Program Reviews

My experience with IVHQ in Palawan, Philippines was nothing short of amazing. Through completing the environmental program with the local team I truly felt that I made a positive impact, whilst also being able to connect with the fellow volunteers and locals in the area. Throughout the process, everyone was very friendly and helpful, from my program manager to the local team in Palawan. Additionally, the process went smoothly and the accommodation/meals provided/daily timetable was exactly like what it stated on the IVHQ website. I would say that this experience was worth every penny and I am looking forward to applying for another volunteer program with IVHQ.

The IVHQ volunteering program is well-designed, allowing you to help the community while learning about the culture, exploring new places, and making new friends. You will receive support throughout every step of the process, and you will always be guided in a safe environment.

Both the IVHQ staff and the local team were extremely supportive throughout the entire project, from start to finish.

The accommodation was more than perfect. What I liked most about it was the hospitality of the host family; they were truly welcoming and friendly. We had the opportunity to learn about the culture, try authentic local food, and make new friends.

While volunteering with IVHQ, I believe we made a meaningful impact on the diverse community we worked with, as reflected in the genuine smiles that lit up their faces and the heartfelt gratitude they expressed, showing that they felt truly heard and cared for.

I highly recommend this program to anyone!

This was my first time travelling on my own and doing volunteer work. IVHQ made the process easy with their steps and checklist and was always good about answering my questions. The experience and knowledge I gained is more than I ever anticipated. I surprised myself at how much I could push myself physically, being a 59yr old who is not in tip top shape. This was a bucket list trip for me, and I came away with new friends, a sense of accomplishment and gratification. I would definitely do this again...I just need to decide where to go next

I've never volunteered with IVHQ before, but I have volunteered with other organizations in the past. With that said, I felt that IVHQ provided me with all the information I needed to be prepared and comfortable for my three week trip. The pre-departure materials were really thorough. There was also a Q&A group video chat, which was another great way to get your questions answered. Pick up and departure was a breeze to coordinate with the team, despite airport delays. There were some itinerary deviations and some unexpected things have come up during the duration of the program, but communicate your needs and go with the flow! As long as you're respectful and your requests or concerns are reasonable, the local team is accommodating and helpful. The volunteer work itself was hardwork (in a very rewarding sense) and you can see the positive impact it has on the turtles everyday. If I had any questions about the turtles or why we do what we do at the turtle centers, the local team was easy to approach and was very knowledgeable. As for the social scene, you are likely to meet a lot of people. If you're worried about meeting people like me, rest assured that you will! At the very least, you will meet some very cool people and at best, you will might make life long friends. Either way, there are a lot of activities to do with others or by yourself! It's really easy to make plans with other volunteers, so just be open minded and take a the initiative to invite others for plans or ask to join others. You end up making a lot of memories and participating in activities you never even thought of. Overall, I would choose IVHQ again!

Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows individuals to contribute positively to their communities while fostering personal growth. It provides an opportunity to develop new skills, build meaningful connections, and gain a sense of purpose. Whether you're helping a local charity, participating in environmental projects, or supporting educational initiatives, volunteering promotes empathy, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of societal challenges.

Beyond personal benefits, volunteering creates a positive impact on others' lives, making it a valuable and fulfilling way to give back. It’s a win-win experience that enriches both the volunteer and the community.

I participated in 2 volunteer programs with IVHQ (Costa Rica and Peru) and both times I had a positive experience. My IVHQ program manager provided me with a comprehensive checklist of the things I need to know and prepare for prior to my trip, which made me feel confident that I am not going in blindly to my destination. Then, when I arrived, there was seamless transition to the local team who assisted me and supported me in the completion of my program. Both my program manager and the local team were very responsive. I had a wonderful time assisting in the local clinic and learning about the local healthcare delivery system, as well as practice my nursing skills. On top of that I took Spanish lessons after my shifts in the clinic and that was truly instrumental in making my experience better as I was able to connect with the locals more. Overall I highly recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking of volunteering. It's a life-changing experience!

I'm not sure where to begin to describe this incredibly life-changing experience. I had an incredible time in Guatemala. My volunteer placement, host family, local team, the friends I made, and the cultural activities were all aspects that exceeded my expectations. What an incredible way to immerse yourself in a new culture while giving back to the local community. I'm particularly thankful to the kids I taught classes to - I thought I would be teaching them, but they were the real teachers, teaching me to have fun and enjoy the little things in life! All of this would not have been possible without IVHQ's support. Their guidance was truly valuable in ensuring the preparation period and the trip went smoothly. I can now join the comment pool and say, "Go for it." The only problem is that you will not want to leave Guatemala :)

The program was problem free from day one. You got all the help you needed both bet for your travel and in country. And the local team was amazing, always trying to make your day better and easier! You get to experience a new culture and actually taking part of it trough the projects and activities. I felt save every day and if I was unsure of something the local team always offered to go with me. I met so many new and likeminded friends, who I’m so happy I met and shared this moments with. Overal an amazing experience

A Truly Life-Changing Experience with IVHQ

I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with IVHQ in Africa, working with children, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. From start to finish, IVHQ was incredibly organized and supportive, ensuring that every step of my journey was smooth and fulfilling.

The orientation was comprehensive, and the local staff were passionate and welcoming, providing all the tools and resources I needed to make a meaningful impact. My time spent with the children was deeply rewarding—they were eager to learn and incredibly resilient. I felt like I was able to contribute to their education and well-being, even in small ways, and that made all the difference.

The living conditions were basic but comfortable, and the accommodation was as expected for a volunteer program. IVHQ’s focus on sustainable, ethical volunteering meant that I knew my time and efforts were being directed where they were most needed.

Overall, this experience has opened my eyes to a new culture, and I feel privileged to have been part of the IVHQ family. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a real difference while experiencing the beauty and diversity of Africa.

Personally I grew a lot on this trip and was blessed to see my work’s impact more immediately because of the flood work. This was an excellent way to immerse myself into the local customs and community in Chiang Rai and feel more connected through working closely with other staff and volunteers, as well as the community you are helping. I found it really important to be flexible because you are there to help with a system that is already set up and the staff know what they are doing and different cultures and circumstances will make the work look different than how it does in your home country. Being flexible allowed me to grow and experience more :)