Program Reviews

Volunteering with IVHQ in Tanzania was truly a life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed and supported by both the IVHQ team and the local coordinators. Everything was well-organized — from the airport pickup, to the orientation, to the placement itself — which made me feel safe and confident in a completely new environment.

I did childcare, and it was beyond rewarding. The children were full of energy, warmth, and joy, and every day felt meaningful knowing I was making a real difference. The work was hands-on and immersive, giving me a deeper understanding of the community’s needs and culture.

Outside of volunteering, I had the chance to explore the incredible beauty of Tanzania — from the vibrant local markets to breathtaking safaris. The people I met, both locals and fellow volunteers, made this journey unforgettable.

I can’t recommend IVHQ enough for anyone looking to combine travel with purpose. Tanzania will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m already looking forward to my next volunteering adventure.

Volunteering in Zambia was an adventure from start to finish — and one I’d happily sign up for all over again! From the moment I arrived, everything was fairly well organised and the team made me feel instantly welcome. The medical placement itself was fantastic: I got to roll up my sleeves, help out wherever I could, and even sit in on counselling sessions. Observing doctors and technicians in action was eye-opening, and I loved the chance to share ideas and swap knowledge — especially since I went in with an open mind and zero expectations of “matching” EU or other so-called developed country healthcare standards.

I travelled solo, but it didn’t take long before I was surrounded by great company. I met some truly lovely people, including one of the practice manager, who even joined our group for a safari (because in Zambia, wildlife comes as part of the volunteer perks).

When I wasn’t in placement, I made the most of my free time — exploring the country, diving into local activities, and enjoying plenty of fun with my fellow volunteers. This was my third time volunteering with IVHQ, and yet again, it didn’t disappoint. Zambia, you’ve been wonderful — until next time!

Fiji was amazing, I will forever love my time volunteering. The local team was better than I could imagine and the other volunteers made it so much fun. I was a little scared to volunteer, I’ve been solo traveling for a while, but not volunteering. Now all my travels will be volunteer work. I did sports education and seeing kids light up when we entered the town and play with them was pure bliss. Leaving was even harder. They made it bittersweet, I will forever remember my time in Fiji and with the kids.

I chose IVHQ after a lot of research because they offered the type of volunteer placement I wanted (teaching) in a country I had longed to visit (Peru) - at a reasonable cost.

Communication was excellent from the outset; my coordinator (based in New Zealand) was always prompt to answer queries and to keep me informed.

Everyone in the local team in Cusco was extremely welcoming and helpful throughout my three weeks there. They offer many opportunities for staff, teachers, volunteers, interns and students to interact, for example in weekly cooking and salsa classes (hint: book onto these really quickly as they soon fill up!)

Also beyond the classroom, regular cultural activities are organised to enhance everyone’s experience of the language, history and traditions.

Furthermore, the local team has strong links with a tour operator in Cusco who can advise on and book local trips (even a taxi to the airport!) and those further afield. I used this operator to visit Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain and both excursions were very well organised with engaging and knowledgeable guides (be prepared for very early starts and bring warm clothing, particularly for Rainbow Mountain).

Staff and students at my volunteer placement were wonderfully welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.

My homestay was also arranged through the local team and was comfortable, clean and provided a good, varied breakfast and evening meal each day (out of courtesy, please remember to tell your host if you will be absent for a meal).

As is common in many homes in Peru, hot water is limited but cool, refreshing showers soon become the norm!

IVHQ offers life-changing experiences that help you grow as a person, open your mind, and inspire people from all over the world to support those who need it most.
When I first joined, I was nervous and a little scared, but I’ve never met anyone with a bad word to say about IVHQ. On the contrary, I’ve only heard inspiring stories about how it created a “before and after” in people’s lives.
With IVHQ, the local team, and my coordinator by your side every step of the way, you never feel alone. Living this experience with them is a guarantee that you’ll learn from others, discover new things about yourself you never knew existed, and realize just how much you can positively impact someone’s life. Most of all, this project leaves you with a truly unique experience that stays with you forever.

