Program Reviews

Pay your fees, get your shots, and IVHQ will take care of all the stressful stuff so you can focus on fully immersing yourself into one of the most beautiful experiences of your life! I volunteered on the construction project in Tanzania and couldn't be happier! The volunteering was worthwhile, essential, and allowed me to truly dive into the local scene and culture and associate with the people of the country. I helped finish the construction of a home that will serve a family for generations to come! While renovating a school bathroom I was able to associate with the kids as well. Those were the most genuine smiles I've ever seen and shared! I was also able to take advantage of a safari and create unforgettable memories! I was also able to spend time with the kids at a local orphanage. The fellow volunteers and local organization coordinators of Tanzanian Host Experience were incredibly caring and thoughtful of my wellbeing. They were some of the most heart-filled people I have ever met! As a solo traveler they quickly became like family. Initially, it was nerve racking to embark on this journey but then SO sad to leave when my time was up. This experience was a true reminder of what actually matters in life and where real happiness is found. It was transformative. I am forever grateful! Overall, if you are reading this and questioning whether or not to go and volunteer, take it from me, this was the best few weeks of my life! So take courage and go for it! You will not regret it for a moment. Asante!

My adventure with IVHQ was amazing! It was my first time travelling as a solo female traveler. I encountered a lot of stress. But before the program starts, you are already very well supported! I could always ask Marianne questions and I could always call her if I was stressed or needed reassurance. Also, during my stay in Tanzania, I was very well supported by the local team. They were always there for us. I really liked that someone came to check on the school every week to see if everything was going well. Even if you go alone, you definitely do not feel alone with all these warm people around you. I have built friendships for life here.

Such a unique and amazing experience, first solo travel and travelling internationally. So much support and embrace from not only the co-ordinators, staff, other volunteers but also the locals. When I was cleaning rubbish, A local came up to me named Tut and stopped his taxi service and for an hour there, he helped clean up rubbish in nusa penida and heard what the locals are going through and how was can help. One way is to voulnteer, highly reccomend!! Turtle conservation
Then to top it off with adventure week, what an absoutle blast.

Volunteering through IVHQ's medical program in Tanzania was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I spent six weeks living and working in Arusha, where I was placed at a local hospital and also had the opportunity to join a medical outreach in rural communities. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and I learned so much from observing and assisting in real healthcare settings with limited resources.

Before my departure, IVHQ and the local team were very helpful in answering questions and preparing me for what to expect. Once I arrived, I felt supported by the in-country coordinators, who helped us adjust, stay safe, and make the most of our time both inside and outside of the medical setting.

The hands-on learning was invaluable, but what made the trip even more special was the community. I bonded with other international volunteers, formed connections with locals, and even picked up some Swahili! The cultural immersion, from exploring the town to visiting nearby villages and national parks, added so much to the experience.

This program gave me a realistic look at healthcare challenges in low-resource environments and deepened my desire to become a doctor. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me lasting memories and friendships. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in medicine, global health, or meaningful travel. I hope to return someday and continue contributing to this amazing community.

Volunteering with IVHQ in Portugal was a truly fun and rewarding experience. I met so many awesome people from all over the world, and it was great going out with them, exploring together, and just having fun while volunteering for a good cause. The whole vibe was very open and social, and it made the experience even better.

One thing I’d say to future volunteers is: don’t be shy — just throw yourself out there. Everyone’s there for the same reasons — to help, to meet people, and to enjoy the experience — so being open and approachable makes it much easier to connect with others.

Volunteering in Lovina, Bali, with IVHQ was an incredible experience that I would encourage anyone to do. From the moment I started to look for volunteering opportunities, the website was very informative and the staff were exceptional in replying to my queries. Once I had signed up there is a comprehensive guide, including videos, do's and don'ts and what additional things to factor in before travelling that put me right at ease.

On arrival in Bali, the local team was ready to collect me and were so accommodating. They couldn't do enough to make me feel welcome and part of their family. In addition to my volunteering experience, the local team allowed me to explore Lovina and beyond to help me fully understand and appreciate the Balinese culture.

I work as a teacher in the UK and decided to travel to volunteer on the teaching programme. Having the opportunity to assist in kindergarten was a delight; the children were so sweet and the teachers were incredible at making me feel welcome in their classrooms. In the afternoons, I attended school and had my own class delivering English to the children as an extra-curricular opportunity. The local team provided me with a curriculum guide, classroom resources, a translator, and was able to get any additional worksheets photocopied if required.

The accommodation was perfect, 200m from the beach and located in Lovina, away from the tourist areas so you had the true experience of Bali. The rooms were clean and had an en-suite. The staff were super helpful and the food was superb, varied every day, and also catered for dietary needs.

I strongly urge anyone to take the opportunity to volunteer at least once in their life if you are able to do this. IVHQ will help you from start to finish with a full range of programmes and countries on offer!

I had an amazing experience booking via IVHQ. From start to finish they guide you with excellent help. I had an amazing time during my volunteering project, where I learned a lot, met a lot of amazing people and made even more amazing memories. I made a last minute decision to join a project, but this was no issue. IVHQ provided me with all the assistance I needed to assure I had a spot. Their site is also very easy to work with, giving you a nice overview over your project, and what you need to do.
Stop doubting and go on an adventure!

An incredible experience!! I’ll remember it for the rest of my life, I met some amazing people and made some amazing memories!! The turtles were amazing and it was lovely to be able to see the release of them and get to release my own turtle on my last day. The food was all delicious and it was so nice to experience a new culture through the food. I also got to experience the culture in my introduction week and it was really interesting to learn about Lombok. Overall it was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to travel and volunteer!

All the information I received beforehand helped me prepare well and gave me lots of confidence, as it was my first time volunteering abroad. The support throughout was great, and the local team was all amazing.

I loved Lisbon, a great city. I got the chance to work in the beautiful Sintra National Park. I enjoyed the hostel vibe and meeting lots of new people. I would highly recommend IVHQ.

I hope to do other volunteering trips to other countries now, as I'm so much more confident travelling on my ow,n and I'm so pleased I went.

The support from the local team and my field worker was exceptional. The office staff were always friendly and helpful with resources, ideas and activities for the volunteers. The Homestay was clean, friendly and ideally situated.

I fell ill within the first few days of arrival, and needed hospital and close monitoring. From the moment I called my fieldworker, she moved me to their preferred Clinic which resulted in top standard care with an English speaking doctor. She was always checking in on me to ensure I was happy and getting the best care.

I would highly recommend this volunteer organisation and also the Travel Insurance they suggest.