International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Program Reviews

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Lewis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Costa Rica Turtles

I recently done the Turtle conservation program in Costa Rica it was an incredible experience. For a first time solo traveller going through IVHQ helped me immensely, with my program coordinator (Lina) always there if I had any questions or worries. It was amazing to experience a new culture and be able to practice my Spanish in a complete immersion. I met so many other travellers and heard stories from around the world!I would recommend going through IVHQ for any of their projects abroad as I know I will be again!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The roots of palm trees!
Pros
  • Meeting other person from across the world
  • Experiencing new cultures
  • Pushing yourself out your comfort zone
Cons
  • Lots of saving up!
  • Not long enough
  • Having to say goodbye to the people you met
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Ava
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Croatia review

The team there were very helpful and easy to reach if you needed them. The diving was so fun and the instructors were very helpful. Also there was lots of choice of activities and things to do on weekends in the town.

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Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trip of a Lifetime

The experience far exceeded my expectations. The co-ordinators were helpful in getting everything organized for a safe and enjoyable trip. They dealt with all aspects of needs from what to pack, documentation and travel requirements as well as purchasing tickets and insurance. The local team were welcoming and helpful in every way. It’s a great way to travel and it gives you the opportunity to give back in volunteering and to meet new friends from all over the world! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this company or this particular trip to anyone.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just enjoy every aspect. Try new foods and do new things. Embrace each moment and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Pros
  • Seeing Victoria Falls
  • Food & accommodations
  • Meeting new people from all around the world
Cons
  • Swimming pool was so cold
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Kaia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teen camp

This trip was extremely impactful, I could see visual results of the volunteering we do. The people I met were incredible and from all around the world. These friends I made were the reason this trip was the best decision of my life. Our local organisation was super friendly and supportive, helping us feel safe and seen. Our host family was also super loving and made the house seem like our home. I definitely want to do this again as I met so many people, tried so many new things and saw the impact I made.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would definitely stay a little longer as I only stayed for 2 weeks. Leaving was so hard even though we hadn't known each other for very long.
Pros
  • Experiances
  • Friends
  • Helping
Cons
  • Repetitive food
  • Big group at all times
  • Sunburns
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Scott
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great organization

The whole trip was very well organized. Both IVHQ and the local organization did a great job of staying in contact with me and ensuring that everything was going well for me. The housing accommodation was a great setup, very clean and the food was very good. Rooming with other volunteers was an amazing opportunity to meet friends and create friendships that will last beyond the trip. Cusco is also such an amazing city and there are so many amazing things to do both in the city and outside of the city during the weekends.

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Maaike
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Galapagos - AMAZING!!

Where do I even start? Volunteering for three weeks in the Galapagos Islands working on Environmental Conservation could not have been a more rewarding experience. I met so many amazing people (whether it be other volunteers from all over the world or locals), I made a positive impact on the environment by working side-by-side with the National Park Rangers, I grew in countless ways, and I immersed myself into the culture of the islands. While I was nervous to go solo as a 19 year old female (mostly because it was my first solo trip - not at all because of fear of safety), but I am so thankful I put myself out of my comfort zone. My local team was incredibly responsive and supportive, and IVHQ was the most fantastic provider I could have asked for. If you are debating going with IVHQ, definitely do it!!

What was your funniest moment?
Painting signs on the trail and a sea lion making a pillow out of my backpack next to me
Pros
  • Most amazing place to spend the afternoons after volunteering and for doing tours on the weekend.
  • Host families are an incredible way to immerse yourself into the culture.
  • When I was there, there were tons of fellow volunteers who I got incredibly close with.
Cons
  • Only volunteer on that exact project. Other volunteers were in the program, but not on the Ecotourism project, so I was working alone most days or with the Park Rangers.
  • Local coordinator was a bit grumpy and not super responsive. Other volunteers were of more help with questions and advice.
  • Not a cheap place to be.
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Judy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Luang Prabang, you were amazing 💙

It was truly an amazing experience volunteering in Luang Prabang, Laos. The Local Team was nothing short of exceptional. Truly commendable. The Construction & Renovation Programme was coordinated well by the Local Team from transportation to assignment of tasks. The food provided at the accommodation was delicious, credits to the local chef! The Local Team also helped arranged for excursions during our free time at really affordable prices. I highly recommend volunteers to explore the volunteer programme in Laos to gain a valuable and memorable experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep and open mind and Immerse yourself fully to gain a rewarding experience
Pros
  • Learnt new skills
  • Made new friends
  • Experience new culture
Cons
  • N/a
  • N/a
  • N/a
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Chloe
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Definitely would do again !

I had an amazing three weeks with IVHQ’s Hua Hin program. The coordinators were very flexible with the changes I wanted to make to my volunteering program as I realised I wanted to work with children. It was a beautiful experience that was incredibly humbling at the same time. I met amazing people and fell in love with Thailand. In particular, the elements that make up Thai culture: Bangkok’s nightlife, Thai massages, Muay Thai lessons and fights, Thai street food and so much more vibrant life.

What was your funniest moment?
Some of the adventures we went on were very funny as we never planned very far ahead and chose to go 8 hours away to visit a National Park with elephants. It was fully worth it but the travelling was an experience in itself.
Pros
  • Learning to communicate with a language barrier
  • Adapting to having to start from scratch (as a solo traveler)
  • Feeling safe and able to take a leap of faith
Cons
  • Difficult to see the impact made as my stay was so short
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Apolline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ in New Delhi India

This is my second travel with IVHQ and I loved my stay again! The local host was great, friendly, flexible and reassuring. I met incredible volunteers from many different countries.
Going to India in New Delhi medical felt impactful. I had the chance to check the vitals and provide medicine to many patients living in local slums. I learnt many things on a medical perspective.
We visited the city with other volunteers in our free time.
The food in the house was delicious.
I'll definitely go again!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Visiting the New Delhi slums with the local doctor was quite overwhelming! Luckily the other volunteers, local IVHQ coordinator and local doctor were here to support us.
Pros
  • Local team support
  • Discovering the real India
  • Progress in medical expericence
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Carlos
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Galapagos Isabela - my first time volunteering

This was my first time volunteering and I couldn't be happier with the outcome! Pre-departure all my questions were answered by IVQH and local team on a timely matter and on the project there were always people ready to help with anything that came up. The whole experience was just great, from the project itself (helping at the giant tortoise breeding center - note: it's hard work) to just enjoying life in a remote paradise (Galapagos - Isabela) with other volunteers. Beach, bars, explore, repeat. Totally recommend!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are feeling doubts about going, don't! Isabela is a peaceful and beautiful island where you can relax and explore. Puerto Villamil is quite small, which for me was perfect.
Pros
  • place (fauna, flora, beach, tours...)
  • people
Cons
  • life on the island is not super cheap