Program Reviews

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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.

I had an incredible time in costa rica! The people were so nice and friendly and I really enjoyed my volunteering placement there. I was working at an equine therapy barn. It was a lot of manual labour, a lot more than I thought, but it was really rewarding.

My suggestion for future volunteers would be to go with an open mind and not a have a certain task in mind of what you’re going to be doing. Whatever you’re doing it will be helpful and good but maybe not necessarily what you thought what you’re doing. Just remember that you’re making an impact and you’re doing some good.

I was picked up at the airport by sweet Gabi who was delightful. She made me feel at home immediately. The hostel, Impact House, was cute, clean and the location was perfect. My placement at the private animal shelter was truly rewarding. I walked dogs and helped maintain the premises. The little puppies were adorable.
On Saturday, a large group of volenteers took 30 puppies for a hike in the woods and to a beach. It was so much fun. I was able to explore Split, Croatia on my free time. I could walk everywhere . . . so very convenient. Croatia is a beautiful country and the people were lovely.
When I returned home I got a follow-up message from IVHQ asking how I was feeling after my experience 😅 . . . very thoughtful.
I look forward to my next volunteer experience with IVHQ.

OMG THE BEST! If you are looking for a fun, affordable, once in a lifetime trip - this is the way to do it! Not only did I get to volunteer and bond with the community, BUT also got to sight see and view the beautiful country I was in! I traveled to South Africa and was worried about making friends and finding community, but I walked away with the bestest friends. The kids are my EVERYTHING, and I miss them to this day! The ability to make such an enormous impact with little time is amazing, and at the end of my month there, I didnt want to leave!