Program Reviews

It was a wonderful experience working with IVHQ. I am so excited to take up this opportunity as a volunteer for Childcare in Ghana. One of the most significant aspects of my life that will continue to mold me into the person I am becoming is my volunteer experience in Ghana. I can give back to the world that provides me with so much by volunteering. Since everyone has a different definition of volunteer service, there is no universally accepted definition. Is it the sound of the adorable kids having fun, learning, and participating in their activities? Perhaps it's the happiness on the faces of the kids that I see, or the amazing care we received from the local team from pickup, nice meals etc, and the way the community accepted us that volunteering are all of these things. I have developed numerous skills through volunteer work. I am grateful for all that volunteering has done for me through IVHQ.

I give thanks that programs like this exist. Volunteering was a useful and heartwarming time. I have learned so much, enjoyed everyday outdoors in nature, made new friends who are on the other side of the world, and will have the most beautiful photos to look back to. The local staff of my turtle conservation program know everything about turtles and I can see that they are making a huge difference on this earth. I have learned so much from them and enjoyed hands-on helping baby turtles. I am already thinking about when I could return…

I had the best few weeks in Fiji! The local team was phenomenal and always there to help me in any way that they could! I never felt unsafe or unprepared, I always had someone to help me in someway! Everyone was beyond kind and accomodating, and the local staff never failed to be the first to offer a helping hand, whether I needed help around the city or help in my volunteer placement! I loved the volunteer opportunity and the people that I was able to meet! I will definitely be coming again, hopefully very soon!

My journey volunteering with Ivhq aboard was most enjoyable incredible experience meeting new people from all over world - is exciting getting know them as also developing friendships - meeting local team the guild as long the way - volunteer job was so fun helping out shelter with animals was fun - cleaning and feeding them was great way connect with people at shelter and touching animals that you don’t often work with is great experience as well - volunteering and traveling is good way to gain independence and getting of your comfort zone . Anyone who wants to should just do it do not over think it !

The experience was truly incredible from beginning to end. Throughout the entire process, I felt accompanied and secure, with assistance available at all times. The company consistently prioritizes your well-being and safety, ensuring that you feel comfortable and happy, just like at home. Their commitment to providing exceptional service and support is evident in every interaction. The dedication and effort of everyone involved are truly magnificent, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable.

The hosts - Pedro and Nati - could not have been better. The accommodations were comfortable and very safe. The meals Nati prepared were fantastic and Pedro could not have been more helpful with arranging transportation, suggesting fun things to do and see, and great spots to eat. The volunteer placement was an invaluable experience and one I will never forget. Cordoba was very affordable and easy to navigate. Lu did a great job with the city tour. I recommend this for anyone to do as the experience was invaluable and I felt safe the entire time as a solo traveler.

Volunteering with IVHQ and the Local Team in Peru was truly an experience of a lifetime. I haven't truly solo travelled a lot and was terrified before going, but IVHQ helped me every step of the way and was very communicative. Even when I faced any difficulties and had questions while in Peru, the Local Team went above and beyond to help me. I felt safe, well prepared and felt like I made a real impact during my volunteering experience. I highly recommend volunteering with them! I have signed up for another volunteering experience with IVHQ in Bali later this year :)

Volunteering in Nepal with IVHQ has been the trip of a lifetime that I will forever be grateful for. I’ve made some lifelong friendships all around the world with likeminded people that similarly want to make a difference in the places that need it most whilst travelling and getting to experience new cultures. The IVHQ headquarters team were beyond helpful with organising and answering any questions we had. The local team were incredible. They were so helpful, accommodating and understanding when we wanted to adjust plans. They are highly knowledgeable on things to do, and have provided us with many add on activities to explore the country and culture. Whilst in Nepal they have helped organise a beautiful trek, a wildlife safari, temple viewing, and the opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery. Being able to live with a local Nepali host family was by far the most valuable way to experience the community and local culture. They cooked local food for us and we partook in their daily religious activities. We got to hear about their lives and stories, whilst being provided a home away from home; the host mother called me ‘daughter’. The volunteering experience was so eye opening. My first childcare placement was in a government school for kids that live in the slums. My host brother took me to see where they lived, and it was heartbreaking to witness some of the worst conditions I’ve seen. They live in a community along the river that overflowed during my stay, flooding their home (which hardly consists of a roof over their head). The annual flooding can make the community sick potentially leading to death. These kids live in awful conditions but you’d never know. They have unwavering spirit and determination to learn. The second placement was at a volunteer run childcare centre. I’ve never been so in awe of what people can do for others when they put their mind to it. This centre was run so well, funded only by donations and volunteers. It was made mostly for single, struggling parents who need to work to support themselves, but have nowhere for their kids to go. It provides the children with food and classes. It was so inspiring. This whole experience has been incredible that whilst I was still volunteering, I was already looking at which IVHQ destination I could go to next. Volunteering and supporting developing countries is something that you will never regret doing, and if you have the ability to help others, why wouldn’t you? I’d recommend this experience to everyone.

Great chance to be immersed with the kind people of Thailand, learning their culture and language. Spent 4days living in “home stay” which is staying at one of the workers home in a village in the mountains. Additionally, the workers often reached out and invited me to travel to local spots with them. For example, the Hot Springs and enjoy local cuisine. Many are very excited to work on their English skills and excited to interact with you.

It was a safe, organized environment. I did have a stomach reaction to the food and got dehydrated. It was the staff that recognized and pushed me to go to the hospital. They drove me and walked me through the process within two hours. I was taking care of and out of the hospital full recovery and enjoyed the rest of my stay.
Rural Thailand is an extremely safe place. I felt very comfortable. The larger cities seemed much safer than in the USA, but still needed to keep an eye out.

Would definitely do it again!

The house was clean and the food safe and tasty. The staff was very competent and available. The daily routine we had to follow was tough but stimulating and we still had time to rest. The kids were so cute and we built a really strong bond with them. Also the other volunteers were very dedicated to making a difference. The Philippines landscape is incredible: it has an amazing flora and fauna. The locals were nice and helpful. We felt really safe going to and coming back from school. I really enjoyed attending local events too!