International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Program Reviews

Default avatar
Isla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Animal care in Portugal

I loved my time spent volunteering in portugal, the support and contact from IVHQ was great and I knew I could always get in contact if I had any questions. The local team were also amazing and made a big impact on my time there! I was nervous about going away by myself for the first time but I made so many new friends for life through IVHQ and I wish I could have stayed longer. If you are considering volunteering abroad then I would definitely recommend doing it through IVHQ they made my trip smooth and organised.

Default avatar
Lale
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience with IVHQ in Morocco

I completed a volunteering program with IVHQ in Morocco, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! From the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed and supported by the entire team. The vibrant culture, and rich history of Morocco provided a stunning backdrop for my volunteering journey.
One of the standout aspects of my experience was the exceptional local coordinator. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion for their work were truly inspiring. From the initial orientation to daily support, they ensured that everything ran smoothly and that I felt comfortable and confident in my role. They were always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and provide invaluable insights into Moroccan culture and customs.
The projects were thoughtfully organized and impactful. I had the opportunity to work closely with local communities, and I could see the positive difference our efforts were making. The hands-on experience was both fulfilling and eye-opening, and it was clear that IVHQ's partnerships with local organizations are strong and meaningful.
I cannot recommend IVHQ Morocco enough. It was a life-changing experience that broadened my horizons and allowed me to contribute to meaningful projects.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
During Your Volunteer Placement
Be Flexible and Adaptable: Be prepared for changes and challenges. I guess flexibility is key to a successful volunteer experience.
Engage with the Community: Take time to build relationships with locals and other volunteers. This can greatly enhance your experience.
Respect Local Customs: Show respect for local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly, being polite, and observing local etiquette.
Take Initiative: Be proactive and show enthusiasm in your volunteer tasks. Your positive attitude can make a big difference.
Pros
  • Cultural Immersion Authentic Experience: Volunteering allows you to live and work closely with local communities, providing a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture and traditions.
  • Travel Opportunities Exploration: Morocco offers a rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities to explore during your free time.
  • Local Support: Continuous support from local staff who are knowledgeable about the area and can assist with any issues that arise.
Cons
  • Cultural Shock: Adapting to a new culture and environment can be challenging and may take time.
  • Communication Challenges: Limited knowledge of Arabic or French can make communication difficult, though many locals and staff may speak English.
  • Climate: Depending on the season, the weather can be very hot, which may be uncomfortable for some volunteers.
Default avatar
Max
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Ghana construction volunteering

From start to finish this experience was amazing. I would firstly start by mentioning how accomodating and welcoming the local team are and their continuous efforts to satisfy every volunteers needs to feel comfortable during the experiences is amazing. The Volunteering program itself is so rewarding and with a great team of volunteers the experience is even better. Overall my time at IVHQ Ghana was amazing and i would definitely volunteer through IVHQ again and for anyone who is debating on volunteering through IVHQ i would 100% recommend

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are hesitant on travelling alone the volunteering program is extremely welcoming and accomodating so there is nothing to worry about
Pros
  • Create life long friends
  • Learn new cultures and traditions
  • Plenty of activities in spare time
Cons
  • Food could be better
  • Electricity isnt guaranteed due to power trips
  • No air conditioning
Default avatar
Susi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ is a great organization to volunteer with!

My experience in Puerto Rico was very rewarding. I chose to work to benefit the environment. IVHQ opens up the world. You have a choice of where in the world to volunteer and a choice of types of jobs. I helped the local team in Puerto Rico cut down invasive plants in a public park, helped them in the Urban Garden, planting indigenous trees, hauling compost, and more. This was an enriching experience for someone interested in trees, plants and flowers. I learned so much not only about botanicals but also about the issues with development and conservation, as well as having the opportunity to ask questions to become more informed about local history.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Come as a curious traveler. Do some research about the country of your choice before going to understand more about where you will be and to start with a foundation from which you can grow your understandings and knowledge. I feel it makes your experience that much more rich and helps you feel connected to where you are.
Pros
  • Adds to quality of life by helping others
  • Broadens knowledge of other cultures and people of the world
  • Meet new and wonderful people
Cons
  • Just be prepared to not always have everything ideally perfect
  • It might be noisy and you may stay in an area that is not considered for tourists - which is the point anyway
Default avatar
Sharon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

International Volunteer Headquarters made my Sri Lanka experience a lifetime treasure!

