Program Reviews

I've done a lot of traveling and volunteering over the years, but this experience was far more rewarding than I'd anticipated. I chose IVHQ after a friend mentioned it to me. The more I read about the opportunities, the more I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The Galapagos projects available were unique and impactful. I loved the fact that we would be helping the islands remain as they always had been with regards to wildlife, ecosystem, and the environment. IVHQ checked all the boxes to make my experience safe and easy. I encourage EVERYONE to volunteer with them at least once. I met many like-minded people in the program that I will be friends with for life.

Travelling all the way to Tanzania from Canada was one of the scariest experiences of my life. My first time on a plane, my first time, leaving my country and doing it all by myself.

When I first arrived in Tanzania, I was shocked with how beautiful the country was. I was picked up from the airport by the local team and took back to my volunteer house where I was able to meet the house mamas and the rest of the volunteers. Everyone was so kind and so nice and if you ever needed anything each and every person there was more than willing to help you. For the first month that I was there, I volunteered in a daycare. I remember the first day that I walked in in all of the little faces and smiles when they got to see you in the hugs that met you instantly without them even knowing you for more than 10 seconds it was from that moment on I knew that this was the best decision of my life that I could’ve ever made. Each day I spent there. I’d wake up excited in the morning to be able to go to my placement and experience the days that I got to with the kids getting to learn more about them their interest getting to hear them yell my name as they heard my footsteps coming up the stairs to the door.

After my first month wanted to branch out more and experience what it would be like to volunteer at one of the schools. I thought that I had already made the best decision of my life, but it got even better and I didn’t know how it was possible spending my second month at the school definitely was the right decision as I never knew how much I needed the kids in my life that I met there. I was lucky enough to get to teach grade 5, and I will never forget their names their eyes their smiles in their hearts. every day that I get to school they’d all come. Running to the door and fight about who got to carry my water bottle in my bag to the desk to sit down. They would get so excited about me being there and asked what I was going to teach them that day and I don’t think they realized how much they were teaching me. The hardest part of my whole experience was having to leave after creating a home there that I would forget keep in my heart.

i just turned 18 and wanted to do something fun. so i looked up places to volunteer, it’s easy to find friends and explore new things, but it’s also a cheap way to travel. so i found a website where you can go volunteering in buenos aires. and i’m telling you: buenos aires is one of my fav cities now, i loved everything about the project and the people were the best i’ve met. i’ve made so many new friends from all over the world in just a short time. i experienced so many different things and saw also places you’d never go if you’d be on vacation. the accommodation was great, the breakfast was really nice and our local coordinater was really kind and chill. it was the best time on life so far!! i learned a lot about myself and grew. and that’s why i’d recommend to go alone. so please go if you’re thinking about it!! you’re not gonna regret it, i’ll promise.

I felt very supported while in Fiji, I had no trouble finding where I needed to be. The local staff was amazing and even with Visa changing right before my trip I had guidance through each step of the process. We were well provided for, and I had a lot of fun meeting a ton of new people while there. The opportunities to experience the culture there and also have local guides was the way to go. You are able to do as much or as little as you would like, and days are extremely flexible outside of school hours. As someone who has never really traveled outside of the US much, especially solo, I would highly recommend!

I absolutely loved the entire three-week experience, starting with our time in Ubud during culture week, where I got to fully immerse myself in Balinese traditions, daily life, and such a unique atmosphere. It was an incredible way to learn and connect on a deeper level. Afterwards, being in Nusa Penida for the marine conservation part made the experience even more special—working with nature and contributing to something meaningful was truly rewarding. On top of that, I met so many kind and inspiring people along the way who I now genuinely consider my friends 🤍

IVHQ did a great job preparing us for the trip. Everything was professional, well organized, and clearly communicated, so we always knew what to expect. That level of preparation made the entire experience feel smooth and stress-free from the very beginning.

Once in Costa Rica, the local team at Maximo Nivel was excellent—organized, supportive, and always available if we needed anything. Our host family was incredibly kind and welcoming, and sharing meals and daily routines with them made us feel like part of the family.

Most importantly, working with the children was incredibly rewarding. Being part of their school day, sharing cultures, and simply bringing smiles to their day made a lasting impact on us. We would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.

The support from IVHQ was excellent. They made sure we were ready for our trip and we knew what we would encounter. It was easy to reach them by email and were always happy to answer. I would defenitly recommend this program and tell people not to doubt themselves and jump in the experience. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life. It also changed me as a human being. Since you live like a local, you get to experience the country in another way. It opens up your eyes on realities you are not used to.

I had a really positive experience with this volunteer organization. The application process was simple and easy, and I felt very supported from the start with lots of helpful information about living in Portugal.

The program itself was very hands-on and even more meaningful than I expected. I originally thought I would only be working with the children, but I also had the opportunity to connect with the young moms. Being able to share experiences and build those relationships made the experience so special.

Overall, I absolutely loved the program and am very grateful for everything it offered.

Okey. I learned about new country, met new people and connected with them. It was my first experieces like a volunteer in abroud. So I had more funny time. Also I went to trips and I discovered new places. I learned how is it in another country works in medical program. I have new view on my job. I have more patience and new friends. I am a solo travel and I stepped out of my comfort zone. I learnted to use another types of materials and found new methods of extracted tooth. I learned that nothing is for granted.

I want to begin by expressing what an incredibly fulfilling and life-changing experience these past two weeks have been. I had the privilege of joining the childcare program in Arusha, Tanzania, and from start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations.

From the moment I registered and paid my program fees, the level of communication and support I received was outstanding. As this was both my first solo trip and my first volunteer experience, having clear guidance and reassurance was extremely important to me. Every question I had—no matter how small—was answered promptly and thoroughly, which gave me so much confidence leading up to my departure.

Despite the time difference, the team remained consistently responsive and helpful. I was provided with detailed, step-by-step instructions on everything from applying for my visa to preparing the necessary documents, along with a comprehensive program guide outlining essential items to bring, vaccination information, and what to expect at the volunteer house. Every detail was thoughtfully covered, leaving me feeling fully prepared.

As my trip approached, the Zoom call was another highlight—it addressed additional questions and helped me feel even more at ease. The level of organization and care put into every stage of the process truly set this experience apart.

This journey has impacted me in ways I cannot fully put into words. It has opened my eyes, filled my heart, and inspired me to continue volunteering as a meaningful part of my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity and excited to share my experience with others. I sincerely hope to continue participating in future programs and making a difference through this incredible organization.