My experience was amazing because it allowed me to step out of my confort zone, discover new aspects o myself and immerse myself in a completely different culture. The teaching english programm was incredibly rewarding. Students' curiosity and eagerness to learn inspired me daily. This programme gave me the chance to develop communication skills that trascended language barriers, enabling me to connect with people from all over the world. It also allowed for both volunteering and free time to explore!

IVHQ made it easy to network and connect with other people from around the world. I truly enjoyed my stay at the hostel in Estoril, Portugal. The rooms were very clean as well as the bathrooms. They were mopped every day and wiped clean. I met some of my closest friends and really enjoyed how nice and laid back my coordinators were; they were very easy to get along with. I also enjoyed my volunteer experience with the animal shelter; it was very hands-on and exactly what I expected and wanted to be a part of.

I’ve had the opportunity to join two different volunteer programs through IVHQ, and both have been truly life-changing experiences. If you’re considering volunteering or starting your solo travel journey, I can confidently say this is one of the best ways to do it — especially if you’re new to traveling alone and want to connect deeply with people and culture.

One of the most unforgettable parts of my journey was my time in Fiji. From the moment I landed, I felt a sense of warmth — not just from the tropical weather, but from the people. The local IVHQ team in Fiji went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt welcome and comfortable. You could immediately feel that they genuinely cared, not only about the volunteers but also about the community projects we were part of. Their energy and positivity were infectious. I’ve truly never met people so open-hearted and joyful.

There’s a saying that “the happiest people are from Fiji,” and after spending time there, I can 100% say it’s true. Every conversation, every shared meal, every group activity felt full of laughter, kindness, and connection. The local coordinators were not just there to guide us — they became friends, mentors, and a big part of what made the experience so special.

During my time volunteering, I was able to contribute to meaningful community initiatives. Whether it was education, construction, or environmental work, there was a strong sense that our efforts were genuinely appreciated and impactful. And beyond the work itself, the cultural immersion was incredible — from learning traditional dances and cooking local meals to weekend trips exploring Fiji’s natural beauty.

Another huge benefit was meeting fellow volunteers from all over the world. I’ve built friendships that I know will last a lifetime. When you’re living, working, and exploring alongside like-minded people, something beautiful happens — walls come down, stories are shared, and you realize just how much you have in common with people from completely different backgrounds.

Looking back, I’m so grateful I took the leap. I know how intimidating it can be to step into the unknown, especially when traveling alone. But this experience showed me just how much magic there is outside of our comfort zones. Volunteering with IVHQ didn’t just give me memories — it gave me perspective, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for human connection.

If you’re on the fence about it — don’t hesitate. Say yes. Go. You’ll never regret choosing adventure, kindness, and growth. Fiji, and the people I met there, will always have a special place in my heart.

I spent a month volunteering with ivhq in Bali Ubud and it was truly the most life changing and amazing experience I’ve ever had in my life. Everyone at the house was so friendly and I have made so many friends from around the world, honestly the best people I’ve ever met. The activity’s we did in Bali and the places we saw were the coolest and most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and I couldn’t have wished for a better trip. Teaching in Bali was eye opening, seeing how school works in a country completely different then yours is such a cool yet surreal experience. The kids are so cute and respectful and are ready to learn, it’s honestly just Awesome. The only bad thing about the trip was saying goodbye, but I’ve already started planning the next trip with the people I met in Bali!!!

Will forever be one of my most cherished experiences and memories. Volunteering in Fiji not only provided an opportunity for me to be independent and travel solo for the first time, but also re instil my interest for childcare and education. IVHQ provides amazing programs for anyone, but I would highly recommend them for young people wanting to travel and volunteer overseas. IVHQ ensures you feel safe, cared for and nurtured while away, allowing you to fully focus on your experience. From the moment I got to Fiji I felt supported by the local team, they delivered not only what I requested but continually went above and beyond. I will always remember my local co ordinator fondly, as well as the fellow volunteers and people I met.