Program Reviews

I had a wonderful experience volunteering with IVHQ Ghana. The Local Team were incredibly supportive, and I learnt so much during my time there - both about the local culture and myself. I found my experience way more challenging, both physically and mentally, than I expected, however, I think this really helped me to grow as a person, and is what made my experience so transformative. I am walking away from this programme a changed person, and I am so grateful to IVHQ for this experience - it is one I will never forget :)

I recently had the privilege of volunteering with an incredible local team, and it truly became one of the best experiences of my life. Their unwavering care and dedication ensured that all volunteers, including myself, felt comfortable and valued throughout the entire journey.

From the start, the team consistently checked in on us, making sure we had everything we needed. Their support not only alleviated any concerns but also fostered a strong sense of community. The team went above and beyond, often spending extra time getting to know us personally, which made a massive difference in our experience.

This opportunity not only allowed me to contribute meaningfully but also provided immense personal growth. I gained confidence in my abilities and learned valuable skills that I will carry forward. The supportive environment encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, and I left feeling empowered and inspired.

I can't wait to embark on my next volunteer journey, armed with the knowledge and confidence I gained from this experience. I am incredibly grateful for the local team that made it all possible and highly recommend this opportunity to anyone looking to make a difference while also growing personally.

I had a great experience volunteering in La Calera with Asociacion Corazon Contento. It was a pleasure to help the community and cook food for them. I was welcomed by Pedro & Nati in their warm home. They all welcomed me as their family and I'm grateful for that! I had the chance to practice a lot my spanish, discover the mountains in La Cumbrecita, spend a weekend in the beautiful Buenos Aires, meet people from different countries and more. It was an experience who made me grow personnaly. I really recommend this program!

It was a wonderful three-week experience. I was in charge of Child care; the children were great and lovely. The owner of the school was very nice and I got so attached to everyone. The local staff was nice and very helpful. From day one they explained how to safely get to the school from the house and always supported me for all the activities I chose to do on the weekends. The food was good and the house was very clean. I met great friends who came from all over the world. this experience really leaves you with some great and life-changing things because you learn to make sense of things and people.

I had a great experience in Tanzania participating in the cultural immersion assignment in the Maasai village. The local team made us feel very welcome with comfortable accommodations and tasty meals.
One of our main projects was building a chicken coop to increase nutrition for the students and surrounding community. I also assisted in the classroom, teaching basic English and reading to the students.
I made lasting friendships and great memories all while pushing myself outside my comfort zone.

Mi experiencia en el voluntariado en Rumania con IVHQ fue de las mejores experiencias de mi vida para mi crecimiento personal.
Disfruté de realizar actividades en el jardín, pude conocer la ciudad y sus hermosas vistas. Admirar la arquitectura de las casas la cual es muy diferente a la arquitectura de mi país.
Pude conocer a gente increíble de diferentes países y culturas, compartir momentos con ellos, hacer increíbles recuerdos.
El equipo local fue un gran apoyo en momentos cruciales, siempre están al pendiente de los voluntarios y son muy amables y accesibles.
Sin duda recomiendo la experiencia ampliamente!

English version:
My experience volunteering in Romania with IVHQ was one of the best experiences of my life for my personal growth.
I enjoyed doing activities in the garden, I was able to get to know the city and its beautiful views. Admire the architecture of the houses which is very different from the architecture of my country.
I was able to meet incredible people from different countries and cultures, share moments with them, and make incredible memories.
The local team was a great support in crucial moments, they are always on the lookout for the volunteers and are very friendly and accessible.
I recommend the experience highly!

Had a wonderful time in Portugal and at the animal shelter for the week I was there. Being able to give back to the community directly is amazing! You will meet so many new people and learn a new culture and foods. You will have free time and you are free to explore as much or as little as you want. The staff is a great resource for you as well. They can provide great advice on where you can eat, other city’s to visit and much more. You have 24/7 support at all times. Please don’t miss out on a great experience!!!

I did a 3-week turtle program which is something I really wanted to do since a young age. My experience was eye-opening. The local team included us in the daily life of the locals which helped us to understand the culture better. They were all so nice with trying to make us feel at home. I got to see a lot more than just the project.

I learned more about the turtles while learning about myself and other participants. IVHQ was helpful while preparing me for the trip with good information. They were also checking on me while the program was running. The website is easy to use and the variety of programs is amazing.

I have just returned from my IVHQ trip to Fiji.
The IVHQ team did a wonderful job all the way around. From the pre-trip planning to the last night closing ceremony. Nothing was missed.
The local staff was nothing short of awesome. From the greeting at the airport, transportation, accommodations, and the food.
The introduction week was fantastic. We got to see some of the local attractions, such as a waterfall, the sand dunes, the beaches, a kava ceremony. We also learned about the people, the language, and the culture. We enjoyed a cooking class, a dance class and some weaving.
My only regret is, I didn't choose a longer stay.

It's safe to say that it was the best experience of my life. I am not simply talking about the warm culture that welcomed me, the childish smiles that gave me a good morning every morning, the availability and kindness of the staff who accompanied and instructed me, but of something in its entirety that was able to touch me deeply. Although I stayed for such a short time, those days marked by the running of children or walks along the beach changed me profoundly as a person. If there is one criticism I can raise, and also the only regret I have, it is that I had too much free time. Obviously that time was not wasted, and I had the opportunity to do many things that I miss very much now, but at the same time, I would have preferred to stay in childcare for longer during the day. Anyway, for anyone interested in such an experience, I highly recommend this one, I promise that, even if it is not what you are looking for, it is something that everyone would need.