Program Reviews

Being able to give back with no strings attached was a truly beautiful feeling seeing all those grateful for our services. this unique experience also gave me a chance to really learn and connect with the culture as I was safely able to live amongst the locals. Everything was organized from the beginning and there was always access to communication for any concerns. This is a perfect trip to go solo or with friends as you meet many interesting people from all walks of life. I had an amazing time and will definitely be doing another mission through IVHQ.

I decided to volunteer through IVHQ because I wanted additional security and reassurance when volunteering abroad. Every step of the way IVHQ was helpful and easy to communicate with. I volunteered for 3 weeks in Arusha, Tanzania doing childcare. IVHQ connected me with the local team: THE (Tanzania Host Experience). The entire preparation process was made easy as IVHQ uses tools and reminders to ensure that you have everything covered. Any issues that arise the team was quick to communicate with us and have everything rectified. The local team in Arusha was amazing. Everything from accommodation, to transport and food was good quality and comfortable. I was able to fully be immersed into the local culture in Arusha because I felt safe to do so knowing that I had the support of IVHQ and THE. Volunteering with the children is an experience that I will never forget. They truly taught me more than I could have ever imagined about joy and resilience. Volunteering with IVHQ is definitely something I would recommend to anyone especially people in their 20’s if their family members may have concerns about them going abroad alone. IVHQ ensures that every concern is put to ease.

I’ve done 7 volunteer trips, 2 with IVHQ now and this experience was one of the best ever. And for so many reasons.

First of all, it’s the Philippines, one of the most beautiful island nations in the world The village, Tigman is on Palawan island, a quick hop from Manila, with all the pristine beaches we’ve all seen pictures of, but need to see firs hand.

The work itself, I did construction and renovation, was incredibly rewarding. We were building a brick wall near the school to keep little ones away from the ocean, and each day we could see the progress we made. Other volunteers were teaching at the village school or doing mangrove conservation and each evening we would all compare notes on what we accomplished.

The Local Team was the best I’ve experienced to date. Incredibly warm, inviting, appreciative of our contributions and genuinely lovely people trying to make a difference in their own country. They looked out for us, took our feedback with grace and made adjustment on the fly if volunteers wanted to get a taste of the other programs as well.

Finally, the other volunteers made it so fun! Ozzies, Brits, French, German, Israeli, American and Canadian (myself). Every night we would play games, go to the pub and were constantly laughing. Lifelong friends were made on this trip. (I’m Canadian so I appreciated the heat in January when it’s 25 at home!)

As is often the case, a bunch of us went to see what Palawan has to offer on the weekend and the Local Team hooked u up with affordable transportation to the beautiful Puerto Princesa and El Nido – scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping …

It was the most interesting experience of my life. The energy and friendliness of the young volunteers was contagious. The contact with children at school is unforgettable, every smile, every hug. More the effort of teachers to do a lot, with very little.

The place and the country are beautiful and grand. In our free time, we have the opportunity to visit the country and have unforgettable experiences. The insecurity and racism are shocking and I had to adapt to the food, but I am very grateful to all the people I had the pleasure of meeting

I thank IVHQ and O2E for their support. I wish everyone the best of luck.
Cristina João

I was hesitant at the start, pondering about all the negative things that could possibly happen on this trip. Especially when it was my first time ever traveling overseas and being 20+ hours away from home, and being on an island without knowing anyone. But I decided to go along with it despite the fear of the unknown, and will say that I’m glad I did. I did two weeks in the Philippines doing healthcare and the staff were wonderful and very attentive from the start at pickup at the airport till the end of my departure. They were always doing there best to exceed expectations and meet everyone’s needs to ensure everyone was comfortable and felt welcomed. The people who I have the privilege to be around with during my volunteering were definitely the greatest people that made this trip ten-times worthwhile! I will never forget the great experiences that came with volunteering at the Philippines.

Going into a volunteer experience you never really know what to expect and if your ever truly prepared for what your about to experience. I can happily say that the team at International Volunteer HQ provides you with so much support and guidance not only prior to your volunteer experience but during and after as well. Our volunteer experience was nothing short of amazing, the program we participated in was so fulfilling, the other volunteers we met will be lifelong friends and the local team were so helpful and caring. It really does just inspire you to be the absolute best person and make a difference where you can. To be experiencing something that can be so heavy, my heart is so full and I can’t wait to do another volunteer trip with IVHQ.

I did a 4 weeks sport teaching program in Ghana and it was such an incredible experience. The whole community in the village was very welcoming and work with kids was amazing and so fulfilling. The program was very well organized and everybody from school was helpful and supportive. The accommodation conditions were very basic, but we didn’t really need much more than that. The staff that was taking care of our stay was so lovely. They always made sure that the rooms and common areas are clean and that we have everything that’s absolutely necessary. I loved the food arrangement, when we were served proper, delicious meals three times a day and basically every day the menu was different. It gave us a chance to try a lot of homemade local specialties. I would highly recommend to go volunteering in Ghana.

This program is amazing and I couldn’t recommend it more! You meet amazing people from across the world and all come together to make a huge impact. Helping in the community allows you to have perspective on your own life and be grateful for what you have. The program prepared me before going and the program manager was always reachable if I had any questions. Go in with an open mind and you will have the most amazing time exploring the area with new friends. Your impact is greatly appreciated by all of the local team

This was my first time volunteering with IVHQ, and it certainly won’t be the last! I made some amazing friendships with people from the other side of the globe who also came to Nepal to make a difference. The local team surpassed my expectations—kind, always available with support and advice, and showing me all the little things I might have missed while exploring this beautiful country and doing the volunteering work. I also want to acknowledge my IVHQ manager who handled my case with professionalism and positivity. I truly believe I made an impact, and I will recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or nationality—even non-anglophones like me! Give it a try—it won’t disappoint you and can only add to your meaningful experiences in life!

I recently volunteered in Ghana through IVHQ, and it was truly an experience of a lifetime. As a third year nursing student, I took part in the Ghana medical program. From beginning to end, the local team was incredible. IVHQ was organized in every aspect. I was also able to express what I wanted to get out of this experience to the local team. They worked with me directly so that I could make the most substantial impact while still focusing on my requests. Thank you IVHQ for an amazing experience. I look forward to planning my next volunteer experience through IVHQ.