Program Reviews

Hard to put this experience into words really! The most amazing team. Couldn’t have made this journey any easier for me. Completely fell in love with the people, the place and of course the culture. Felt so so welcomed into the community, everywhere you went you were greeted with a smile, and pure happiness from the Locals. Made some real friends for life, and got to meet the most amazing children. Cant wait to book my flights back, and get back to doing it all over again. Thank you IVHQ!!!!!!!!

Incredible experience from start to finish, I don’t have just one word to explain my trip to Kenya. But what I can say is that it was truly life changing in so many ways.

I have made friends for life, and had experiences that I’ll never be able to forget.

The entire process is planned perfectly, I always felt safe and received prompt responses to any question's I had. My host family in Kenya were incredible and for the cost of my entire trip I couldn’t believe how packed full of adventure it was. I loved every minute and can’t wait for my next adventure with IVHQ!

I went to Tobago to volunteer at a dog rescue shelter and it turned out to be a life changing experience. IVHQ provide all the advice, training and organisation needed for a successful trip. Once there, the orientation program and ongoing support are second to none, as provided by the local team. I would thoroughly recommend it. If you love the Caribbean and you love dogs, this is the volunteering opportunity for you. The locals are super friendly and the local food is delicious plus evenings can be spent on the beach watching the sun go down.

I initially opted for a teaching experience but finally ended up with the special needs initiative. As forewarned, the conditions are indeed austere (think doorless toilet, malfunctioning heater and toilet flush, leaking pipes) and the food is staple-centric. But working with the people who love unconditionally when you show them love was truly a great experience. I was initially a little nervous as the special needs group can be extremely warm towards you and this is my first encounter. Overtime, I've come to see them as little kids (not so little) who just want someone to pay them 1on1 attention. In the 5 days, we taught them some English greetings, a Singapore dance and some maths. In return, they taught us that it takes so little to be happy.

I am looking forward to my next one.

Where do I even begin. This trip was absolutely the best time I have ever had! The staff was so wonderful. Every single person there felt like family. The accommodations were so nice and amazing to have a private room. The food..wow it was unreal!! Still dreaming about it. Getting to spend time with the big 5 everyday was something I can’t even put into words. Truly amazing planet we live on. Crazy how many animals we saw every single day! I would have spent a year there if I could. And all of the amazing amazing friends I made. Never not look back and smile. If you are thinking about it. Stop what you’re doing right now and sign up. You will not regret it!!!!!

Hi all!
I was there volunteering for the sea turtle project over the course of 2 weeks in January. I have to say this is so far my absolute favorite place but it has kicked off my travel bug. It is incredibly safe with a island population of 2,500 people. The project consisted of relaxing beach walks in the morning and night looking for nests as well as beach clean ups and giving the beach a much needed refresher. With new land marks indicating different sections of the beach. During my free time I surfed a few times with the very friendly locals as well as amazing snorkeling with seals, turtles, and yes PENGUINS. All in all this was such a fun trip. Anyone who is thinking about going go to the Galapagos all I can say is DO IT you won't regret it.

IVHQ made a lifelong dream of mine come true—to work with elephants at sanctuary. The staff had great resources to prepare volunteers for their respective volunteer projects including country specific information. The in-country team also went above and beyond giving a great orientation to the country and making sure we had everything in place to get to our project placements. My conservation project was an amazing experience—blessed once again to have a great organization to work for and comfortable accommodations. I’m hoping to do another project through IVHQ in the future.

Travel to Bali with an open mind and participate in as many cultural events as possible. Enjoy the opportunity to be among very kind people and leave with the commitment and intention to spread more kindness and gratitude in the world. IVHQ set up an amazing, 2-week volunteer experience for 10 college students and myself. Our activities included a balanced mix of cultural activities, community engagement/volunteer experiences, and exploration time. Thanks to the local teams and IVHQ, our groups were highly organized and prepared for each trip.

I volunteered through IVHQ in the Sports Education program for 4 weeks in Korotogo Fiji and had the time of my life! This is the first time I have traveled out of the country by myself as well as it being my first volunteer trip and I would 100% recommend this program! The Local team was amazing and always went the extra mile to insure you were having a good experience, great meals, and coordinated amazing excursions for the volunteers. You really feel like you join their family upon arrival! The programs were all very organized and straight forward with clear guidelines to help you prepare for your contribution! Living alongside the locals and being able to really immerse yourself in the culture and community is absolutely incredible and makes leaving the program so bittersweet! If you are looking to gain a new outlook on life, learn more about yourself or another culture, or have a passion for helping others I would highly encourage you to sign up for a volunteer trip through IVHQ!

Would definitely recommend! I’m 18 and this was my first time solo travelling so it was great that volunteering in Nepal felt safe but still adventurous and exciting and I got to be fully immersed in a new culture. Teaching the women was difficult at times but also rewarding and fun and the women are so endearing and eager to learn. Staying with a local family was great - they were so hospitable and kind and the food was fantastic! A great way to experience the culture while having homely comforts.