My experience with IVHQ in Kandy, Sri Lankan was amazing and had an impact on my view of the world. IVHQ provided extensive pre-trip information and preparation. From the moment I arrived at the volunteer house in Kandy I was supported by the local team as if I was family. The volunteering experience with Special Needs women and English tutoring with village children was beyond my expectations. It was also a great bonus to connect with other volunteers doing a turtle project. I would highly recommend INHQ and Sri Lanka in particular to anyone wanting to give back and learn more about Sri Lanka, it's culture, natural beauty and most of all the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to thoroughly do all of the preparation work before arriving. Once at the program, trust the local team, keep an open mind, and soak it all in. You will be making such a difference in the lives of the people you encounter.
Pros
  • Having a local team was so valuable to navigate Kandy, understand the culture, and have a rich rewarding experience
  • IVHG made the process so easy and reassuring traveling to a country for the first time.
  • Volunteering while traveling makes the experience so authentic and rewarding
Default avatar
Arnold
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Good Experience, bit overpriced

Amazing experience with beach cleanups and litter audits, with some physical work with preventing invasive species from spreading. Great staff in the local hosting charity, but the recent price increase makes this a bit pricey. Activities planned were fun and well thought-out. If you are keen to explore the beautiful nature around Auckland, as well as have some fun by meeting new people in the process, definitely consider this program. On top of that, I’d recommend continuing your trip down to the South Island afterwards. This is my biggest regret, as I didn’t have enough time for exploring New Zealand as a whole.

Default avatar
Nelson
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ The Positive Impact it Has Given Me

What made this experience great was the bonding of people who all chose to volunteer their time as I to help a certain amount of people mainly the children in Ecuador realizing that they are not forgotten, but important to the world we all live in.

The people that volunteered in our circle were mainly from the United States and one person was from the United Kingdom. We all really connected with the common goal to help others and we spent lots of time together when we ate, went to the bakery and when we participated in some of the trips that was offered at discounted rates by the local team who were excellent as we all got together for a dinner away from the place we stayed at.

As me as a Teacher in English Foreign Language, I was able to assist the teachers in the school by helping the students who were 8th, 10th and 11th graders in teaching through the lesson plans, going over questions and answers and listening to them pronounce the words correctly altogether so that not one child would feel as if they were the only one that had an issue. It was all a team effort. The teachers were glad to have me and with my humor, the children embraced my presence with laughter and cheers.

IVHQ is an excellent organization that stands for helping the world be a better place to live anywhere and everywhere with opportunities to specialize in areas that you can gain valuable experience in whether helping the children, adults, animals and the preservations safe.Any area that you may choose to travel to, you will not be disappointed with the team you will get yourself involved with.

What was your funniest moment?
When one of soles of my sneakers almost came off completely when walking to school to teach the children.
Pros
  • Made an impact on children curious to know more about the United States
  • Children asking me if I liked their country which I .
  • Living the life as a local in another country making friends
Cons
  • The water pressure can be different
  • higher elevation
Default avatar
Sierra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Ghana Medical Volunteer Experience

I completed a nursing field school in Ghana with IVHQ and my school. The local coordinators were extremely accommodating and were always trying their best to meet our needs. This experience was the adventure of a lifetime. I learned so much about my area of interest in nursing and so much about the culture in Ghana. The local coordinators ensured that you were always having the best experience possible, they were also very open to feedback. Not only did I complete lots of volunteer work but we also had the opportunity to go on several excursions. I highly recommend the programs in Ghana.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
It was amazing how children are everywhere in the village at all times. They come by to say hi after school and play sports until the end of each day. All without their parents supervision which is not like how it is at home.
Pros
  • Completely different culture
  • Welcoming people
  • tasty food
Cons
  • the heat can be tiring
  • the days can be very long so you need to make time for self care
Default avatar
Eliane
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

AMAZING EXPERIENCE ! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to go to the Philippines and spend time with the community. I fell in love with all the kids there. I highly recommend everyone to do this at least once in your life. I am 34 years old and I wish I did that when I was younger ! I will do it again for sure.
The guidance that IVHQ brought me was also very useful, I always felt safe and never alone ! I highly recommend to go to the Philippines but I’m sure all the programs are great ! Try it, you’ll see !

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Just be open ! Don’t overthink and go.
You’ll be destabilized but it’s the point. You won’t live like you’re used to but you will be safe and have everything you need (and more). The team and support is just amazing !
Pros
  • Food
  • Community
  • Kids
Cons
  • Nada
Default avatar
Isla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience countering in Tanzania for 2 months with IVHQ

My experience in Tanzania through IVHQ has been completely life changing. The way that I had the privileged to help so many people out there and teach my gorgeous school over the past 2 months made me have a whole other appreciation of life. I also raised money to be able to paint the inside of my school to make the classrooms brighter and more engaging for the children which was such a privilege to be able to do for my wonderful teacher and see the difference it made.

The local team over there were so accommodating and made me feel safe and welcomed in every sense which I cannot thank enough. I am already missing my volunteer house so much and it’s only been 24 hours since i left!

IVHQ - you are utterly incredible.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to anyone thinking about doing a volunteer abroad programme through IVHQ is just do it!! You will not regret anything as it’s the most life changing experience you will have. It might be a bit overwhelming at first as the culture differences can be a lot but after a day you will lean into the lifestyle of wherever you are and fall totally in love with volunteering.
Pros
  • The incredible local team
  • Meeting the most wonderful friends for life
  • Getting to teach my incredible kiddies for 2 months and paint their school!