Program Reviews

Volunteering in Cusco through this medical program was one of the most eye-opening experiences I've ever had. I was placed in a nursing home, where I supported the elderly with daily activities like feeding, conversation, and general care. Most of the staff and residents spoke only Spanish, so I definitely recommend brushing up on the language beforehand or taking classes while you're there.

The first few days were a bit overwhelming as I adjusted to the setting and the language barrier, but it quickly became incredibly rewarding. The Local Team was supportive throughout and made sure we understood the impact we were making. It was clear every day that our presence mattered, and I’ll always remember the small but powerful moments of connection with the residents. If you go in with a humble attitude and a true desire to help, you'll get so much out of this experience.

The guidance and preparation resources I received from IVHQ before starting my trip were invaluable. I was provided all of the information up front and walked through every single step that I needed to take in successfully moving forward through execution of my trip. The resources are there to read as many times as necessary for your understanding. The program management staff and Local Team is always available within 24-hours of your request, question etc.

The impact from my volunteering stretched me outside of my comfort zone by allowing me to understand the ways local citizens move around in their daily lives and how accepting everyone is for individuality.

I gained experience in setting expectations. Here in the USA, expectations have a "wavering" in some cases, but in Jamaica, there is a consistent value of "expectation or consequence," which I sincerely honor.

If anyone is hesitant about joining this program, I leave you with this advice: "Leap into something you've never experienced, and be prepared to learn about yourself as to how t open you really are to other cultures and their ways of living, working, and playing."

This week I've been able to experience activities that I would have never thought of every having the fortune to participate in. From collecting and planting seeds in the muddy mangroves to playing and teaching the local elementary school children, the IVHQ program has offered me once in a lifetime experiences. The people I've met on this trip have also been amazing in their own unique ways. I've learnt so much not just about the Philippines where the program was held, but also about the other countries where the other volunteers came from. The program has really opened my eyes and shown me how much there is to explore within the world and I'd highly recommend it to anyone else hesitant to join.

When I first considered joining a volunteer program abroad, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but choosing the IVHQ Bali - Ubud program turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. The experience was both grounding and eye-opening. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people from different parts of the world, work with kind and curious students, and step out of my usual routine in the best way possible.

The Local Team was incredibly supportive and always available when needed. The structure of the program was clear, the orientation helped us feel prepared, and the cultural exchange was truly enriching. I loved every second of the classroom moments — from morning greetings to shared laughter during break time.

If you're someone who’s looking to make a meaningful impact, learn about another culture, and grow on a personal level, I can’t recommend this enough. It’s a program that gives as much as it takes — and then some.

Since the start of signing up for the program, it was a wonderful experience. My program manager from IVHQ was wonderful. She answered all my questions and all my nerves I had before hand. From the experience to everything from the start, it was wonderful. Being how easy it was to be able to volunteer abroad and connected to the local team, and asked any questions in Costa Rica. Was so easy, Not only that, but the local team they worked with was wonderful at my destination. Everyone was so kind from my host family to the workers at my local team in Costa Rica. I felt welcomed at my volunteer site and had such a wonderful experience that I will never forget. I was able to go sight seeing after volunteering and be able to explore more of Costa Rica. Guess what I’m already planning my next trip to volunteer with IVHQ in Costa Rica again

Everything was great when volunteering with IVHQ. The organization prior to the trip and communication was fantastic. When in Zambia, the local team was great, they were very kind, open-minded and organized. The local team knew everything, helped us with transport and organizing all of the activies me and the volunteers were interested in doing. Furthermore, I want to highlight the availability of staff 24/7. Teaching in Zambia was a heart warming experience. People in Zambia are very welcoming which makes you be more empathic. I am willing to repeat it in the future together with IVHQ.

