Program Reviews

Frankadua - Ghana is a village I will remember forever.
The people there is so happy and grateful for everything.
I got the opportunity to teach a new sport, floorball, in the village and see all the kids develop their skills.
So grateful for all the help from the local staff and the help before, under and after from IVHQ.
To get to know all the other volunteers was something I didn’t think to much about before, but it was such a big part of why the trip was so much fun.
The people in Frankadua continue to play floorball and to be the one to teach them really means so much for me. But it wouldn’t be possible without the crew from IVHQ.

The local team was amazing and friendly. Thoughtful to our concerns and needs. The program coordinator was also very helpful and attentive to our needs. The volunteers were also super nice and supportive. The local team was attentive to our special needs/requests. The orientation done with a local of the city was very important and it helped us to get to know the country a bit better and be vigilant in terms of safe zones and unsafe ones. The locals are also respectful and friendly to foreigners.

The volunteering was an amazing experience which I will always cherish, working with the dogs at the shelter and meeting other people really changes your outlook. We also had lots of free time so had the opportunity to explore the city and locations we were in so its such a great way to travel. Memories and friendships to last. The local team were very helpful and supportive throughout the whole time. I received regular emails beforehand about what to expect and how to prepare which was really useful. I loved all of it and will recommend to anyone.

Great local team and local people. From the moment we arrived at the volunteer house, the local team was always helpful and enthusiastic. Even when I got sick and had to go to the hospital, they responded right away, assisted me to the hospital and acted as a translator with the medical team for me. The local people in Ecuador were friendly and always willing to help me with my Spanish translations. The local metro is amazing and a cheap way to get around town fast. The site seeing tours we did, did not disappoint. They were relaxing, with amazing views and fun activities. Just remember to pack some toilet paper, cause not all the bathrooms have some. My only complaint is that the volunteer house is in a local neighborhood and not many taxi drivers knew how to get there so I had to be able to speak Spanish and give them directions to the volunteer house.

I have volunteered for years around the world with different groups. You cannot do better than IVHQ. Their organization skills are 5 star. Their attention to every detail from registration to travel arrangements to daily activities to the transition homeward is perfect. I chose the construction team in Luang Prabang, Laos. Working with the locals building, painting, repairing schools was rewarding. I loved seeing the physical results of my labors. I would join the team at Luang Prabang again and again. We worked hard and played hard. Our hosts escorted us to numerous breathtaking locations. They invited me into their home for dinner and a fun game called pétanque. The first thing I did when I got home was purchase my own pétanque game set. These good people changed my life in so many good ways.

IVHQ supported me in planning and executing my volunteer stay in a very professional way. The whole journey started with research on IVHQ's informative website. Planning was supported by a helpful phone call and a very structured and transparent process from registration via required admin work up to the point of departure and pick-up at the airport in Zambia. From the early start, IVHQ appeared as a competent and trustful partner and its staff was always available to address questions quickly and to the point. The local team was nice and supported in a pragmatic way to prepare my first teaching session at a local school. They assisted me in getting local currency, a local SIM card and provided me helpful information on when and where exactly to start, what to consider in terms of culture and what options there are in my free time such as additional optional volunteering activities and excursions. It was easy and straightforward to add another night after my volunteering time was over and on the last day, I could even do a late check-out without additional costs. The whole experience was overall well-planned, well-supported and it felt safe and comfortable. Well-done, insightful, fantastic memories and absolutely recommendable!

The headquarters and local team were so supportive. I felt like I had someone to talk to if I had issues or questions. The meals and accommodation were great and the people were so friendly and kind. I was very happy with my volunteer placement and the people I met will stay in my heart forever. I worked with wonderful volunteers. The IVHQ team was very responsive and helpful for all my needs and questions. It was my favorite volunteer trip so far. My only fear is I'm not sure how my next trip could top this one.

I volunteered in the Philippines for 2 weeks teaching English to kindergarten and Grade 3 kids. This experience was definitely the most humbling experience I have had so far in my life. Philippines is such a beautiful country with even more beautiful people. I was blessed to have such a lovely placement and meet such amazing people. I have made friends for life who I will sure meet up with when I travel to their countries. My coordinator was lovely and the local team were supportive and all amazing. I recommend this to anyone.

My Experience Volunteering with IVHQ in the Philippines was a time I will never forget. From the moment I landed I felt like I was home, like I belonged. I am already a hands on type of person and I fix cars for a living, so being able to learn how the people of the Philippines fix, build, and create their own tools with the resources they have was everything. I love helping people. Being able to serve people in Philippines and seeing the instant impact meant so much to me. The coordinator and staff in the Philippines made everything so seamless and fun. They are very hospitable, friendly, attentive and make the volunteer experience all around enjoyable, happy, and safe. Volunteering in the Philippines was the best decision I have ever made. I cannot wait to go back. The Philippines stole my heart. Mahal Kita Philippines.

I’ve been traveling the world since I was three years old and I’ve seen a lot of unique places. But I quickly learned that there is absolutely nothing more fulfilling than to volunteer your time globally with children, adults, and/or animals in need. It’s a life-changing experience for both yourself and those you are directly helping.

For many years, I’ve wanted to volunteer in India with children. I spent a great deal of time researching various volunteer organizations and NGO’s, looking for the right opportunity. During my extensive research, I was highly recommended to take my next journey with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) and it was nothing short of an incredible experience! Probably the most meaningful travel experience of my life!

During March 2024, I spent two inspiring weeks in Delhi and Faridabad, India — volunteering at a slum school, teaching children from the ages of 5-11 years old. It truly doesn’t get more meaningful than that! I taught English and helped the children with their homework, crafts, reading, math, and games. I also helped the school principal and their local teachers with various activities and structural needs. I chose to embark also on IVHQ’s “Intro Week” and it was the ideal way to become familiar with the Hindi language, Indian culture, traditional cuisine, and Delhi’s most beautiful landmarks and temples. I was lucky enough to celebrate Holi ('Festival of Colors’), their yearly Hindu festival of colors celebrating love, Spring, and Hindu mythology.

Our hostel felt more like a traditional Indian home (which I loved), and I was so grateful to have experienced Delhi with such an amazing group of volunteers from around the world. Living with others creates another dynamic and unique experience… for you’re never alone, or unsure of the next activity or your daily schedule. The Indian local team also created such a warm and culturally expansive living environment. You are cared for, and driven safely to/from your volunteer assignment and all over Delhi if you choose their “Intro Week.” For I miss them greatly! Their homemade Indian meals (3x a day) were absolutely delicious and their assistance, support and suggestions made this trip profoundly impactful.

The entire planning process and experience with IVHQ and the local Indian team felt easy and well-organized. I couldn’t be happier with my first experience in India and there is no doubt in my mind I will visit again! In fact, I’ve already begun planning a new IVHQ trip for next year!