the capital city of Accra- and had wonderful food provided by the fantastic cook Rita. While the facilities were basic, the charm and homely feeling you get if you have an open mind allows you to settle quickly. The program offers a wide range of options on what to do from day to day. Spanning from teaching to agriculture with enough flexibility and support to do something different from day to day or week to week.
Of course I can't put how incredible my experience was into words, but I would recommend this life changing chance to anyone and everyone in a heart beat and I'm so grateful to everyone, especially those i have name for ensuring my time there was used constructively through enjoyable, breathtaking and eye opening moments, as well as supporting me through every moment.

I spend 2 weeks there and I was able to participate in different programs. Most of them, teaching English to children's. But they also have programs with elder care, cancer victims that need a moment of joy and kindergarten assistance.
It was a immersive experience and we could connect with the communities and get to know the people who live there. For me, this was the top 1 reason why I loved this experience.
The children's were kind and respectful, eager to learn. So the teaching was natural and easy.
I felt home in our volunteer house. We had dinner together every day and spend weekends travelling together as well. I felt welcome by the city and by all the Colombians I met.
If I had the time, I would stay there at least 4 weeks. Two weeks was enough for me to leave with tears.

The week I spent in Jamaica was a rewarding experience that allowed me to become immersed in a new culture while having a beneficial impact on the local community. As part of the Sports Development Program, one of the most impactful parts of the trip was experiencing the enthusiastic and uplifting spirits of the children at the primary school where I taught PE classes. After speaking with the other IVHQ volunteers I lived with during my stay, I can say with confidence that IVHQ has rewarding opportunities for volunteers with a variety of interests. Whether it be your first volunteer trip abroad (like me!) or if you have vast travel experience, IVHQ’s supportive staff and high level of organization makes it a reliable and trustworthy organization for any volunteer.

I did three weeks in Kandy, Sri Lanka which was such an amazing first experience of volunteering abroad. Both the local team that looks after you once you arrive in Sri Lanka and the IVHQ team are so incredibly helpful, reply to emails very fast and are very supportive. The IVHQ team was really accomodating with me changing around my program dates to start earlier and were helpful in preparing to go to Sri Lanka as well. Whilst in country the IVHQ coordinator stayed in touch with me to make sure everything was going well, and also checked in on me once I got home. The local NGO that you volunteer with in Sri Lanka is so warm and helpful, they truly go above and beyond to make sure you're comfortable and having a good experience. Once you arrive in country you learn more about the local NGO, they have so many projects available - more than those explained on the IVHQ website, for example there are several different types of teaching projects on offer. The volunteer accomodation is also very nice and has a really nice shady backyard which opens onto the Mahweli river (the longest river in Sri Lanka) .

This was an incredible experience, living off-the-grid for a little while on a warm, tropical paradise. Hammocks, a tightrope for walking, some books, a volleyball court, and cards are available for the volunteers. It was even possible to project a movie some nights. The staff was so personable and knowledgeable. The work was super fun, though I felt that the staff would have been able to make more of an environmental impact on their own (they are way more skilled in taking measurements and spearing), however the program helps with awareness. New people come and go each week. Just know, it is not resort living, be prepared for cold showers and finicky Wi-Fi, you are there to work! The food was delicious (you even eat lionfish) and the staff holds a barbecue every Thursday night. Thank you!!