Great Volunteer Abroad Experience

My experience volunteering in Quito, Ecuador was rewarding and worthwhile. I loved my placement and I truly felt that my work contributed to the development of the community every day. I was able to utilize all of my strongest skills at my placement and felt appreciated and welcome there. IVHQ is an amazing volunteer organization and this was my fourth volunteer abroad trip with them; I highly recommend volunteering through IVHQ!
I was not, however, impressed with the local team in Quito called Volunteer Connection Ecuador (VCE). When I was robbed my first week, I received no help from VCE, and their office doesn't have international calling. There were also issues with one of the VCE staff members intervening in our volunteer work in a negative way.
Overall, I would recommend this program and I would DEFINITELY recommend IVHQ! Just use caution with VCE and don't rely heavily on them for support. Get advice from your placement directors rather than the VCE directors.