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 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.

Reviews

Susan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

5 Star volunteer project.

I spent four weeks at the Nakavango Private Game Reserve. I loved my time there for a variety of reasons. First of all, the animal life is incredible. Just listening to the bird song everyday made me smile, so unique and varied. To be in a place where people live in harmony with the animals was a joy to experience.
The staff were very gracious, always had our safety and best interest in mind. They made the work fun. I met volunteers of all ages from around the world, many who I now consider friends. It was nice to be a part of a project that contributes to long term conservation and supports the people that live in the area. The chefs worked hard every day to prepare excellent food, the accommodations were private and clean, the setting beautiful. What more could a volunteer ask for.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I tried a mopane worm. They are the caterpillar of the emperor moth. They are a bit intimidating looking a bit chewy but not bad.
Pros
  • Learned a lot about conservation efforts for black rhinos.
  • Pushed me out of my comfort zone.
  • Ability to participate in meaningful volunteer work.
Cons
  • Inability to go for walks as it was not safe due to the location on a game reserve.
  • Experiences in Victoria Falls tended to be expensive.
Candice
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best volunteer abroad program in the world!

I have done 3 programs with IVHQ already, Costa Rica, Fiji, and recently, Thailand, and this is only the beginning! From the initial application process to the post program check ins, IVHQ is supportive, encouraging, insightful, and knowledgeable. The entire process is well organized and orchestrated, and they are with us every step of the way.
I taught English in Costa Rica and did childcare and teaching in Fiji and Thailand.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Food for the soul! Already planning my next IVHQ adventure! Deciding between Portugal, Italy, Cambodia, Loas, Vietnam, and Belize!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
DO ALL THE THINGS! Culture week, every activity they offer, eat all the foods they prepare, push beyond your comfort margins, and you will meet the most incredible humans from all over the globe!
Pros
  • support
  • safety
  • community
Cons
  • None
  • None
  • None
Autumn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ trip to Bali Indonesia

I loved my experience in Bali Indonesia and booking through IVHQ! It was the best trip getting to meet people from all over the world and travel around Bali learning about the culture and trying so many new things. I worked on the Health Education project teaching students in local schools. It was so easy to book this two week trip and navigate the site to find a program that was right for me and connected to my major of dietetics/nutrition and find a location that I was excited about that had it all. I would definitely book through IVHQ again and I’m so excited to think about the next possible program I’ll go on or the new people I’ll meet in the future!

Grace
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful and educational experience

This was my second time volunteering for IVHQ. IVHQ makes the volunteer experience seamless. If you are new to volunteering like I am, IVHQ makes it easier. They have local contacts who will make sure you are safe. My host family in Jordan was amazing. It was my first time in that region and I was so nervous before my arrival. From the local pickup, to the host family, and the locals themselves—they all made my experience very pleasant and educational. If you are having second thoughts about volunteering, just do it!

Hamody
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Excellent support and a truly reliable experience

I had a great experience with IVHQ. Their support team was amazing from the beginning very helpful, patient, and always quick to respond to my messages. Even when I needed to double-check every small detail, they were understanding and made sure I felt confident and prepared. I also really appreciated that I could call them whenever I needed clearer answers or extra reassurance.
Another thing that stood out to me was the quality of the local team they work with. IVHQ connected me with amazing locals who were welcoming, professional, and truly made the experience meaningful. It felt like they carefully choose the right people and organizations to make sure volunteers are supported and can have a real impact.
Overall, IVHQ made the whole process smooth, clear, and trustworthy. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organized volunteer experience with great support and reliable local partners.

Programs

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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?

Biggest 'fear' was not being able to be connected back home or to my work when I was there. This was easily solved as I had bought an Esim, the Faraja House had WIFI you could pay for and the school had it too - I felt connected! Every moment I felt safe and we had a group WhatsApp that also kept us connected.
 

Write and answer your own question.

Favourite story to share was during a home visit: I met a Mom who had 7 years old twins, both born with Cerebral Palsy and I was able to do some research to connect them with the Cerebral Palsy Society of Kenya. I provided this information to the social workers who gave it to the Mom - she had no idea this service was available to her.

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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