International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Program Reviews

Lisa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Youth support

Children are my passion. This was a great experience for me. I loved helping others and gaining a rewarding experience for myself. IVHQ and the local team were great and always accessible. Meeting new people and seeing the world from a different point of view was an amazing experience for me. I would highly recommend this experience for anyone. I loved seeing the kids at school and assisting them during thier day. Thank you IVHQ for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I would definitely do this again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would love to do this again with more people my own age. At 58 years old, I would love to see groups of older adults together. Even if it was only once a year, it would be great for IVHQ to promote a group of older adults traveling together. Having young 18 year old on my trip was not my ideal situation, as we couldn’t share our experiences at the same level.
Pros
  • Great experience
  • Helping others
  • Gaining my own self reliance
Cons
  • Young adults (18 -20 year old ) in our group
  • At my age I wasn’t prepared for accommodations at a Hostel.
  • Not being prepaired for the different foods
Lara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience volunteering with ivhq

I had an amazing experience during this volunteer program and I am truly grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of it. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was welcoming and positive, which made it easy to connect with the other volunteers. I met many wonderful people and created friendships that I will truly value. Spending time with them helped me learn new things, share ideas, and see life from different perspectives.

Volunteering here made me feel more confident and proud of myself, knowing that I was able to contribute and make a positive difference. It was not only about helping others, but also about personal growth and learning more about teamwork, empathy, and collaboration.

The accommodation was excellent – very clean, comfortable, and well organized. Everything was even better than I expected, which made the whole experience much more enjoyable and relaxing after a day of activities.

Another thing that really stood out was the staff. They were always available whenever we needed help, extremely friendly, supportive, and ready to assist us with anything. Their positive attitude made everyone feel welcome and cared for.

Overall, this volunteer experience was incredibly meaningful for me. I had a lot of fun, learned valuable lessons, met inspiring people, and created memories that I will always remember. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to volunteer, grow as a person, and be part of a supportive and inspiring community.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice to future travelers is to come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Be ready to meet new people, step out of your comfort zone, and fully enjoy the experience. Don’t be afraid to communicate, share your ideas, and connect with the other volunteers, because you can create wonderful friendships and learn a lot from each other.
Pros
  • You learn a lot of new things
  • You make a difference
  • You make long term friendships
Cons
  • It can be quite expensive
  • It can be a bit scary for people who are introverted
  • It can be a but tiring
Lily
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A+ for IVHQ

IVHQ is great with communication and their follow ups process was amazing. The accomodation in Arusha, Tanzania is amazing, and the orientation that I got taken through was in depth and useful. They prepare you as best as they can and set you up for a great experience. The group calls on Zoom before the trip as well as the facebook group chats were also amazing. I would recommend IVHQ to future participants for structure, social connection, and a smooth and easy registration and onboarding process.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I absolutely loved goat curry! It's not something we eat where i'm from. But I love it!
Pros
  • Food
  • Social Connection
  • Environment
Cons
  • Other organisations charge less
Olivia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable and Rewarding Journey with IVHQ

My experience volunteering in Kenya through IVHQ was truly lifechanging. From start to finish, the program felt safe, well organised, and reliable, which made it easy to focus on the meaningful work I was doing in childcare. Supporting and connecting with the children every day was incredibly rewarding, and it opened my eyes to new perspectives and cultures. The local team was supportive and always available if I needed help, which made me feel comfortable and secure throughout the trip. Overall, IVHQ provided an unforgettable experience that not only allowed me to give back but also helped me grow personally in ways I never expected.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve racking part of the experience was arriving in a completely new country and not knowing exactly what to expect, especially when it came to meeting new people and adjusting to a different environment. At first, it felt overwhelming being so far from home, but I overcame it by staying open minded and reminding myself why I chose to volunteer in the first place. The support from the IVHQ team and the other volunteers also made a huge difference, as everyone was welcoming and understanding. As the days went on, I became more confident, settled into a routine, and started to feel comfortable, turning what was once nerve racking into one of the most rewarding parts of the trip.
Pros
  • Gained meaningful connections with the children and community.
  • Well organised and felt safe throughout the trip.
  • Personal growth and new cultural experiences.
Cons
  • Different living conditions
  • Saying goodbye when it was time to leave
  • Initial culture shock and nerves at the start.
Jayne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend IVHQ for volunteer experiences

Absolutely recommend IVHQ for volunteer experiences.

I recently completed a medical program experience in Faridabad (Delhi) with IVHQ. I would absolutely use them again for any future volunteering I may do and certainly recommend them to anyone else thinking about trying volunteering.

The experience with IVHQ was excellent from the very beginning. Easy to use website. Clear information. Fair pricing. The preparation checklist left no room for errors and created a sense of confidence in the program and process before leaving home.

