Program Reviews

IVHQ is a very organised, accessible and fantastic program to volunteer with. Communication was clear, expectations were laid out and the entire time on my journey I felt safe and well supported. In particular, I especially appreciated the pre-organised airport pick up - as travelling overseas to an International airport can be overwhelming and confronting at times! The volunteer program was incredible and I loved all the people I met along the way. It was a beautiful, cultural immersive experience getting to know the locals also.

Participants should know that we are at once God's children; that we honor His creation by being an active and committed part of His bestowal. That His creation is for all of us; that we are blessed and without distinction. Volunteering is a way of acknowledging Gods' greatness, for it demonstrates your human qualities, that humanness and benevolence towards others is your defining characteristic.
Selfness and pridefulness are the defining hallmarks of our United States; we willingly bestow our bounty upon those benighted. less fortunate than ourselves. But, in return, we expect their undying gratitude. So many of us are blissfully ignorant of the socio-cultural normativism of others; if they are perceived as being different from ourselves than are perceived as being less than human; unworthy of our consideration.

I volunteered in Cambodia with IVHQ and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

From the beginning, IVHQ supported me every step of the way. They gave me clear info, helped me prepare everything, and answered all my questions super fast. I felt safe and ready before even arriving.

When I got to Cambodia, the local team welcomed me so warmly. They really cared and made sure I was okay throughout the whole time. I worked at a school with children from difficult backgrounds and some with special needs and I’ve rarely felt so much love in one place.

I was assigned to different classes, from kindergarten to grade 4. My tasks were varied: sometimes I supported the local teachers, other times I led short lessons myself. Often there was a bit of time to prepare, but a lot of the work required improvisation and creativity whether through games, songs or simple exercises. But don’t worry: there’s always someone around to support you, and your efforts are truly appreciated.

The accommodation was simple, but it had everything I needed. I had my own private room, which was a big plus and I’d definitely recommend the AC upgrade, especially because Cambodia can get really hot! The food was another highlight: three delicious meals a day, always fresh, local and full of flavour.

Every day brought something new. Some days were tough, but I learned so much about the world, about others, and about myself.

Thank you IVHQ and thank you to the amazing team in Cambodia. I’ll never forget this time and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a real and heartwarming volunteer experience.

The weeks before my trip were filled with clear communication and guiding advice, which helped to alleviate my anxiety. From the moment I stepped out of the airport, the local team was there to support me. I was given a safe and comfortable place to stay, and an opportunity to help kids. I felt like I really did make an impact while also growing as a person and learning about other cultures. I made new connections with others who wanted to learn Spanish and who wanted to help. The history, art, architecture, and food of Guatemala were just added bonuses.

Volunteering in Tanzania was an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience. The program was well-structured, and the local team provided amazing support every step of the way. I felt truly welcomed into the community and appreciated the chance to contribute meaningfully to the projects. I gained new skills, made lifelong friends, and left with a deeper understanding of the culture. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

I participated in the IVHQ Sea Turtle Nesting Program on Isabela Island from March 31 to April 15, 2025, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This program combines practical conservation efforts with cultural immersion in one of the most ecologically unique places on earth.

Meaningful Conservation Work
Our daily tasks included monitoring sea turtle nests, searching for nesting turtles, collecting scientific data, cleaning up beach debris, and removing invasive plant species that threaten the nesting areas. I worked alongside a wonderful group of international volunteers, knowledgeable local staff, and a park ranger from the Galápagos National Park. The collaborative environment made every day engaging and educational.

Scientific Discovery in Action
One of the most emotional and memorable moments came during a nest excavation. As we carefully unearthed the nest, we discovered a single hatchling still making its way out. Watching that tiny turtle begin its journey to the ocean was breathtaking—and witnessing how the scientific data was gathered during the process made the moment even more powerful.

Cultural Immersion and Hospitality
The accommodations exceeded my expectations. Staying with a local host family not only gave me a comfortable and welcoming home base but also offered a rich introduction to Ecuadorian culture and daily life. They were incredibly helpful, and the food was fantastic.

Eye-Opening Environmental Realities
One of the more surprising aspects of the experience was the amount of trash we encountered on the beaches during our morning patrols. Even though the beach looked clean at first glance, the tides brought in a constant stream of microplastics and debris. It was a stark reminder of the global scope of marine pollution.

Highly Recommended
I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone passionate about marine conservation, sustainability, or environmental science. It’s also ideal for those seeking an adventure that blends purpose with exploration. The Galápagos Islands are a natural wonder, and this program offers a hands-on way to help protect them while learning from dedicated professionals and making lifelong memories.

I was so so so terrified of taking part in this experience as I knew no one who done it before. IVHQ and the local team in Tanzania were absolutely amazing in making me feel comfortable. I was there for 8 weeks and I could’ve stayed another 8 weeks. It was the best experience of my life. I made the most amazing life long friends. This experience has honestly changed my life. The people and culture are so special. I would highly recommend anyone to take the opportunity to volunteer here because you will absolutely not regret it.

The training beforehand was great and helped me when we were in Vietnam. The local team were exceptional in their assistance and support throughout our time there. This trip was an eye opener for us. We loved mixing with the true locals and chatting to them even with the language barrier hindering us a little. It's a great way to see another country but also give back a little to the local community. The tips we got from the other volunteers were invaluable (local knowledge)
We intend on signing up for another IVHQ trip next year.

I had an absolutely amazing time in India volunteering at a slum clinic, as a paediatric nurse, the local team were brilliant with lots of helpful and useful advice. The food at the home stay was delicious and nutritious and IVHQ were great support with answering all my questions and queries before I left, a great pre placement training module, insurance and arranging pick up from the airport. I knew I had support 24/7 and felt completely at ease the whole time I was away without any worries. I would absolutely 100% do another volunteering programme with IVHQ again and definitely go back to India again as I loved it!

I had the most enriching and amazing experience on my recent volunteer trip to Fiji. The local team was incredibly supportive and made the accommodation feel like a home away from home. I learnt so much about the local culture and formed meaningful connections with the community. Everyone was so supportive and helpful and I felt like I could really contribute to the program, realising that even small acts can make a big difference. I met so many amazing people, including my fellow volunteers and could not fault the experience one bit.