Program Reviews

I had the most amazing experience in Vietnam. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and have grown in confidence as a result. The IVHQ team offered lots of pre-departure support and the in-country team welcomed you so warmly when you arrived. I have made friends for life with the other volunteers! During the programme I was given the opportunity to support children with their English and to support them with other developing skills. I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone who is thinking about volunteering.

Volunteering in Bali with IVHQ has been one of the most incredible experiences I've had the chance to take part to hands down! Not only does IVHQ offer an amazing pre-trip support, but also the local team is made up of amazing people who are constantly ready to help everyone out as much as they can!
Having the chance to dedicate my time and help to the kids during my volunteer program has been heartwarming and taught me that sometimes even the smallest things can make a huge impact. Getting to see the kid's progress every single day was rewarding and motivating.
Moreover, I feel like volunteering gave me a chance to completely immerge myself into the country's culture and learn so many new aspects of Balinese traditions. Last but not least, I got to know so many great people from all around the world with whom I made forever lasting memories. All of that is why I would definitely recommend this experience, and I personally can't wait for my next one!

Where do I start? It is difficult to put into words what this experience has taught me because the list would go on and on. Simply, volunteering has taught me that everything in life is temporary and the smallest impact on ourselves could make the greatest impact to another’s life. It is great to help in anyway possible- this is what makes the greatest difference. It is crucial to be present and be reflective. Teaching English in Thailand was rewarding, meaningful and purposeful- seeing the children progress day to day and experiencing the education system first hand developed my knowledge, understanding and outlook. Volunteering is a gift! The greatest gift of all! If I could give any advice to the next volunteer- be courageous, be considerate, be confident and be brave! Dive into the culture, ask questions and make the most of where you are!
You will make memories that will stay with you forever. You will be a part of a family and you will feel safe and welcomed as soon as your journey begins.
Watch and make the magic happen! Your heart will feel so full of love! Just remember a smile is contagious and universal!🥰

It was my first time joining a volunteer program and, considering how it went, I would make this decision again and again. Even though at the beginning I was a little scared about how it could have been, this feeling disappeared as soon as I reached my accommodation and I got to know the people that have been stayed here from before. The coordinator and the local people were amazing, the most smiling and friendly people I have ever met, always ready to give an help when asked and willing to make your experience the best they can. If I could change something of my experience, it would definitely be the duration since I stay just for two weeks, which I can totally say now is not enough. I am absolutely looking forward to leave again and take part in another project, maybe as a solo traveler this time!

IVHQ were very professional and efficient in disseminating indepth information from the get go. I was looking to try a different form of volunteer experience and this organisation certainly provided a fun and worthwhile program. There were so many choices and places to go and the Victoria Falls program proved to be exceptional. The pre information was useful and once there, the local team were amazing, so knowledgeable, friendly and encouraging. I was concerned I might not be fit enough to perform the physical tasks but the jobs were all manageable. The game drives were incredible and seeing such majestic animals in the wild was more than I could have imagined. Thank you for the opportunity. I totally recommend this program to anyone who is interested in working in wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

At first my father was worried about my safety because my parents thought China was the safest country and Greece was not very safe. But this trip changed my parents' minds. Greece is safe (not absolutely, because there is no absolute security in the world), and I am worried that the people I meet are not very friendly. But the friendliness and enthusiasm of the people broke my worries and my nervousness about coming to a new place. Get along with them, I learned a lot of things, other countries' culture, customs.

It was an incredible life experience. I spent two weeks working as a volunteer in a Maasai village near the city of Arusha (Makuyuni) in Tanzania. I would recommend this experience to anyone, at any age, 100%. It gives you the opportunity to improve as a human being and to support those in need. I worked supporting fundraising activities for local sustainable project and in childcare with the Nashipay School. There is a super efficient and professional local team that supports you in any need and works hard to make a volunteer program with real impact.

Overall it was a nice experience in Perù, Cusco.
Personally, it was the first time outside Europe and I was worried about many things. The IVHQ staff, the Local Team and my Coordinator were always ready to support me and to answer my (numerous) questions!

The experience per se was very rewarding, the most difficult part was to plan carefully each day (especially when going sightseeing or trekking) because the hygienic condition and the access to the bathrooms aren't always optimal. Perù is a beautiful country with stunning views, but it requires some degrees of preparation!

Luckily, most of the tips were given by the Local Team at my arrival, so I only needed to be careful!

This experience was absolutely amazing for me. I was in the Medical program in Vietnam and I had so much fun! Aside from that, I also learned so much about the medical system in Vietnam and made so many good friends and connections. Everyone was so nice! This was a great opportunity for me to improve my social skills but it helped so much with my confidence and helped me grow as an individual. It was super fun and any concerns I had were gone after I got settled in. IVHQ and the local team were super helpful and friendly so don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, I’d be glad to tell you more about my experience! But I highly recommend this program if you’re considering it!

From the start everything is well managed. I was in touch with the local team before I arrived, and when I did they were on time and professional. The accommodations were comfortable, and all of the information you need to travel from place to place is provided quickly and easily. In no time at all I was living like a local.
This is far better then just touring, as you really experience the local atmosphere and culture by being far from the regular tourist spots. No matter where you work, you will have opportunities to visit places on your own time.