International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Program Reviews

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Paris
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience with a great company

I recently went through IVHQ to volunteer in Fiji, it was my first time volunteering and I really did not know what to expect. IVHQ was such a great choice and I’d recommend it to anyone. They have so many volunteer options in so many locations, the volunteer program leader was so useful and responded quickly to any of my questions, I was given a program guide that was thorough and covered everything I needed to know and I felt supported through the whole process. I also had compared IVHQ to other volunteer companies and felt that IVHQ was well priced and clear on how the money was used. I am already planning my next trip with IVHQ!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Go all in! You’re going to meet lots of new people, try lots of different foods and learn about a whole new culture. Embrace everything and make the most out of it!
Pros
  • Great support through IVHQ
  • Incredible cultural experience
  • Unbeatable price
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Leonardo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteering in Vietnam

My local team were so friendly and welcoming - I felt part of the family! My coordinator for the medical placement was very knowledgable and made the whole process so smooth and enjoyable. I gained so much experience and knowledge through this medical program and it was extremely eye-opening to witness the hospital conditions in a bustling city. I was able to gain hands-on experience in physical therapy settings and could watch surgeries be performed in the operating room. I can't recommend volunteering through IVHQ enough!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Eel sausage
Pros
  • Strong friendships created with other volunteers
  • Good balance between volunteer work and free time
  • Lots of hands-on opportunities at the hospital
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amber
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My volunteer experience in Cordoba, Argentina

Support from the online coordinator was great, always replied to emails soon and with helpful answers; and the local team was so friendly and kind and really made it feel like home! This was my first time volunteering so I was fairly unsure of what to expect but I enjoyed it so much and would definitely go through IVHQ again! I initially joined to do childcare, In my first week I helped out at a kid’s camp but due to that camp ending the local team was really helpful and quickly found me another placement to volunteer at that would suit me. meeting new people in the homestay was great and you quickly become friends with them for the trip or to also keep in contact after. I loved being able to have free time to choose what to do and where to go and being able to visit amazing places and immerse myself in a new culture!

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Richard
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Host family was fantastic!

Best part of this trip was getting to experience the culture of the Argentinian people by living with the host family. No better way to learn about a new country than to spend time with the locals. Even got to attend an Argentinian futbol game with the family. That was crazy exciting!

I had a few time constraints that normally would have been a problem with volunteering, but the volunteer programs in Cordoba (Argentina) were flexible enough to work out my issues. I was actually able to test a variety of volunteer programs.

I normally travel to new countries on my own, and save a lot of money that way. This program was more expensive than my usual travels, but I highly recommend.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Argentinian futbol game.
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Chelsea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Tanzania 🇹🇿

Everything about this experience is truly amazing! The placement, the accommodation, the food, the local team, the excursions and the friends you make for life! I’ve been home 1 day and already wishing I had done longer and hoping I get the opportunity to go back one day. If you’re thinking about doing it then do it it’s so worth it, It was even better than expected, I was abit worried going but I felt so safe during my stay with ivhq and onwards! Tanzania really has the most friendliest of people

What was your funniest moment?
There are too many funniest moments, the whole program from start to finish was amazing and had so much laughs but I really laughed while being in my placement playing with the children
Pros
  • Different culture
  • Making friends for life
  • Enjoying yourself
Cons
  • Not staying longer!
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Cynthia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Making an impact no matter how small

I chose community service, and I couldn't be happier to find out I was to help prepare meals for disadvantaged refugees and families in Athens. It felt so rewarding to be able to help in the smallest but most impactful ways. I only regret coming for a short period. I am grateful I got to do my first volunteering abroad with IVHQ, and for all the people I met along the way. I was able to make an impact no matter how small, but also got to enjoy Athens after my shifts. I can't wait to do it again!

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Alessia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Volunteering in Tanzania

I had the honor and opportunity to volunteer in Tanzania, in the childcare program for three weeks and it was the best experience of my life. The local team made me feel at home. this experience has allowed me to make new friends and grow. I learned a lot, especially to appreciate the little things around me and it stirred up new positive emotions. I came into contact with different cultures, but very close at the same time to my own, and I loved everything! I would like to thank the local team and coordinators for their helpfulness, support, and presence was crucial during this trip It was a great experience, one to do at least once in a lifetime, which I recommend to anyone!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
One of the typical foods in Tanzania: Chipsi Mayai. Potatoes and eggs with vegetables and ketchup. When I saw it, I thought "what is that?" But in reality it was a pleasant discovery, I fell in love with it! It's really good!
Pros
  • Getting in touch with a culture different from my own
  • The proximity of the volunteer house to our school
  • The food cooked was very good
Cons
  • The too little time, I was there three weeks but I should have stayed longer
  • The volunteer house I was in may have been too big, too many people
  • Some mosquito nets had holes in them
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Ghiya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Experience

My experience was Incredible. The team was very responsive and I felt more than prepared before traveling. My preparation tasks were clear and organized. The local team that accommodated me was friendly and welcoming. I was always accompanied by one of the coordinators to ensure my safety and comfort. the volunteer experience (Childcare) was extremely rewarding. I made some amazing memories and felt like I left a lasting effect by volunteering.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be open to new things and try to live the experience like a local!
Pros
  • Discovering a new country
  • Meeting new people from around the world
  • Volunteering and making a positive impact
Cons
  • Na
  • Na
  • Na
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Lucia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

3 months in Bali

I learned many lessons during the 3 months that I spent in Bali. Everyone was amazing from day one. It is great how you can meet people who have the same values as you and share a lot of qualities. I teached English in Ubud for 3 months and I learned just what I needed to. The locals in Bali have the best energy, always smiling and greeting you with the best attitude. I never felt unsafe on my stay. The food is pretty good. I made longtime friends that I know will last forever. The staff is incredible at green Lion and the rooms are more than clean. Truly the best experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Do not feel scared of little details or questions we often overthink like: Is it okay if I go alone? Where will I sleep? Will I meet new people? Just simply DO IT!
Pros
  • Learning other situations in life and being grateful with what you have
  • Meeting amazing new people and staff, feeling a lot of freedom
  • Finding yourself
Cons
  • The food can be repetitive
  • The weather can be too hot
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Pardis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ- Great Program

I really enjoyed volunteering through IVHQ- I felt that they properly prepare and train volunteers, and set us up with great local teams in our host countries. I spent 3 weeks in Cusco, Peru, volunteering at a childcare program with my best friend from college, so it is also a great program to do if you are a solo traveler or traveling in a smaller group. Overall it was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to do another program with them! Could not recommend IVHQ enough, especially to younger travelers!