Program Reviews

As a 16-year-old, I can say that volunteering in Sri Lanka through the IVHQ was one of the best things I have ever done, the local team made me feel safe and secure and made sure I had fun volunteering and I felt I had made some what of an impact towards wildlife doing what I did. Overall my favourite thing about this trip was getting up close to one of my favourite exotic animals, I would have never thought I would get an opportunity like this in my life, if you’re thinking about volunteering and you’re also underage and feel nervous about it and aren’t sure, just do it. You won’t regret it. I cannot recommend IVHQ more and will definitely be volunteering again one day.

I loved my experience in Peru. My coordinator and local team were constantly helpful and gave me all of the support I needed. Traveling to a foreign country is scary, yet they helped me feel constantly safe. I loved helping in a local womens and childrens shelter and soup kitchen. We helped prepare meals for the very poor in a part of Lima. We also helped take care of children as their parents were fleeing dangerous situations. They loved playing "Just dance" and other games. I would love to go again and stay longer!

Amazing experience. My team was exceptional providing a lot of fun and the ability to give back. It was life changing. I learned how to live by myself travel by myself and work with so many amazing people. Also incredible to witness how many people care and love you. I feel so blessed to have met all these people and feel grateful that I’m able to be part of this group and excited for the future cause I definitely want to travel with IVHQ again. So much to say very few words, but I will continue to share that they have taught me trust and also patience not everything is at your time and come from the US so I had to learn to just wait but it wasn’t that long and honestly it was worth it so I’m just grateful for being part of this amazing group and to be part of a community and the connections were incredible. The group leaders were there for you if you needed anything and if you felt that you were lonely or sad, you always have that support of the group to be there and the participants came from all over the world. I was learning so much from them and I was just appreciative that I was able to Fly from so far away by myself and be with a wonderful group that just knew that you were gonna be OK and you’re not gonna be by yourself and you can figure out things and if there’s anything that you need from anybody, they were always person and forthcoming able to help you.

This was my second volunteer program with IVHQ and again it was wonderful! I love learning about another culture through hands-on work and meeting other volunteers from across the world and learning from them. I really enjoyed the construction projects because we could immediately see how we were making a difference.

Our accommodations were great (including a swimming pool) the food was terrific and we had enough free time to participate in local tourists activities. We loved the beaches in the area and also the many markets.
I highly recommend!

I am a young, female, solo traveller and figured I’d be safest going through a company and stumbled across IVHQ. I wasn’t sure what to expect from my trip to Tanzania, but I felt at home as soon as I arrived there. Everyone is extremely welcoming from arrival and I could not have asked for a better local team to hand. They were so helpful, replied to any queries promptly and made the experience run so smoothly for me. They are super flexible with your travel needs and incase you fall ill, they provide a lot of support. I was able to travel to Zanzibar during my time there (somewhere I have always wanted to go) and I had free time to relax by myself also. I made friends from all over the world, whom I still have contact with a couple months later and we are planning to meet up at some point!

The first weekend I got to experience my first safari, the second weekend I visited Zanzibar, and the last weekend I got to visit a coffee plantation, Chegga Tribe Cave tour and the Chemka Hot Springs, all of which were phenomenal.

Honestly, I would go back in a heartbeat, I loved every second and would recommend to anyone and everyone!! :)

IVHQ met & exceeded my expectations😃

For my 1st volunteer trip abroad, flying solo, I was pleasantly surprised by how everyone remotely and locally, took my safety and comfort into consideration.

The orientation was thorough prior to arriving. Additionally, very welcoming when I got there. I was impressed with the IVHQ staff who not only came on the bus with me the first day but also came to visit me MORE THAN ONCE while onsite to ensure I was OK.

The accommodations hostess went out of her way to ensure all of my crazy dietary needs were met. Everything was comfortable and clean.

Thank you, IVHQ team. I am a grateful Canadian who hopes to share more enjoyable care experiences. 🇨🇦

Volunteering with IVHQ in Tanzania, Africa was hands down one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both the local Team and the community. The support system they provide is outstanding, ensuring that you have everything you need to make the most of your volunteer experience.

The programs offered by IVHQ in Africa are diverse, impactful, and deeply rooted in local needs. I volunteered in a rural community, where I worked alongside local staff in a local daycare. The opportunities to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and contribute to the community, made the experience so much more than just volunteer work—it was a chance to build meaningful connections and immerse myself in a new environment.

The Local team provided excellent orientation and support throughout, which helped us feel safe and confident during our time in Africa.

The living conditions were simple, but comfortable, and we were encouraged to adapt to the local lifestyle, which made the experience feel more authentic and connected. The food was always fresh and delicious, and the accommodation was clean and well-maintained.

Aside from the volunteering, the cultural immersion was incredible. The weekends were filled with opportunities to explore local wildlife, vibrant markets, and even go on safari in the Serengeti! The local team and our coordinators also encouraged us to learn a few words in the local language, which truly helped in connecting with the community on a deeper level.

The program gave me the chance to be a part of something greater than myself while making lifelong memories and friendships. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back while also experiencing the beauty of Africa, I cannot recommend IVHQ enough!

I found this website after going on a trek in the Himalayas in January 2024. I fell in love with the country and the people and wanted to return and do some volunteer work. I found IVHQ on the internet and with the variety of programs they offer around the world I was able to return to Nepal and booked a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary in Chitwan. It was a magical experience. You learn such a lot about these wonderful animals and the hosts at the sanctuary were so gracious. It was a very rewarding experience.

Volunteering in South Africa was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. I worked in childcare, and while entering disadvantaged communities can feel overwhelming at first, the local staff provided incredible support, education, and guidance every step of the way. They helped me process the emotions that came with witnessing inequality and hardship while also showing me the strength, resilience, and joy within these communities.

Safety was a top priority, and I never once felt unsafe. The staff ensured we were well-prepared, educated about local customs and realities, and always looked after. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to answer questions made a world of difference, allowing me to focus on the work and the connections I was building.

Seeing the impact we could have, even in small ways, was truly life-changing. The children’s laughter, the warmth of the community, and the bonds I formed with fellow volunteers and staff will stay with me forever. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I highly recommend this program—it will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a new perspective on the world. IVHQ prepared me for everything. While some parts were a shock at first, it was nothing that wasn’t already discussed before arrival. I felt prepared months in advance and my program managers support was unmatched. I would highly recommend IVHQ for any volunteering program abroad.

Working alongside the guides in a game reserve was very satisfying and educational. The guides were very eco conscious to the point of not driving over a line of ants or a dung beetle. They were very clear every living thing had a purpose and a place. Our on site coordinator was top notch on communication, organizing the outings for the weekends and verifying transportation needs.
The work was physical, including shoveling dirt, using a pick ax, loppers and weed whackers ( not mechanical), and weeding by hand. We learned to read animal tracks to know where certain animals were, build rock dams to help prevent erosion after rains, clear shrubs and saplings encroaching on game drive tracks. The work was hard, but short, especially when the sun became too hot. The weekly visit to a local school was interesting and the teachers very thankful for supplies we brought, and our work in weeding and clearing the playing field. We saw so many animals it became almost mundane to see the impalas, zeebra and giraffes. But so rewarding!