Program Reviews

In February 2024, I embarked on my first ever solo travel adventure - Volunteering in Tanzania for a month with IVHQ. I loved every minute of my time in Africa, the local team and coordinators were very kind and incredibly helpful! The accommodation was good, and the all of the staff, especially the "Mamas" at the house were incredibly friendly and very welcoming. There were lots of extra activities to do in the evening and the 4 day safari in the Serengeti is an experience I will never forget!
I can't wait for my next adventure with IVHQ and would highly recommend them to anyone thinking of volunteering abroad.

I thought I might be to old for this (I am 65). I was wrong. I was the oldest on our team and it was so much fun interacting with the younger people, it gave my new perspective on a lot of things going on in the world. Witnessing the turtles lay eggs was amazing. This program survives with the volunteer program due to lack of funding. The support team was awesome and I felt safe the entire time I was there. I got the international plan with my phone and it worked great everywhere I went. If you are thinking about going, do it now - life is short.

I could not recommend volunteering abroad enough. It was such a great experience and truly has changed my view on the world. It is such an eye opening experience that pushes you outside of your comfort zone in all the best ways. It allows you to branch out from what you are used to and gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn more about yourself while getting the chance to meet so many amazing people. I felt so included everywhere I went and have gained so much confidence from this trip. I hope everyone gets the chance to be involved in an experience like this because it truly is life changing and will give you such a greater appreciation for life itself.

Volunteering within special needs communities offers a transformative journey of empathy, resilience, and societal impact. Engaging in activities that support individuals with diverse challenges fosters personal growth, cultivates essential life skills, and contributes to building more inclusive societies. Embrace the opportunity to make meaningful connections and foster a culture of acceptance and belonging.By volunteering with special needs populations, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also gaining valuable insights and experiences that can enrich your own life. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.

This is my 3rd trip with IVHQ and that speaks volumes. Right from when you sign up, you get immediate support and assistance. Once you get to the country you are volunteering in, as a solo female traveler, you feel safe and comfortable with the help and organization they provide. All the lovely people I have met at the local placements have been wonderful and helpful. Food is always delicious (one of my favorite parts!) and the added excursions in some of these trips are fantastic!!! I am already planning my 4th and 5th trips.

If you want to go on a trip that will transform your life for the better, enhance your understanding of the world, help people in need and make unbreakable connections, then IVHQ Ghana is the trip for you!
The team there treat you like family. They cook with love, tell you about the best sites to see, share aspects of their culture to you with detail, help you get the best price for whatever you need and so much more. Also the team prior to departure provide you with all the support you need. I needed to arrive early due to flight scheduling and they made that happen in such a stress free way. My recent trip with IVHQ was my second! I can’t wait for third trip and the many more after that!

I can not thank you enough for my time shared in Ho Chi Minh City on the food outreach project.
The whole experience was fantastic from start to finish, I have already registered for my next program, that shows just how wonderful things were.
I ate things that were different from the normal things I eat. The strangest thing was a big snail & I liked it!
I experienced a lot of different Vietnamese culture & I especially loved the coffee. (I took two coffee making classes)
I arrived back in the U.K. last night & I am already missing my daily coffees.

I was happy to have this experience volunteering in a community outreach program for elders from the Kakchiquel Maya community in Guatemala. I felt that I was able to both use my nursing skills and make a difference in my patient's lives. I believe that I was able to convey that I care about them as well. I would love to return in the future. I was able to schedule some fun side trips on the weekends such as a trip to the Pacific ocean, with a tour through the mangroves; a trip to a nearby coffee "finca," a trip to Pacaya volcano, and a trip to the markets at Chichicastenango.

What made my experience great?
First of all, the amazing, motivating and very competent guides. Secondly the extraordinary team, that was always cheerful, helpful and there for us. Third the place. I mean Vic Falls, the energy there is very strong and powerful. You can recharge your power, hopefully for all your life. This experience will make you shine as a person. Im so grateful that I could be a part of it!
I learnt a lot about Fauna and Flora, about living with less and being happy. I was living in the moment.

IVHQ is transparent online and gives a great overview of programs. They were quick and eager to respond regardless of time differences and answered thoroughly and wholeheartedly. I really appreciated their willingness to change my program from teaching english to childcare, it reduced a lot of stress. I felt so safe and cared for especially as a first time solo female traveller at 18! The program had so much support and choose a wonderful company, Maximo Nivel, to oversee everything. Having in country support was vital to feeling comfortable for me! Thank you!