International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

I loved it so much. If you want some friends for life and make a difference, go here. I ended up getting a few new best friends (volunteers ánd coordinators) while doing my projects. They gave the option to do more then one project once you arrive so I did the thing I wanted to do anyway, which was temple renovation, and taught some village kids some english. The teaching was quite a challenge since you have to prepare your own lessons, but it was fun as well.

IVHQ gave me all the tools and information necessary to be prepared for my trip abroad. They stayed in touch throughout my preparation process and while in Costa Rica. Their step by step guidance made the process very simple. Their description was what I expected upon my arrival. Overall, the costs they assessed did cover what they said it would. I was unaware of some of the processing fees, outside of their advertised price. Upon further inspection, they were provided (in a smaller sub-text). Regardless, the trip was affordable. I am grateful for the opportunity and look forward to more trips with them in the future!

Getting out of your comfort zone always seem like a scary idea, however volunteering with IVHQ turned out to be the best experience I have gone through during the 30 years I have lived. I went through the volunteering experience as part of my career shift plan, a break to consider this turning point in my life, I was lost, overwhelmed with the fast track lifestyle we get engaged in. An in this socio cultural experience I have found what I have been missing for a while: peace, happiness, and my self.
IVHQ Volunteering has provided me with all necessities to complete this experience and end up giving and getting in return at once.
To start with, the accommodation was very clean and comfortable, and the local cooks fed us with healthy and variable food on daily basis.

The local coordinators provided us with support at all time and were friendly and cooperative. The orientation they have provided gave us an insight to the local environment and connected us with the surrounding culture. They also were of great support while carrying out the volunteering duty.

The online community assisted in all questions and concerns I had before, during, and after the trip.

International Volunteer HQ, was recommended to me by many of the previous volunteers, and after my trip I definitely recommend them for any person looking to pursue such a mind and social broadening trip.

I can not write in words the truly soul connecting trip I took with my 16 year old son being a volunteer in Tanzania through IVHQ program! We were met by a hard and passionate group of organizers and housed in a host mother who loved and cared for us like no others!

The orphanage we worked welcomed us with humble open arms! We gave our very best of ourselves from teaching and supporting a single teacher juggling several school levels children ... to repainting out of our own free will their school/home yard walls and kitchen in sunny bright colors with the support of other volunteers!

There was so much to visit and see outside of work that our culture and experience was filled with memorable adventure from Safari to hunting for monkeys with the oldest tribe and spending 3 days on Zanzibar Island! Every activities was well organized by IVHQ and all with beneficial massive discounts!
There were volunteers from around the world which we connected with both in social time, tourism and work! The Tanzanian made us feel safe and welcomed!

Our most mother Mama Liz was extraordinary and served us delicious home cooked meals giving us a very clean and organized home environment where we felt right at home!

We highly recommend this experience and IVHQ for making this trip a lifetime memory of love, connection, and growth in being part of people's dream to make this world a better place!

Volunteering with IVHQ in Phnom Penh, Cambodia was a life changing experience for sure!
Considering it was my first time in Asia, the first evening was a little overwhelming. The humidity, the Tuk-Tuk’s, barking dogs, bad roads was all something I was not used to before. Right away the local coordinator took care of me and explained a lot of important things right on the ride to my accommodation. After the first night Cambodia soon began to feel like a second home though. The accommodation was good for third world standards and the local hosts very friendly. The second day all the volunteers had a meeting with information and a Khmer crash course, local food was provided. We then went on to explore the city and get to know each other. The orientation day ended with a nice dinner. After that we didn’t have too much to do with the local IVHQ staff. They were always there if we needed support though.
The food at the placement was good but gets a little old after a few weeks.
After the first day we were working at our placements, I was working with a local NGO which met all my expectations. I felt like I was helping them (I taught english and helped with reports) and I felt appreciated. There was not always enough work which is to be expected though, even the staff was not working all the time. You should not expect western business discipline.
All in all I learned a lot, about third world countries and the problems in Phnom Penh. I had a really good time in Phnom Penh and felt like I could contribute something.
I can recommend IVHQ.