Program Reviews

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.

Pickup was amazing and safe driving. Felt quite secure. Very yummy food. For someone who can’t handle much spice, the cook did a great job to cater to our needs. Maybe a salad but that’s just me.Outside of vol, I would relax at the house, explore around the streets to get supplies, laundry and atm. To the gym after 6pm. In free time, have a chill and look around the area a bit more as well. Such inviting environments, with the loveliest people/ children. To be able to try and brighten their day feels quite rewarding.

I am deeply grateful for the privilege of getting to spend time with these women. Many of them were married at a young age and received very little education, but their determination to learn is inspiring. Getting to know them has given me a deeper appreciation for all the opportunities I have had in my life and it is incredibly rewarding to be able to share some of that with them. I have been able to see the difference I have made in such a short time and I have enjoyed learning from them as well. The local team has shown such wonderful hospitality and I have felt supported throughout my time here. The food is delicious and I have enjoyed learning how to prepare some traditional food. The people are very warm and welcoming and I will miss them greatly. It would be helpful to have a curriculum to follow so that we are able to teach more effectively and help the women learn as much as possible while they are at the school.

I really liked the volunteering because it gave me so much insight on Thai culture and also on the school structure. It was interesting to see how different the individual schools and children were. I also really liked socializing with the other volunteers. The accommodation was good and I also really liked the pool. The Team was always nice and helpful and provided a great Support. The food was good especially on Thursday. Maybe longer blankets for the bedrooms and also more western food.

Volunteering in Bali, Indonesia has been a WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL experience. I had the opportunity to volunteer for 3 weeks to a sixth grade group and I learned much more than I imagined. Bali and its people stay in my heart forever.

The whole team and people are WONDERFUL people and very professional, they always made me feel at home. My room and spaces always clean and everything very green and beautiful. The food was perfect for me, a lot of fruits and veggies. THANK YOU for so much.

I had an amazing time at the animal shelter! Cuddling with puppies and kittens was definitely a highlight. In addition to the cute moments, there was also plenty of hands-on work like feeding, cleaning cages, and walking the dogs. I also got to help out in the animal hospital, where I cared for animals after surgeries and helped nurse weaker animals back to health. The best part of all was the puppy bath party – absolutely adorable and so much fun!

I also had incredibly kind and helpful colleagues, with whom I had lots of great exchanges. This gave me a real insight into life in Fiji. The experience was not only enriching in terms of working with animals but also culturally invaluable.

The accommodation was lovely, and the food was delicious. The animal shelter was easy to reach with the express bus, which made commuting simple. Masi and his wife are incredibly kind and always there whenever you need help. They really made my stay even more special with their warmth and hospitality.

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who loves animals and wants to have a meaningful, enriching time in Fiji!