Program Reviews

I loved my experience with the team. I worked in a small centre in the area of Basmane in Izmir with African children and women in Izmir Turkey. I was teaching English and Math as well as helping with general duties around the centre such as serving lunches, cleaning, looking after the younger kids. I also filmed a small documentary film for them to help them to raise funds for the centre.

We were able to travel on weekends so I visited Ephesus and also local towns nearby when I could.

Highlights were meeting the team and the kids. Lots of dancing and playing Uno with the kids. Making ceramics with the women. Visiting the local souks.

Everyone was incredibly welcoming. I enjoyed the volunteering, although sometimes would have been good to have been a little busier. Having said that working at the centre could be very hectic sometimes. But lots of fun.

Izmir is an interesting city so there is plenty to see and do. I staying in the Imece flat which was very convenient to work. I hope to go back one day.

I spent this trip working in Basmane center. I worked with refugees, arranging activities for the children and completing 1:1 sessions with teenagers. We completed workshops with the mothers too such as ceramics. It was a pleasure working with them all and getting to know them. The people working at Basmane were amazing and I will miss them dearly. I hope to return one day to reconnect with everyone. My accomodation was at the founders apartment and it was convenient and local to the tramway and shops. We had lunch daily at Basmane and then for breakfast and dinner there are plenty of supermarkets to make your own food or you can visit the many restaurants.

I loved working with the children every single day. The children never failed to be polite and enthusiastic about their learning. They were a dream to teach by always wanting to improve and to better their understanding.

The teachers at the school were friendly and helpful. The town was a lovely place to live for 2 months. I felt that I really got to know the local people and to embed myself in the culture!
The team were friendly and helpful. The food was healthy and delicious. We had 3 cooked Khmer meals a day. The accommodation was comfortable although hot showers would have been nice!

The trip was good. Meet people and the turtles are so cute. Nusa Penida it's a beautiful island. And volunteering was a really great experience because you know you're helping and giving time to make a difference. The accommodations are really nice and also the food lot of vegetarian food. Maybe having more local food would be better I think.

The local team is great :)

The local team organized it very well. Everything went smoothly. It was great to meet other volunteers involved in other projects/programs. We became aware that we were the first to experience the road trip part of the project.

Highlights - It was a bonus to explore more of Vietnam with someone from the area. She also had an opportunity to visit her family. The sleeper buses must be experienced!

Volunteering—We wish we could have participated for two weeks; five days was far too short. The dedicated team at the kitchen was wonderful to work with, and the local team support ensured we were okay! Giving back in the kitchen.

Local team members had key roles; executed with a high level of professionalism and care. Everyone was very approachable. A great level of English. We were kept informed. A social event was held on Monday nights so new volunteers could meet others.

The food and accommodation were very satisfactory. We were spoilt as the staff created a private room for us with a double bed; thank you.

My favourite part of the four-week volunteering program was the hospitality of the doctors, nurses and other hospital staff. When not too busy, they explained various procedures, tests and concepts to me that I haven't had a chance to learn about at uni yet. They would also allow me to observe surgeries, specialist consultations and show me how the laboratories are run. The local team was quite accommodating, always ready to give insight into the best weekend spots and due to their many connections, they helped us have an incredible experience outside of the placement as well.

The trip was the most fulfilling, enriching and inspiring experience I have ever embarked upon
It is my second time volunteering with IVI and each time I embark on a new teaching journey I seem to learn more, take new things away from the program and leave with new friends from all over the world!

I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 2 weeks wherein I got to teach at 2 schools within the local area. Each day was filled with joy, excitement, friendship, compassion and new opportunities to which I grasped with both hands.
One of the most awesome things about volunteering abroad would be the everlasting friendships you create. I adored spending many of my afternoons exploring the local culture with both our coordinators and other volunteers as well as spending many late nights learning new languages, cultures and travel stories from across the world. These friendships hold a very special place in my heart and continue to flourish outside of the volunteer space.

My favourite part of the volunteering had to be the lesson planning as it was the most rewarding experience when the lessons and games I had planned were so well received and enjoyed by the kids!
If you are considering volunteering … this is definitely your sign as it is an unmatched experience that has countless affordances

The local team made my stay like home wherein I became apart of this close knit family. We were all so well looked after, with all facilities well maintained, drivers readily available, existing connections across all of Chiang Mai and major attractions we all wanted to visit as well as endless resources to utilise within the classroom setting. The food was definitely locally sourced with many dishes being traditional to Thailand however the food was well prepared and delicious. A few more Western dishes would have been adored but not necessary!

It was awesome! I’m so very grateful! THANK YOU

I highly enjoyed our trip to Cambodia, it was the most special and rewarding experience of my life. My favourite memories were during class breaks playing games with the students and local teachers. Volunteering was hard work but the most rewarding and enjoyable experience I've ever had.

Our local coordinator Borin was incredibly helpful and friendly, he made us feel so safe and supported. The local teachers were all amazing and kind and we enjoyed getting to know them all. The cook we had was amazing and she was also lovely, the food was delicious.

Volunteering in rural healthcare was my first volunteer program and I’m so satisfied and feel content with it.

There was no room for any kind of surprise as everything went on the first day as it was described in the information packet. Upon arrival, we received a structured schedule. So volunteering was pretty satisfying in this sense: we had a well-structured program, and there was room for fun, too.

The local team is professional, cooperative, understanding, and flexible. Local food, the cooks are great! They always ask if there’s someone with special needs or follows a strict diet. Accommodation is really good considering that the beach is only a 3-minute walk, we have close contact with the local police, close to schools, kids' houses, etc.

The only thing I could mention would be that the toilet and shower are in one place and the room is small.

Because of the rain, I couldn't go to school and I jumped into another project. It didn't match my son of 2.5 years old. The first week has been really hard. The second week was better. The team who supported me in the project has been fantastic. They listened to me, and gave me support and options. From the third week, my son and I could start properly our volunteering job in the school. From that moment it has been amazing. The teachers and the children were great.

I got the opportunity to teach my first yoga class with kids and we were included in the Christmas festival ( my son has been on the stage with the kids of our class). The local team has been fantastic and awesome. Great skills in Listening to, supporting, and helping. Good time with the family host.