Program Reviews

I want to start by saying that this review is coming from 100% my heart and the experience that I had, which I am deeply grateful for. To begin, I would like to talk about my experience prior to the trip. My IVHQ coordinator was incredibly helpful and answered all of the questions that I had as well as communicated diligently to the local team on my behalf to provide me more answers to any questions that arose. This made me feel very valued as a guest signing up for this experience and set the stage for an amazing experience.

it all started at the airport. The local team were very quick for communication which I was grateful for in which showed reliability. They were also very punctual in the time they said the meet-up would be once we arrived at the airport. Originally, the local coordinator wanted us to take a public bus that they would pay for (since airport pick-up was included), but because one of the three members in our group was severely ill with a stomach bug, they arranged a private taxi to take us to the accommodation. This was very thoughtful of them as I know a bus would've been incredibly uncomfortable for her.

The meat and potatoes of this whole experience was the volunteer work. I signed up for Intro week activities in the morning and the Sports Education project in the afternoon. This kept my day busy as in the morning, me and a lot of the first week volunteers would go out with the staff to some pretty insane local spots. The waterfall and sand dunes were a highlight as it really showcased Fiji's natural beauty and power. In the afternoon during sports, it was rewarding to see the kids smiling after playing sports with them. To be honest, I wish the minimum time to volunteer would be two weeks. In my opinion, one week went by too quick and we only participated in four days of the volunteer work. You could obviously tell that the volunteers that had been there three weeks and over had such a strong relationship with the kids, almost as if they were their own. You really need to immerse yourself for 3+ weeks to get the whole experience of volunteering and living life there, cause I know if I would have done that, I would have benefitted greatly. Even though the cost of the program for just that one week was expensive, it was comforting to know that the local team received a good portion of the program fees!

Another big part of the experience that I did not even think about was the amazing social connections I made. I have lived a very basic life with not a ton of social interactions back home (I tend to be very socially isolated for various reasons), but having participated in this volunteer program along many like minded and good hearted young individuals my age, it gave me a sense of purpose and motivation knowing that there are other people like me out there, and there are so many amazing connections to be made out in this world that we don't even know about, but these incredible organizations help to provide an outlet and facilitate these connections with people all over the world.

The food in the program was SOOOOO much better than I had thought. So much that the chef of this program should win an award. Along with Fiji, I went to Bali and Thailand as part of my gap year experiences, and by far the food in this program was the best. I am so so grateful I got to experience it. You can taste the love that the chef puts into the food. Some of my favorite dishes that she has made that I haven’t forgotten about is her Fijian pasta and eggplant! So good!

To conclude this review, I am just going to briefly explain a couple things that I would classify as areas of growth for my experience. First and foremost, I would change the minimum length of time of this program to be two weeks at least. Recommended, it should be three weeks. I don't feel at all satisfied with the amount of volunteer work I did and my overall experience regardless of how amazing it was. Secondly, my friend was very sick, and even though the kitchen staff were pretty good at accommodating the meals for her sick stomach and also accompanied her to the local urgent care clinic for a check up, they could've checked on her a lot more back at the accommodation and provided her with much more support.
These were my areas of growth, however they are not deal breakers for me.
I had such an amazing time and I would do this again in a heartbeat! The local team even told me that I am welcome back any time after singing us the sweetest farewell song (one person from my group was crying because she was so touched by it!).

Overall, the project was a whole lot more than volunteer work which I appreciated! I love the sense of community, hospitality, and love that permeated through the whole experience from both the amazing staff and from my volunteer peers. I absolutely can't wait to come back one day.

This is a fabulous way to see another country from the inside. I was honored to be able to work with the respectful and friendly young Vietnamese students to improve their English speaking and listening skills. It felt good to be busy from Monday to Friday and then I was able to fully enjoy my free weekends. The local team were wholeheartedly supportive throughout the trip.

At first it feels a bit daunting, especially if you are traveling alone, but the orientation day soon puts you at ease. Thanks to all.

My experience was truly wonderful! From the moment I arrived, both the volunteers and coordinators went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and comfortable. The volunteers were warm, approachable, and always willing to lend a hand, whether I needed guidance or just a friendly chat. The coordinators were equally fantastic, always attentive and ready to provide support. Their professionalism, combined with a genuine warmth, helped me feel at ease and allowed me to focus fully on enjoying the experience. I felt like part of a community, supported by people who genuinely cared about my comfort and enjoyment. Their encouragement and friendliness made the entire experience unforgettable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a supportive and positive environment.

A truly unique and life changing experience and I would do it all over again. My first solo trip and I'm so glad I chose to do it with IVHQ. The add ons for the weekends can be booked whilst your in the country which is very convenient so you can book with people you meet whilst your there.
Tanzania was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. The locals and volunteers I met along the way had the warmest smiles and open hearts that made me feel at home. I could not recommend this program enough!

