Program Reviews

This was my first time volunteering abroad and from the beginning.. while just considering the program, the program director was very helpful in my decision making.
She was there for all my questions and esp after I committed to the program, I was given a check list and also helped through the process.. this continued all the way to my pick up at the airport and even after being made to feel comfortable at the volunteer house, I always felt safe. My actual work project was a compassionate and meaningful experience with an amazing staff..it wasn't easy saying goodbye to anyone or the city itself.. I'm already excited for my next trip and my son will be joining me as well 😊

I had the most amazing time during my stay in Bali doing the Sea Turtle Conservation project! It was truly unforgettable. The coordinators were amazing and It was incredible to see the true culture. I stayed for 2 weeks and loved every minute of it. I went with my mom and we met so many amazing people while we were there. We also experienced so many cool things, especially on the weekends. I recommend going to the main island of Bali the weekends you are off. Overall I would definitely do this again!

What made my experience great was the transparency involved with making the entire trip extremely smooth. Directions were clear and concise when arriving to Vietnam which made traveling abroad extremely comforting. While in Ho Chi Minh City, the local team did a great job of spelling out what I would be doing on a daily basis when it came to teaching English. I would highly recommend traveling abroad to volunteer because not only does it strengthen your core values, it allows you to experience multiple different cultures. The program was everything I wanted it to be and more!

Had an amazing time volunteering in Bali in the Turtle Conservation project. We spent 2 weeks there and I loved the variety of activities and different things they had us doing. It was my first time volunteering and it was such a rewarding experience. I loved feeling like I was doing something productive and also learning about a new culture. The local team was so positive and I loved that we still had enough free time to explore the beautiful beaches and surrounding area. I'd love to volunteer again soon.

We were a small group from Italy that went to Romania to volunteer at the local summer camps together. We've had experience with international summer camps before coming to Romania and were very excited to have a new experience in a new culture. As a group we did one week of orientation and two weeks of camp. The orientation week was wonderful! We were able to see so many beautiful parts of Romania and were accompanied by an amazing and knowledgeable guide. After the orientation week we had two weeks of camp in two different villages. We had the best time working with other volunteers from different parts of the world as well as getting to know the kids and locals of the area. The entire time, the local team was always there to support us and help with anything we needed. We never felt unsafe or worried about anything while there. The other volunteers were great and we've made some great connections with all different types of people! We loved every moment of our time there and would tell anyone who is thinking about going to just go!

I am so grateful that I booked my trip to Sri Lanka with IVHQ, which led me to the incredible local team in Sri Lanka. The local coordinators truly went above and beyond to ensure that everyone had the greatest experience possible. The environment felt safe and loving. I truly feel like I have grown as a person after being around such amazing people while volunteering on my medical project. I was also very lucky that the people who were in the guest house at the same time as me truly became my lifelong friends. The connections I have made are immeasurable.

I’ve traveled throughout the world and Africa, and living/volunteering (for 2 weeks) with the Maasai tribal community in Tanzania was life changing. I have volunteered 3x with IVHQ in India, Argentina, and now Tanzania — and I’ve already begun to organize my next volunteer trip. They are an excellent organization and have made all my trips profoundly rewarding.

Each volunteer day was unique and extremely hands-on from building chicken coops to creating lesson plans for the school children. Every experience was unique and living in traditional bomas was such a highlight. The Maasai people were welcoming, engaging, thoughtful, and educational. Their nomadic culture, ways of life, connection to the land/wildlife, and culture are all so vital to Tanzania, Africa as a whole and the world at large.

Tanzania is a beautiful country with immense natural beauty. I went on a 4 day safari in the Serengeti and hiked Mt Kilimanjaro. Being so close to African wildlife and historical locations were also such a highlight of my adventure!

Thank you IVHQ! It was certainly a trip to remember!

Two unforgettable weeks in Cusco!
Volunteering in Cusco was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. During my first week, I worked in childcare, looking after toddlers while their hardworking moms ran stalls at the local market. The second week, I had the chance to support young mothers and their babies as they built up their own community-based income projects.

Each day brought something new smiles, challenges, and lessons I’ll carry with me forever. The local team was incredibly supportive, and my host family made me feel right at home with their warmth and kindness.

If you're looking for a meaningful, eye-opening experience that combines culture, impact, and personal growth, Cusco is the place to be!

I had a fantastic experience volunteering with IVHQ on the Marine Conservation programme in Omis Croatia. From the very beginning the IVHQ team provided clear guidance and excellent support and the local coordinators were welcoming organised and always available to help.

The conservation work was meaningful and rewarding. I gained a real understanding of the local marine environment and the importance of protecting it. Activities such as underwater clean ups and learning about sustainability gave me hands on skills as well as a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation. It was also great to gain my SSI qualification in scuba diving which really enhanced the whole experience.

Omis itself is a beautiful coastal town and living there with other volunteers made the experience even more special. I met wonderful people from all over the world and together we shared both the volunteer work and the adventure of exploring Croatia.

Overall I would highly recommend IVHQ and this programme to anyone who wants to make a positive impact learn new skills and experience another culture. It is something I will never forget.

I chose to work in a childcare volunteer program in Cusco, Peru, through the amazing IVHQ organisation. I have to say that their attention to detail and level of care in preparing you for your overseas experience was second to none. The whole experience felt unique and incredibly humbling in the best way possible. In addition to spending time with the most vibrant and curious children, I also had the chance to learn soo much about Peru and it’s culture and history. I genuinely fell in love with the locals and I hope to come back again, but next time for a longer stint.