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.

Want to WIN $329* FREE IVHQ credit?!

Reviews

Charlie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A fantastic experience

I had a great experience volunteering in Ho Chi Minh City through IVHQ. The whole process, from applying to arriving in Vietnam, was really well organised and the support from the IVHQ team made travelling overseas for the first time much less stressful.

The volunteering itself was incredibly rewarding. It was great being able to help people in the local community while also meeting volunteers from all over the world. I made some great friends and created memories I'll never forget.

If I ever had any questions before I left, the IVHQ team was quick to respond and made everything easy. I'd definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about volunteering overseas. It was an amazing experience and one I'm really glad I did.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would have stayed longer. Two weeks went by really quickly, and by the end of the program I felt like I was just settling in. I would have loved to spend more time volunteering and exploring Vietnam.
Pros
  • Excellent support and communication before the trip.
  • Well organised program that made travelling overseas easy and stress free
  • A rewarding experience with the chance to make a real difference while meeting amazing people from around the world.
Cons
  • The time just went too fast and I wish I could have stayed longer.
samanta carolina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Increible experiencia. Toda la organizacion de 10!

Everything was spectacular—a unique and unforgettable experience.
From signing up for the program at home months in advance to the farewell at Kilimanjaro Airport, the local coordinating team in Tanzania had absolutely everything organized down to the last detail. I felt safe and well-supported the entire time.
My homestay experience was a perfect 10! The food was fantastic and hearty.
The tours and guides were excellent; I have nothing but gratitude for all of them.
I will undoubtedly do another program with IVHQ.

Original:
Todo fue espectacular . Una experiencia unica e inolvidable.
Desde la inscripcion al programa desde mi casa unos meses antes hasta la despedida en el aeropuerto de Kilimanjaro.
La empresa THE coordinadora local en Tanzania tienen todo absolutamente organizado hasta el ultimo detalle. Siempre acompañada y segura.
Mi experiencia en casa de familia fue de 10 ! La comida fue fantastica, completa.
Los tours y guias excelentes. No tengo mas que agradecimientos a todos ellos.
Volvere a hacer otro programa con IVHQ sin dudas.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Entrar al Day Care, encontrarme con esos niños y que sin conocerme corran a abrazarme, fue increible; y asi fueron todos los dias del programa. Pude ver como es un dia de ellos en la salita, como juegan, como estudian, como comen. Todo me sigue emocionando. Son puro amor. Se genero un vinculo unico e indescriptible.
Espero haberles dado un decimo de la felicidad que ellos me dieron a mi.
Pros
  • Conocer gente viajando sola
  • Tener todo organizado, salidas nocturnas, tours, transporte.
  • Conocer una cultura, una sociedad al lado de ellos, junto a ellos.Vivir como ellos
Cons
  • En mi caso, el idioma me limito, ya que no tengo un ingles perfecto. Pero pude salir adelante con mis conocimientos basicos
  • El destino elegido era muy lejos , el viaje fue bastante largo.
  • En casa de familia no hay wifi y es necesario ya que debes si o si estar conectado siempre al group chat para seguir indicaciones. La señal de datos por momentos no funcionaba correctamente. t
Steph Cink Profile Picture
Steph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

More Than a Trip: A life-changing experience

My Jamaica experience was great because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with new people, and make meaningful memories while serving others. I loved being able to learn about the culture, build relationships with the local community, and see the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The experience challenged me to grow in my faith, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunities I have. It was rewarding to work alongside others who shared the same passion for helping people and creating a positive difference.

IVHQ does a great job of creating opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while also providing support and guidance throughout the experience. They help connect volunteers with local communities, organize programs, and make it possible for people to serve in a way that is safe and structured. I appreciated how they allowed us to experience the culture of Jamaica while still focusing on helping the community. Their organization made the trip feel purposeful and helped create an environment where volunteers could learn, serve, and grow.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
One of the most surprising parts of my Jamaica experience was getting to experience the local taxi service. At first, it was very different from what I was used to because taxis were a major form of transportation, and people would often share rides with others going in the same direction. Seeing how the community relied on this system showed me how resourceful and connected the people were. What surprised me most was how easily everyone communicated, trusted one another, and worked together to get where they needed to go. It was a simple everyday experience, but it gave me a deeper appreciation for the differences in culture and the ways communities adapt to meet their needs. It reminded me that some of the most meaningful learning experiences come from everyday moments outside of our comfort zones.
Pros
  • Amazing Accomindation
  • Nice People
  • Simple Way Of Life
Cons
  • Hot & Humid with no AC
  • Taxi to get just about everywhere
  • Lots of people trying to sell you things
Jaz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience with IVHQ

My experience with IVHQ absolutely exceeded my expectations and was so amazing, the staff were so friendly and really created a positive and welcoming environment, I felt safe and included by all the other volunteers. the program was well scheduled allowing enough time to self each day for exploration and down time, food provided was delicious and activities run by staff were interactive and enjoyable! made so many amazing international friends, my only regret is not staying longer! I will definitely be back in the future!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
my advice would be to be open to new experiences!! i tried a lot of activities and food that i wouldn't usually try/do and it definitely made my trip so much more enjoyable, additionally don't be afraid to make friends, all my fellow volunteers were amazing and i made some truly great friends!
Pros
  • Cultural immersion
  • New friends
  • Amazing experiences
Audrey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

I could never fully describe this experience with words, but I truly believe everyone should live something like this at least once in their life. For me, it was life-changing, especially as I will be a nurse next year. It opened my eyes on so many levels and taught me lessons that I will carry forever. Meeting new people, helping others, and seeing different realities made me more grateful for everything I have. I know I will become a better person and a more compassionate nurse because of this experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
How safe it is! Never thought the local like tuktuk will be so protective of us including all the staff at THE is amezing!

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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