The visa application process is super simple and the local team have an excellent guide to guide you through it to avoid any hassle at the airport. The local team were incredibly kind, helpful and friendly. I personally found that their wasn't many mosquitos but I think it depends on where you go in Tanzania.

My time in Argentina was fantastic and on the way home I managed to spend some time in Santiago, Chile. The local team were helpful and supportive as well as wecoming and friendly. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I made some new friends with other volunteers and got to work with some great kids. Its something I will never forget and I am already planning my next trip although I am having trouble deciding where to go. The travel time was diificult from the UK but was more than worth it for the experience as it was my first time in South America.

Two months ago I boarded a plane to the other side of the world having absolutely no idea what to expect. I was scared to leave behind my loved ones but also very excited to get to explore another country. I can now say with confidence that it was the best decision I have ever made for myself. South Africa is such a beautiful country with incredibly kind and welcoming people. My host home made the trip even more unforgettable. They provided a beautiful, clean home and a wonderful place to make friends from all over the world. I did not know what to expect when I came here but I am leaving with a new perspective on life. While volunteering the children showed me what true gratitude is and that you truly don’t need much to be happy. Happiness comes from the way you treat others and the people you surround yourself with. So often we forget the power of kindness, compliments, or even a smile. These kids don’t have access to many things that I wouldn’t have thought twice about before I arrived here. I now realize that everything I have is a blessing and that no matter what happens there is always something to be grateful for. I will never forget this experience and the wonderful people who filled it. I will definitely use IVHQ next time I choose to volunteer while traveling.

The team in South Africa is absolutely amazing!!! I had so much fun and made so many friends. I would recommend this program to anyone who is thinking about volunteering! Cape Town is a beautiful city and there is so much to do and see here! My favorite part would probably be the winery in Stellenbosch and the vibe of the local community. Muzeinburg is so relaxing and has a lovely beach that you can sunbathe on and the front has a lot of coffee shops, restaurants, takeaways, and surfing shops!

I was supported 24/7, the details of the activities and the accommodation were well described and I knew what to expect before departing. The local team made me feel safe and heard, they were there anytime I needed them.

The activities I did helped me develop even more confidence, empathy and open mindedness. The days were very well organized, I had an online schedule that I could consult anytime. If during the day I spent my time with a fee volunteers, in the evening I got the chance to share my activities with everyone else in the accommodation and that created a great sense of safety and friendship.

Volunteering with IVHQ in Namibia and Victoria Falls has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From the moment I signed up until my final day, IVHQ made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Their continuous support, coupled with the guidance from the local teams, ensured that everything ran seamlessly, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the experience without any worries.

The team at Victoria Falls was outstanding. Their knowledge and passion were infectious, making every day a new learning adventure. They were always available with advice, insights, and a warm welcome, creating an environment where I felt fully supported. The camaraderie among the volunteers was an added bonus—working alongside like-minded people made the experience not just meaningful but also incredibly fun and uplifting.

One of the highlights was learning about African wildlife up close and gaining a deep appreciation for the hard work of rangers and conservation staff. Seeing the animals roaming free in their natural habitats was an absolute joy, and I came away with a new understanding of just how much dedication goes into protecting these incredible creatures.

The food was delicious, nourishing, and a welcome treat after active days. It was also such a luxury to have clean, comfortable accommodation with laundry service and a made bed—little touches that made me feel right at home.

This experience has left me inspired and grateful, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to make a difference, learn, and connect with nature. Thank you, IVHQ, and all the incredible people in Namibia and Victoria Falls for making this journey so unforgettable!

I had the opportunity to volunteer with IVHQ for a week in Cusco, Peru, as part of their childcare program, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience. From the moment I arrived, the local team was supportive and welcoming, ensuring that all volunteers were well-prepared for the cultural differences and the tasks at hand.

The childcare program itself involved working with local children, helping to provide them with education, support, and care in their day-to-day lives. It was both challenging and fulfilling, as each day brought new opportunities to engage with the kids, assist the staff, and make a tangible difference in the community. Although the duration of my stay was short, I felt that even in just one week, we were able to create meaningful connections with the children and contribute positively to their well-being.

Cusco, as a city, is vibrant and full of history, which added to the overall experience. In my downtime, I was able to explore its rich cultural heritage, from the famous Plaza de Armas to the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The IVHQ team also organized social activities, which allowed volunteers to bond and share their experiences while immersing ourselves in Peruvian culture.

While the program was well-organized, I would recommend potential volunteers stay for a longer period to have an even greater impact. The children benefit from consistency, and staying longer would allow for deeper relationships and a more sustained contribution.

Overall, my week in Cusco with IVHQ was a beautiful blend of service, adventure, and personal growth. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to make a difference while experiencing a new culture.