Program Reviews

It was my first time volunteering, so I felt a bit nervous at first. But the program was well organised and the staff were kind and great. They made it easy for me to know what to expect and what to bring, and gave good tips specific to where I was going.
I felt safe throughout my entire solo trip. The local staff checked up on me often to hear if I was okay and if I was settling in the new environment. He gave me good tips on how to stay safe and secure in the city. He showed me around the city and also gave me recommendations on where I could go sightseeing during the weekends.

Go with an open heart and come home with great experiences.

The support from the International Volunteers HQ and local Green Lion Team was excellent, like working with very good friends.

We were immersed in the local community culture very quickly by everyone in the village. Local people could not do enough for us and their friendship went beyond belief.

The Health Education program had structure but it was down to our own personalities on how we delivered it working with the team and young people. I learnt more than I taught.

I’ve visited many countries but with IVHQ I experienced Bali.

We volunteered as a family working with turtles in Bali. The program was excellent both before and during the time in Bali. Our highlights were feeding turtles and learning more about conservation of these beautiful creatures. The coordinators and other volunteers were lovely, there were many volunteers travelling alone, and there were a lot of opportunities to see more of Nusa Penida and the surrounding islands. The food was excellent. I highly recommend this as an option for families and look forward to returning.

I can't recommend this program enough. If I'm being honest, I was hesitant to embark on this because I wouldn't know anyone and I was going to a completely different country. All the unknowns can seem scary but this is also what makes it such a rewarding and impactful experience for me. I became so much more confident in myself and my abilities, while also helping other people through volunteering. IVHQ was so supportive and flexible which helped me feel safe and that all my needs and desires were served. This allowed me to embrace the experience as a whole without worrying about all the little details that were organized for me by IVHQ, such as housing, meals, excursions, friends who were my roommates, and transportation.

There was tremendous support from the beginning starting from when I first registered through to my arrival at my volunteer project. I was also impressed with the communication between IVHQ and the local team working on behalf of IVHQ. All information I received was clear and accurate such that there were no surprises on my arrival in Laos where I was volunteering. Even during my time in Laos, the local coordinator continued to be in contact with me regarding my situation. It was all very reassuring.

Volunteering in Ghana with IVHQ was a transformative journey that left a profound impact on my life. The experience was truly extraordinary, offering a rich tapestry of cultural immersion, meaningful contributions to local communities, and personal growth.

Ghana's vibrant culture, characterized by its music, dance, and colorful festivals, immediately captivated me. I was welcomed with open arms by the warm and friendly people, who radiated an infectious sense of community and unity. Their resilience and positivity in the face of challenges were truly inspiring, and I learned valuable life lessons from their strength.

My time volunteering in local schools was a highlight of my journey. It was a privilege to work with bright and eager students, sharing knowledge and forming genuine connections. Witnessing the impact of education in shaping their dreams and futures was profoundly rewarding. The appreciation and smiles on their faces were priceless.

Participating in community projects, such as supporting healthcare initiatives and environmental conservation, allowed me to make tangible contributions to the betterment of Ghanaian communities. Working hand in hand with local volunteers and IVHQ's dedicated team, we made a positive impact, leaving lasting improvements.

Living in Ghana, I embraced the simplicity of life, a stark contrast to the fast-paced world I came from. The sense of community, where people genuinely cared for one another, was a beautiful reminder of what truly matters. The daily interactions, sharing stories, and immersing myself in local customs deepened my cultural understanding and broadened my perspective.

While I went to Ghana to give, I received far more in return. This journey was a true test of my adaptability and resilience, as I faced challenges and witnessed the realities of life in a developing nation. It encouraged personal growth, teaching me to appreciate the value of empathy and compassion.

IVHQ's support and organization were instrumental in making this experience exceptional. They ensured our safety, provided guidance, and facilitated opportunities for cultural engagement. The diverse group of volunteers I met from all over the world added a global perspective to my journey, fostering lifelong friendships.

As my time in Ghana drew to a close, I realized that the true essence of volunteering lies in the connections formed, the lives touched, and the knowledge gained. It was not merely a temporary commitment; it was a life-changing experience that ignited a passion for continued service and a deeper appreciation for the world's diversity.

I left Ghana with a heart full of gratitude, unforgettable memories, and a commitment to making a difference wherever I go. This journey was a testament to the power of volunteering, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of unity in diversity. It was an experience I will forever cherish and carry with me on my path of personal and global growth.

It's not easy to describe such an experience in words. Yes, it's unique, and I want to say that you'll never regret doing it. You receive and give so much love. The people you meet will make you grow. I did the teaching program in an primary school, I was in a class of 50 students, I'll never forget them. I did my best to teach them as much as possible and tried to spend as much time as possible with each of them. They're in my heart for the rest of my life. They drew me some really cute pictures :)

Muizenberg is a beautiful town and I've been lucky enough to visit as much of South Africa I could. My aim is to do that somewhere else now.

Volunteering with IVHQ has become one of the brightest events in my life.
I immersed into the agriculture project, where I did traditional works in the upkeep of the garden and vegetable garden, which are educational space for children of the local community.
I learned about vegetable gardening culture that has practice in this region, got new knowledge from communicating with professionals in their field, became acquainted with innovative technologies in farming. It was great, even for a short time, to become part of a local team and work in such an amazing place rich in its history and unique nature.
I went to participate in a volunteer program, and I got not only into a volunteer project, but I also explored of town Miercurea Ciuc. This is a small town where ancient citadels and buildings, fairy-tale streets with their cobbled pavements, with the charm of the past and special beauty. It is located in Transylvania, a region surrounded by misty mountains, medieval forests and wrapped in legends and mysteries. I discovered Romania for myself — a place where I want to return.
I would like to encourage others to work with IVHQ by participating in volunteer programs, because it has many benefits and give opportunities: help others, learn languages, traditions and culture of other countries, also meet and communicate with local residents and volunteers from different countries.

I just came back from 5 weeks of volunteering in Fiji. I taught in a small and poor kindergarten and I can say without the shred of a doubt that my life is forever changed by this experience. It has humbled and amazed me: I hold dear every moment spent with “my kids”, every laughter, every game, every hug; I am grateful for the people I had the opportunity to meet and the beautiful friendships we forged; I feel gratitude for all the adventures and bucket list craziness that came true: from swimming with sharks to skydiving from 13000 ft.
What can I say other than that 5 weeks weight on my life like months and months?
I started this journey wanting to do some concrete good, to feel helpful, to make a difference even if just for one kid. But, alas, the kids made the difference for me. Every single one of them. Fiji made the difference for me: with its culture and its teachings. I try to live by them… because I was never happier as I was in Korotogo, Fiji.
Sota tale . ♥️

Volunteering with IVHQ has been one of the best experiences I've done in my life. It showed my a side in myself a was not able to recognize before. Not only I had chance to teach English to a group of women in Morocco, but also to get to know about their personal stories and struggles. Not to mention evrything I learned about Moroccan culture, about their people and about their values. IVHQ and the local manager assured that I had everything that I needed during my stay and they were always taking cara that I could enjoy the most of the experience! I will definitively encourage others to volunteer abroad with IVHQ because it opens your perspectives about life, about the world and about yourself!