I had an amazing time in Peru. IVHQ organized all my accommodations, volunteering, and Spanish lessons for me. I was in a really nice homestay with other very friendly volunteers. And the location was right next to Cusco's town center and the local program headquarters. Volunteering was enriching and I got a lot of independence to teach my students how I saw fit. On the weekends I booked many trips through IVHQ add-ons. All of the locations and activities were beautiful and fun. This experience opened my eyes to an amazing culture I've never experienced before and taught me how to be a better teacher. 10/10 would do again.

I would give my experience a 10/10! Everything was very smooth and organized from start to finish. I felt safe from the time I was picked up to the end of my stay. All of the leaders in my program were incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the work we were doing which made my experience all the more valuable. Through this program, I’ve made many new friends, and I feel more knowledgeable confident in my capabilities. Because of the affordability and quality of the program, I have nothing but good to say!

Volunteering in Cape Town was one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences. From learning about the local culture and education system to building connections with the students at the schools and the people in the program, every moment offered deep insight and growth. The opportunity to engage directly with the community made the experience more impactful.

Safety was never a concern—every aspect of the program felt completely secure. The local team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable and cared for. Transportation to and from our volunteer placements was always well-organised, and we always felt completely safe. The overall location of our accommodation in Muizenberg was great, being a short walk from everything we needed. Muizenberg felt extremely safe and had a great community vibe, which made it even easier to enjoy our downtime. Every activity we participated in outside of volunteering was incredibly well-planned and professionally run. There were never any issues, and we especially appreciated the variety of fun and engaging options available. As well as the layout of the communal living room and eating areas created a welcoming atmosphere where everyone could easily connect, relax, and spend time together.

The local team’s local knowledge, the fun and engaging activities they organised, delicious meals, spotless cleaning services, and their general friendliness created a warm, welcoming environment. They were easy-going, full of energy, and a joy to be around, which made the entire experience 100 times better. The communication throughout the program was outstanding. The WhatsApp group chat was incredibly helpful as it kept us up to date with activity schedules, meal plans, transport times, and even shared group photos from activities/fun moments. It helped us stay organised, informed while also feeling connected as a team.

Honestly, I cannot think of a single improvement for the local team. Everything was run so smoothly and efficiently; you could tell how much effort and care they put into the experience. I would 100% recommend this program to anyone. Everyone should take part in some form of volunteering during their life—the personal growth and perspective you gain are truly invaluable. I will forever cherish the memories made in Cape Town and am deeply grateful to IVHQ and the local team for creating such a powerful, fun and unforgettable experience.

When I arrived on Fiji, I had no expectations but held on to the possibility of developing once in a lifetime, multicultural relationships, through giving, in an environment where I could rest and heal my heart: physically. From the time I made contact with our local time until the time I left the center in a taxi for my return flight to Oregon, I experienced so much more that I could have imagined or expected. Within the culture of Fiji, relationships were built with staff, other volunteers, and my program participants that spiritually healed my heart ad touched me profoundly. The Fijian people were so genuine, simple, caring, cooperative, and reminded me of things like true community, openly sharing culture with no expectations, family, and a return to simply remembering what is important. I’ve never felt so unconditionally accepted and welcomed or such happiness, despite challenges to daily living. My cooperating teacher provided me many opportunities to work directly with students in a meaningful and impactful way, which created relationships with students that I will carry forever.

From the program standpoint, the local team met every dietary and food restriction I have, and was respectful toward and supportive of my health and wellness. Being chief of our tribe, leading the kavu ceremony, and “conducting a wedding”, were especially unique. Meals and free time with other volunteers developed genuine lifetime connections due to an environment where everyone was themselves.

I arrived on Fiji with a physically and emotionally broken heart and through my experience, left healed and with abundance. Fiji, and my IVHQ experience impacted me in ways that gave me perspective, hope, and recovery. Forever grateful and cannot wait to go back.

Au sa lesu tale. Sa vakabulai na lomaqu. Au na rarawa kina iko. Vanaka Kalou .
Translated: “I will return”. “My heart is healed and my spirit is restored”. “I will miss you”. “Thank you, God”.