There was clear support before leaving, while away and follow up when arriving home. It makes you feel that IVHQ genuinely care about your experience which is a great thing.

We were well looked after in our home stay and had the best group during our stay. I’m 52, the eldest volunteer at the time was 77, the youngest 24, but we all had a common goal which is a great starting point.
If you are considering volunteering I’d say go for it! With a one week option in lots of programs you can’t go wrong. I absolutely loved my whole time away and have already started looking into my next trip.

What was your funniest moment?
Travelling to and from the medical clinic in a tuk tuk with music blaring in the crowded roads of Faridabad!!
Pros
  • A sense of making a positive difference
  • Meeting new people
  • Spending quality time with the friend I travelled with
Cons
  • More hours in the clinic or other opportunities would have been good
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Experience!

IVHQ is really well organized and finds great programs to volunteer for. My program in Thailand was absolutely amazing and I am speechless. Every program that I have booked through the International Volunteer HQ website has been through the local Green Lion Project and It has always been an amazing experience. From outstanding accommodations and food, to the lifelong friendships I have made through the programs I have done. I have gotten to experience so many diverse cultures and meet so many amazing people from all over the world.

What was your funniest moment?
We did a cultural connect night every Monday, where we would play cultural childhood games and get to know each other.
Kate
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Volunteer Experience

It was truly a meaningful and rewarding experience. I spent two weeks volunteering on a childcare project with International Volunteer HQ, and I only wish I could have stayed longer. From the beginning, I felt welcomed and supported, which made it easy to adapt and fully engage in the program.

Working with the children was the most fulfilling part. Every day was different, filled with activities, interaction, and genuine connection. Even the simplest moments felt meaningful, and their energy and warmth made the experience unforgettable.

This opportunity gave me a strong sense of purpose and helped me see the real impact of volunteering. It allowed me to step outside my routine, gain perspective, and grow personally. I also met people from different backgrounds who shared the same motivation to give back, which created a very positive and supportive environment.

The program was well organised, and the coordinators were always helpful and approachable. Although my time there was short, it left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to do more in the future.

Overall, it was an enriching experience that I would highly recommend to anyone considering volunteering.

What would you improve about this program?
I would suggest adding some add-ons to the program, such as a private bedroom upgrade, which would be ideal for more mature participants.
Pros
  • Great opportunity to make a real impact and gain new skills
  • Very rewarding experience working with the children
  • Supportive and well-organised program
Cons
  • The duration felt too short
  • Lack of private accommodation options
  • No major downsides – everything was very well organised
Yaritza
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Impactful experience

I had a very enriching and meaningful experience participating in the Delhi program with IVQH. Although my stay was only one week, the impact it had on me was significant, and I truly wish I could have stayed longer.

The clinic and the community it serves are located in an area with a great deal of need, which made the experience even more impactful. I felt very fortunate to connect with other volunteers who were incredibly kind, supportive, and passionate about the work.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Delhi. The environment was welcoming and supportive, and the accommodations felt comfortable and home-like. The program overall was well organized, which made it easy to adapt and focus on learning and contributing.

I especially valued the time spent in the clinic working with patients. Despite the language barrier, there was strong support for communication, which allowed for meaningful interactions and even the opportunity to learn a few words in Hindi.
Overall, this has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have had, and I hope to have the opportunity to return in the future.

Catherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Safe and secure! Made an valuable impact

Safe and secure. Made an impact from day one. Local team helpful at all times. Teachers at the Placement were welcoming and gave clear instructions on the work to do. They were at the same time Flexible. They were open to my ideas. My Host family was welcoming and adaptive. It was in a Safe neighbourhood. The Food were very good (légumes, vegetables, eggs, pastas,etc). I Had the time of my life. I Highly recommended the program of IVHQ in Nairobi, Kenya (child care). You will loved it I am sure if you to experience something different and rewarding

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be yourself! Trust the local team and enjoy!
Pros
  • Safe and secure
  • Made an impact
  • Clear instructions at place n
Cons
  • Nothing!
Ashley Guymer Profile Picture
Ashley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

First volunteer experience

This was my first volunteer experience and the team at IVHQ went above and beyond my expectations. I was well supported and kept up to date with all of the programs ins and outs. They were easy to contact and quick to reply, and offered endless guidance from the moment I signed on. The program was well organised and I met so many new people which was so daunting as a solo female traveller in her 40s. I cannot wait to book another experience with IVHQ! Make sure to chat with someone at IVHQ to find out more because they are so friendly and helpful.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the students came to school with hamsters in her pockets!
Pros
  • New friends
  • New experiences
  • Free time to explore
Cons
  • Limited food options