Program Reviews

I had my first international volunteering experience in Indonesia on the sea turtle conservation project in Nusa Penida, and it was the best experience of my life.

The IVHQ staff were incredibly helpful throughout every step of the registration process. My program coordinator, Ella, was always very clear and precise whenever I asked for information, she always responded to my emails comprehensively and promptly (considering the time difference between New Zealand and Italy). They didn't just answer emails, but also organized video calls to be able to answer every question more directly and quickly. Their service was truly impeccable.

I know what you guys and girls, who are undecided about what to do, are thinking because these are the doubts I had too: I don't know if I really want to leave because I'm alone, I'm not sure if I can communicate in English, I don't know if I can adapt to a culture so different from mine.
Let me give you some advice, I who traveled alone to the other side of the world and left Italy unsure of my ability to adapt and my English skills: all the people you will meet are in the same situation as you. Most travel alone, many are not native English speakers, as are the local coordinators, everyone has had your same doubts before leaving their home. But it is in these situations that we help each other: no one will ever criticize you or correct you for getting a verb or a word wrong in English, no one will ever judge you if you isolate yourself at first, no one will ever leave you alone. I found a feeling of mutual help and understanding of the other like never before in my life: I met guys from Italy, France, Australia, Mexico, the USA, Singapore, Colombia, few native English speakers who helped us non-native speakers when we found ourselves in difficulty speaking but never in an arrogant way, always in a comprehensive way; when there was someone alone someone else would go and suggest doing something together, whether it was going out to dinner or seeing some of the natural wonders that this wonderful land offers.
The local coordinators are wonderful, witty, cheerful, enthusiastic, always ready to explain and help everyone, no one excluded. You can see the love with which they take care of the little sea turtles and they transmit it to everyone. You will leave home with a little fear, but when you leave you will cry because the bonds, the memories and the friendships you will have collected will be so intense and so unique that you will never want to leave.

Would I recommend this experience? Absolutely yes. And leave with your mind and heart open to the other and his culture without prejudice because it will surprise you and leave you with a huge wealth of spirit, greater than you can imagine.

Francesca Fogliani

I had chosen women's education for my project and I must say the ladies were just surprising. By teaching them or by being with them I think learnt more than they did. Their enthusiasm and support to each other and the willpower they had made me realize so many things. Most importantly their love, care and blessings have made me even cheerful to do next project soon. This experience will forever be in my beautiful diary. It felt really nice to share things that I knew and to teach them useful stuff. Thank you IVHQ for this wonderful and memorable chance.

This is my first time volunteering, and all I can say is: it’s very heartwarming, unique experience! I recommend everyone should do it as well. The people in the “houses” are so kind and friendly. Even found friends, which after volunteering for 4 weeks in arusha, realized how much these people mean to me.
The program itself is great! But a tiny thing, that bothers me, that you can change is the food in the house we live in. Nothing wrong with it, maybe a change with the food very day and not the same meal for 2-3 days straight for example.

I had the best time helping those who needed it. This allowed me to change my view on the world and realise that this is the reality of other people’s life making me grateful for everything I have. The support from all the coordinators was everything that I needed and more than enough, they all helped guide me in the right direction and gave me the best advice. The people I met at the program were all so nice and allowed me to feel comfortable straight away. I was able to have as much fun while also volunteering!!!

My two teenagers (14 and 16) and I traveled to Argentina and volunteered for a week of our vacation. Our contribution was to paint walls at a local community center/school. More importantly we bonded with the young ambassadors of Argentina (the students at the school) by playing ‘futball’ every afternoon.
Our home stay provided everything we could ask… they made our trip smooth. The housing was lovely (our own room/bathroom for the three of us). So many logistics were conquered with the host family’s assistance (including help with a bus reservation when our flight was canceled at a later part of our vacation). The food was worth returning for in itself!
Highly recommend this site for future volunteers!

My IVHQ program doing sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica was an excellent and rewarding expierence. I felt extremely supported by the IVHQ team. The local program team was good, but I could have used some additional guidance at times. Because I have some practical Spanish skills, it made it easier for me to navigate public transportation than some of my fellow participants. This was important because it was a five hour bus ride to the site. The local organization I volunteered with was amazing. I have great respect for their work and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to put in my labor and challege myself. I would encourage people to sign up for the Costa Rica sea turtle conservation project if they are serious about working hard, are dedicated to the cause of conservation, and aren't big partiers. Respect the project and people and you'll go far. The work is amazing and rewarding. Come with curiosity and a good work effort, and you'll have an fantastic time.

I took part volunteering for 3 weeks in the childcare program. IVHQ prepares you well and are organised in getting you ready before you leave. It is so helpful having a program manager who you can connect with any questions you have. Fiji is such a beautiful country and volunteering is such a great way to get to know the culture and be part of helping even in a little way. I never felt unsafe there as the local team prepare you and other volunteers are always looking out for each other. Overall it is a wonderful community there that the local team have created.

I recently had the privilege of volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal, for two weeks, where I taught English to women in the local community. I embarked on this journey with the expectation of broadening my horizons and learning about myself, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth and impact of the experience.

From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the stark contrasts in Nepal. Witnessing some of the challenging conditions that many Nepali people face was eye-opening, but what stood out even more was the warmth, kindness, and resilience of the people I met. Despite the differences in our backgrounds, I felt completely safe and welcomed, not just within my program but also as I explored the country.

My specific program was an enlightening and humbling experience. I came in with high expectations for myself, but those quickly had to be adjusted as I learned how the school operated and what the students needed most. This was my first significant lesson: the importance of flexibility and adapting to the realities on the ground. Thankfully, I was surrounded by an incredible support system, including fellow volunteers and the local team, who were always there to offer guidance and encouragement.

Teaching English to the women in the school was truly rewarding. I cherished the opportunity to build close relationships with them, and it was inspiring to see their eagerness to learn and improve their skills. The program also allowed me ample time to explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where I immersed myself in the rich culture and history of the region.

One of the most memorable aspects of my time in Nepal was living with a host family. I highly recommend this to anyone considering a similar experience. Sharing in the daily joys and challenges of family life provided me with a deeper understanding of Nepali culture and made my stay feel even more authentic and enriching.

Overall, my volunteering experience in Nepal was much more than I could have ever imagined. It was a journey of learning, growth, and connection that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity that will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with lasting memories, I wholeheartedly recommend this program.

My experience in Lombok volunteering for the turtles project was the best in my whole life till now.
As a first time solo traveler, I had been feeling the safest throughout all of my stay and program.
The local team was very welcoming and always available in case of any issues, from sanitary problems to transport requests.
I got to meet a lot of new people and I learned lots of new things that will help me during my life. This experience helped me grow as a person and, even if my program lasted just 2 weeks, I know I did my best to help with the turtle conservation.
The accommodation was clean and comfortable. The meals were delicious, with a variety of Western food and local food. The service was excellent.
I really recommend to have an experience like mine, because it will be memorable and it will constitute an important part of your life, from which you can learn a lot.

I spent three weeks in Tanzania with IVHQ childcare program and I had the best time of my life.
I had the possibility to enter in contact with the beautiful cultural of Tanzania and met other volunteers with whom I shared this beautiful experience.
I felt completely safe during my time there thanks to the security guards and the trusted drivers.
The accommodations were clean, the food was great and The Local team was always reachable.
The IVHQ and the Local Team provides a lot of activities during your time their with affordable price like for example the safari or the excursions climbing the Kilimanjaro.
I loved every moment that I spent there also thank to the other volunteers and I would love to do this experience again.
I think everybody should do an experience like this once in their life.