Program Reviews

From the moment I had decided to book with IVHQ I was supported and given the necessary advice and help with all I needed to achieve a unique once in a lifetime opportunity!

I had an amazing time in Namibia- wildlife rehabilitation centre, made friends, had new experiences and developed my self confidence, communication skills and independence!

What a trip- memories I’ll have for ever and a time that I hold fondly in my heart! I would love to return and do it all again, maybe one day!

If you’re thinking about it - stop thinking!! JUST DO IT!! You won’t regret it!

Everything was very smooth and straight forward. They gave me all of the information I needed for my visa and all the contact information I would need once I arrived. Everything they said would happen, happened just as they said. Everyone was very welcoming, from the people who ran it to the village I was in. The location of service was great to assist. The team who took care of us in the house was very nice. They always checked in with is and even adjusted food as people requested. They all helped and control everything they could and supported us if there was anything they couldnt. It was an overall great experience and I cannot wait to do it again!

It was amazing! The program I did was so fun and fulfilling! And the staff at my house were so kindhearted and wanted to help with everything you asked/was wondering. It also felt very safe to be there, and it was always security around the house. The food was also so good! The staff there did a really good job with cleaning the house, making sure we had enough food etc. The transport there was also very good, and we always got the transport right away when we asked. It was also very easy to drive around and to get places fast. The people there are also very kind and always want to help you if you have a question.

Fue mi primer voluntariado; nunca antes había participado en uno y decidí hacerlo con IVHQ. Gracias a esta experiencia conocí un país nuevo y también un mundo que jamás pensé que conocería: el mar. Participar en actividades de conservación marina me permitió comprender una realidad que antes ignoraba; nunca imaginé que el océano pudiera contener toneladas de basura. Sin embargo, bastó con ayudar a retirar parte de esos desechos para darme cuenta de la importancia de cuidar este ecosistema. Al mismo tiempo, pude descubrir un mundo distinto, donde, a pesar de todo, solo se siente paz.

English:
It was my first volunteer experience; I had never participated in one before, and I decided to do it with IVHQ. Thanks to this experience, I discovered a new country and also a world I never thought I would see: the sea. Participating in marine conservation activities allowed me to understand a reality I had previously ignored; I never imagined the ocean could contain tons of trash. However, simply helping to remove some of that waste was enough to make me realize the importance of protecting this ecosystem. At the same time, I discovered a different world, where, despite everything, there is only peace.

My experience with IVHQ program was truly meaningful and life-changing. I felt welcomed by the community and learned so much through hands-on involvement, especially from the children, whose gratitude and respect left a lasting impression on me. The program was well-organized and supportive, making it easy to adapt and fully engage.

Overall, it was a rewarding experience that helped me grow personally while making a positive impact. The support from the program staff and coordinators also made a significant difference. They were approachable, organized, and always willing to help whenever questions or concerns arose. This support system made me feel safe and reassured, especially while navigating a new environment. Knowing that guidance was always available allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience without fear or uncertainty.

Overall, this program exceeded my expectations. It was not just a volunteering opportunity, but a life-changing journey that helped shape my outlook on the world and my role within it. I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering volunteering, especially those who are hesitant or unsure. While stepping into a new culture can feel intimidating at first, the growth, connections, and unforgettable memories that come from this experience are absolutely worth it. This program has left a lasting impact on me, and I will carry the lessons I learned here with me for the rest of my life.

I participated in a Teaching role for the Gold program in Ghana. The staff at the IVHQ compound were magnificent. They were professional and fun and could not have asked for more. The children I assisted in teaching grade 3 at Asempanaye M.A. Basic school I will never forget as well as the teaching staff there. The opportunity to assist in teaching these children was a gift to me. I learned as much from them as I hope I was able to impart to them. I look forward to another chance to return and repeat this again.

The staff who helped me prepare for this trip and those who assisted me during my stay were nothing but kind and enthusiastic to help. The cultural experiences offered and suggested made me feel truly immersed in the local community. The volunteer work felt quite impactful and everything was quite organized. The food and accommodations were beyond what I could have expected. I met so many amazing peers and made many lifelong friendships. All in all, it was a trip that impacted my life for the better.

As seasoned travelers and retirees, this was our 17th volunteer program, 14 of which have been with IVHQ. As we tell anyone that asks, we feel IVHQ does an EXCELLENT job communicating both up front and during the application, pre and during the volunteer process, vetting their diverse projects in over 50 countries. Their local team partners work seamlessly, so that the experience is smoothe. We have just finished our first Eco-Agriculture project, where we picked coffee, worked in the gardens, mushroom farm and saw the impact of our efforts first-hand. Working side by side younger volunteers is always rewarding as we mutually share experiences and travel highlights. Oh, and although there is an application fee in addition to modest room and board costs, we feel these are reasonable and provide great value in exchange for volunteering, meeting diverse people, and experiencing the local culture, while providing balance to what otherwise, would "just" be traveling. Anyone can do this! The structure is there, you simply need to be flexible, embrace the opportunity and give it a try.

My volunteer experience with IVHQ in Manuel Antonio was fabulous. As a young retireree, my goal is to travel with a purpose and this experience was what I hoped for. I felt that IVHQ prepared me very well to go to a developing country and the warm and respectful welcome of the Costaricains was incredible. It was to be expected that the comfort level wouldn’t be like home but even that was much better than anticipated. Overall, I would do it again but first, I need to improve my skills in Spanish. Costa Rica, I will be back! Pura Vida🫶

IVHQ was very easy to work with, from start to finish. As a senior woman traveling alone, I felt well taken care of. They picked me up from the airport, and transported me to my homestay. I stayed with a lovely family, and I felt very safe and welcomed in their home. I was shown how to get to my job at a school teaching English, and they checked on me several times throughout the week. Their office was centrally located in downtown, open 7 days a week, and was a meeting point for other volunteers. After two weeks, I was picked up from my homestay and taken to the airport. I never felt more taken care of in all my life! Thank you IVHQ!!