International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

This has been a great experience, overall-- the people that I met, the places that I've visited, learning how to scuba dive, picking up litter in the ocean, has all been very positive. However, I do feel the program's primary focus was Diving and less on Environment/Conservation. I would say it was 80% diving, 20% conservation. Some days when the visibility was poor or there wasn't much litter to pick up, it felt like we were doing the environment more harm than good (when you factored in boat fuel, the commute, etc. We definitely didn't make up our carbon footprint). So I think the program needs to reset and re-evaluate the purpose of the program and really think about how they can make an actual impact on the environment.
If you are looking to get your scuba diving certification, I would advise that you spend at least two weeks with the program. Sometimes dives get cancelled due to the temperament of the waters (low visibility, strong tides, etc.) so you run the risk of not completing the required number of dives in order to get your Open Water certification. Plus, you will not have time to do the marine litter pick ups so I would recommend two week minimum for new divers.
Portugal is a beautiful country and I can see why Lisbon is such a popular tourist destination (particularly) with Millennials. It's less expensive than other western European cities and Lisbon has a great food and wine culture. Not to mention, Lisbon and Cascais (where you will be diving) is quite beautiful. I just wish there was more focus on Marine Conservation. Perhaps they will listen to this feedback and provide a better Environment/Conservation experience for future volunteers.

Volunteering with IVHQ in Ubud, Bali was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. It helped me see and understand another culture and its people while feeling a part of their beautiful community.I am very grateful for everything that I learned and saw and it was of course a real pleasure to have the chance teach such smart children. I would totally recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an amazing and rewarding volunteering experience. I will always remember those 4 weeks as one of the best experiences of my life.

What an amazing way to take help the environment and take a holiday at the same time! All while meeting lifelong friends from around the world. I spent three weeks with IVHQ in Bali - 1 week orientation in Ubud and two weeks at the Turtle Conservation on Nusa Penida. I would definitely recommend the orientation week as you get to meet everyone and do tours around Ubud. The turtle conservation work was great either working with turtles or cleaning beaches, with time to rest and relax in between. I would recommend IVHQ as an organisation for anyone thinking of volunteering abroad. They are so organised, provide so much information before you go and also check-in when you return home. I loved my time in Bali, you will too!

It is truly rewarding when you can actually get to see, help, and communicate with refugees is Brussels. Talking with them and knowing their stories are really eye-opening.

When we finished serving coffee and tea for refugees on the first day, the local team leader using his body language and speaking some simple English words to ask us if we paid money to help them, and we nodded. He said that we are all angles. I literally cried a little bit at that time. Also, I remember help the clothes distribution program in local NGO, that is the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done.

Besides, we can also explore the city when we were done the volunteer work. Most importantly, I knew some cool volunteers all over the world and we talked about our stories and did a lot of fun things. This is the experience that I could never had without doing volunteer work. They are the treasure of my life.

I love this program and every single one I knew during this journey.

I left a piece of my heart in Brussels.

I volunteered in Fiji for 3 weeks doing the kindergarten project. The local staff were amazing. So helpful, encouraging and friendly. I made so many friends during my time in fiji and created lots of amazing memories with them. The kindergarten was a huge eye opener and was a great opportunity to see more of Fiji’s culture. Tutoring was so much, the kids are so clever and kind! The locals in Fiji are so accommodating and friendly and helpful. I miss it so much and will definitely will be back in the future