Program Reviews

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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!