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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Kaitlin Charlotte
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful experience!

Throughout this experience, everyone was so open and willing to help. IVHQ had constant communication to make sure I completed every step towards preparing for my trip which made it the best it could possibly be! The staff on my program were great and a lot of fun to be around. It was extremely organised and I was never unsure of anything while in my program. I met many amazing people from all around the world whom I will continue to keep in touch with. It exceeded all my expectations and was a truly wonderful experience :)

Default avatar
Saki
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

The local staff at the volunteer house and school were all friendly and welcoming to us. All experience that I had was very smooth and well organised. The food at the volunteer house was delicious too. They cleaned the accommodation every day so that we didn’t get sick. All tourist spots are close by so you can enjoy your afternoon or weekend. I didn’t feel unsafe as I always go out with other volunteers and the taxi drivers that the local staff recommended were all very reliable and friendly. The office staff supported me when I needed it and gave me useful tips too. A great experience! I would recommend staying at least 2 weeks!

Pros
  • Location
  • Staff
  • Food
Cons
  • Total cost
Default avatar
Bryant
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Quito Volunteer

The opportunity to interact with the students and the school staff made this experience great. After spending time at the school, I left wanting to spend more time there as a volunteer. I look forward to participating again. During an additional opportunity, I would look to extend the time or possibly participate on different projects to learn if one would be better suited or that I would provide greater impact in the respective communities. I would encourage others to join in volunteer service to help support others and create a better world around us.

Pros
  • Meeting the students and staff
  • Assisting where requested
  • Immersion opportunity
Cons
  • Wanted to utilize more time assisting with English
Default avatar
Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Philippines Review

The local staff was so welcoming and comforting. They were also available to help with anything I needed and were so fun to be around. The IVHQ team was so helpful from the second I expressed interest in going on a trip through the organization. They provided an abundance of useful resources and helpful reminders of what I needed to complete by when. They were always available to answer any questions I had. The experience itself was truly exceptional. I loved meeting all the children and the local people. It was so exciting immersing myself in the local culture. I felt proud of the value I added to the community. I felt incredibly safe in the accommodations and the village. I did not want to leave and cannot wait to return for another trip in the future.

Pros
  • Safe, welcoming environment
  • Meaningful work and connections
  • Immersion in local culture
Default avatar
Sarah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Experience Rabat Womens Education

Reflecting on my time in Morocco brings a flood of warm memories. Habib's exceptional friendliness and support made me feel completely at ease, ensuring my safety and comfort. The camaraderie among fellow volunteers and the incredible kindness of the women I had the privilege to teach left a lasting impression. Morocco, with its rich culture and vibrant atmosphere, has left an indelible mark on my heart. As I move forward, I carry with me not just memories but a deep appreciation for the connections made and the experiences shared. I will truly miss the beauty and warmth of Morocco and its people.

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Friendly
  • Developing confidence

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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