Program Reviews

Absolutely life changing. I was so impressed by the local coordinator they did an unbelievable job. The placement was a great stay. Nothing special but it was clean and comfortable. Volunteering was great. The area we were working very much needed help and it felt like we made a significant impact.
The only issues was the food was a little disappointing. It was edible but some meals were very cold and unappetizing. I would also not go back as a guy alone. I met some great people but there were barely any guys volunteering in my week.
But overall it was a life changing experience to engage in a new culture and volunteer at the same time.

I had such an amazing time in Tanzania! I felt so welcomed, and it quickly felt like home. The staff was all so amazing, and they were very helpful with every need and question. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is thinking about going. It is truly a life changing experience. I was in the medical program, and I learned so much at the hospital I was placed in. Learning the culture in Tanzania was something I wasn’t expecting, but it was one of my highlights. If you are thinking about going, I would say do it because you will never regret it.

Volunteering with IVHQ was life changing! I really enjoyed immersing my self in the culture and learning from all the people I met! I even made friends with many of the other volunteers while there! IVHQ made me feel well prepared for my trip along with the local guides they are partnered with! I always felt safe and that I always had someone I could message with questions throughout my whole process. I will definitely be volunteering with them again in the near future! The program staff helped me the entire time I was there and even prior to the trip beginning. The trip was incredibly affordable! I was impressed with how affordable this trip was! It was one of the longest trips I have taken and it was also one of the cheapest! I felt safe the entire time as a solo traveler! This trip was amazing and I truthfully feel like I made an impact on the community I helped!

I could not have enjoyed my time volunteering in Bali, Nusa Penida, any more than I already did! Unless maybe if I’d stayed for longer. The local team and coordinators did everything they could to make everyone feel safe and comfortable during their stay. The food and accommodation was brilliant, so much so that I found myself looking forward to every meal. I met amazing people for the short time (2 weeks) that I was there- it was awesome to be able to connect with people that have similar ambitions and goals but who came from a completely different culture or place in the world. Volunteering with the turtles was incredible and I encourage you to ask as many questions as you can to get the most out of the time you’re there. The actual volunteering itself wasn’t too strenuous and I found myself having so much fun each day. My personal favourite was probably the crab catching! It usually involved lots of laughter and running down the beach.I’ve come away feeling as if I helped out, even in a small way, and with so much new knowledge that I’ll now carry with me forever. Definitely try out a programme if you can!!

This was one of the most fantastic experiences I have ever had. At first I was a bit anxious about volunteering in a foreign country where I didn’t know anyone, but the staff at IVHQ and the local team answered all of my questions before going and provided excellent online preparation.

All the documentation that needed to be completed before travelling was laid out very clearly, and the volunteer handbook does a terrific job of describing what to expect. I felt completely safe and supported the whole time I was on site.

Our local team frequently got together for meals and other activities so I felt like part of a team, but what I loved most was living with a local family and being part of the community. I was able to make a difference through my volunteer work, and at the same time I was able to experience personal growth through my connections with my hosts.

Most of the volunteers at my location were university students, but there were a few like myself who are either retired or close to retirement. My only regret was that I didn’t know about IVHQ sooner! I will definitely be volunteering again.

It was life changing, everyone should do it, it has been my dream for 30 years and I am glad that I finally did it. I have already signed up for another in April of next year. I wish that everyone could take the time to fill their dreams. I would have done so many things different in my life had I done this sooner. Life is short live your dreams and help others. I am planning on doing some kind of volunteering ever year as long as I am able. take time for yourself and others every time you have a chance life is too short to wait until tomorrow.

I had an incredible experience volunteering with sea turtles in Bali. As it was my first time volunteering abroad by myself , I did not know what to expect. However , the local team were so kind and helpful and were having such a great impact on the sea turtle population. Days involved cleaning the turtles and their tanks , beach cleaning sometimes and crab catching. All meaningful activities. The rest of the time was our own to explore the area , relax or have fun with the friends we had quickly made.The food prepared by the local team was delicious too. It was hard at times , especially travelling by myself but completely worth it. Any advice i would give would be to definitely use an E-Sim because it was so much easier than an actual one :)

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.

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.

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