Program Reviews

I am so thrilled to have been part of this life changing experience volunteering in an overseas country. The local team was a great support throughout the adventure and were ever ready to help with any queries. It felt great to be directly contributing to an initiative that was helping the local community. Meeting with the children was also one of the best parts of the experience which made the impact feel tangible. In the school we were involved in various tasks such as tiling, scabbing, painting, form work etc.

I volunteered in Hua Hin, Thailand, for 12 weeks and had the most amazing time. This experience was my first time solo travelling anywhere, so at first I was very nervous. However, when I arrived all the staff and volunteers were very welcoming and made the volunteer centre feel like home. All the volunteering activities were well organised and transportation was perfect. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and the food was always tasty. If anyone is debating volunteering abroad, I would definitely recommend using IVHQ as their staff were helpful every step of the way and offered great support to make the process easy.

My experience with ivhq was nothing short of incredible. The local team and coordinators in Fiji offered 100% support and were so incredibly welcoming for me and others staying there. The volunteering itself was fun, safe and relatively organized. The food was great, vibes were great and we had such a chill and fun time. Be prepared to want to stay forever. I would go back to Fiji in a heartbeat. I would definitely recommend this trip to solo travellers who are looking to experience different cultures and experiences!

My IVHQ experience in Tanzania last year (2023) was truly the best adventure I've ever had. At 17 years old, it was a bit daunting to be in a foreign country without my parents or friends, but the local team made me feel right at home. The coordinators were incredibly supportive and helped me with any issues that arose.

One standout moment was when my credit card got swallowed by an ATM, and thanks to the prompt assistance from the coordinator, I was able to retrieve it from the main bank. This experience highlighted the dedication and reliability of the local support team.

My placement involved working with the sweetest kids, and I had a blast interacting with them every day. Despite occasional delays due to transportation issues with the drivers form the local team of the programm assigned to us (other 16 and 17-year-olds), which occasionally made us late for our placements, it was a minor inconvenience given the overall positive experience.

One of the most memorable aspects of my IVHQ trip was the friendships I formed with people from all corners of the globe. The bonds we forged and the adventures we embarked on together are cherished memories that I will always hold dear.

Additionally, the excursions offered were truly spectacular. From visiting hot springs and waterfalls to enjoying sunset hikes and safaris, each experience was mesmerizing and breathtaking. These outings added a special touch to my time in Tanzania.

The local cuisine was delicious, although different from what I was accustomed to, which occasionally led to stomach issues. However, this was easily remedied with some medication.

This experience has been incredibly enlightening, revealing my passion for working with children. Whether it's through education, psychology, social work, or another field, I'm eager to explore avenues that allow me to positively impact the lives of children and contribute to their growth and well-being.

Overall, my IVHQ experience in Tanzania surpassed all expectations, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and impactful volunteer opportunity abroad. It's an adventure of a lifetime that I will forever treasure.

I had a fantastic experience volunteering in Nepal through IVHQ, they give you all the information and preparation you need before you start your journey and are there with you all the way through it, they have great people working with them in all these other countries, you’re never short of people to turn to if needed. I learned so much about the Nepalese upturned by getting the chance to stay with a local family. I would highly recommend IVHQ and would definitely use them again if I were to volunteer in the future ☺️

The local team was really well organized and I felt so supported by both them and IVHQ. My coordinator routinely checked in prior to my start date to ensure I was all set and provide any assistance I may have needed. My volunteering experience in Antigua, Guatemala was an absolutely incredible experience. I found my volunteer placement to be very rewarding and felt like I was making a contribution. Additionally, the home stay had such an amazing vibe. All the volunteers had so much fun together and our host family was really nice and helpful.

Volunteering in Bali at 17 years old completely changed my way of perceiving life and impacting others in a positive way. The local team, the amazing friends i made, and the locals made me feel safe and completely at home, despite my age. Indonesia is a magical country, it has a beautiful energy and in every corner there is something to learn. I highly recommend the destination for all types of people who have an open mind and heart and specially, who are willing to leave their comfort zone. It's important to remember this is not a touristic trip. The experience changes when you invest all your energy in giving, and then you'll realize how much you're receiving as well. Being kind and open is the key. Having carried out my process with IVHQ was very simple, I was always very well advised and accompanied. If you have the chance, take it!

I was hesitant at first as it was my first time travelling solo - I cannot explain the build up of anxiety and nervousness leading up to my trip. But reaching out to the IVHQ team and the local team was the best thing I did - they were BRILLIANT and made my experience so comfortable. They were extremely accommodating and reassuring which I appreciated very much. Another thing they reassured me about what that I would meet others and make friends quickly - I just didn't realise how quick!! It was so great meeting like-minded people from all different ages, backgrounds and countries bonding through these amazing memories and experiences that we've shared together. Planning my next IVHQ trip as we speak !! :)

i had an amazing time in argentina. everyone was so lovely and helpful and i wish i could go back. the trip was definitely worth the money and it helped so much with improving my spanish which was one of my main goals. the accommodation was safe and comfortable and Nati and Pedro were amazing! the house is easy to get to by public transport and is near lots of amazing food places. my stay was only 2 weeks but i definitely want to come back in the future and stay for a longer time. thank you so much to everyone on the team!!

I had a wonderful experience from the first application to the follow up emails after returning home. I worked at the Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding center for 4 weeks. My fellow volunteers are now friends for life. The work involved preparing food for the tortoises, feeding them, and cleaning lagoons feeding platforms and corrals. We searched for baby tortoises in the adult corrals, and then helped weigh, measure, and mark them. We also helped keep the grounds tidy with planting and trimming hedges. We raked the gravel areas and swept sidewalks. I took advantage of most of the tours on Isabella, and enjoyed the stay with my host family, despite my limited Spanish. IVHQ and the local organization were extremely supportive, so I was well prepared, and supported when small issues arose.