IVHQ offers life-changing experiences that help you grow as a person, open your mind, and inspire people from all over the world to support those who need it most.
When I first joined, I was nervous and a little scared, but I’ve never met anyone with a bad word to say about IVHQ. On the contrary, I’ve only heard inspiring stories about how it created a “before and after” in people’s lives.
With IVHQ, the local team, and my coordinator by your side every step of the way, you never feel alone. Living this experience with them is a guarantee that you’ll learn from others, discover new things about yourself you never knew existed, and realize just how much you can positively impact someone’s life. Most of all, this project leaves you with a truly unique experience that stays with you forever.

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.

This experience is cool because it is a great way to give back to a community while participating in a different culture and touring. The local team was so supportive and I became close with other volunteers in the staff but also other volunteers and everyone else staying in the hostel. Almost instantly, I befriended people and later went on all my adventures I was there with them. So much fun, the most memorable experience of my life, and shaped what I want to do as a future career (possibly work with kids). The teachers I worked with were the sweetest and great for me to pick up language skills that once didn't seem achievable without being immersed in this environment. I cried when I was saying goodbye to the teachers and was comforted by them as if I were their son. A very sweet experience to say the least. Now I yearn to go back ASAP.

Genuinely, I had am incredible two week time and adventure volunteering in Rio de Janeiro Brazil through IVHQ.org and the local Jive team. I went into this blind not knowing what to expect, and it's fair to say it left me with the impression to do it again. I had an awesome time volunteering all thanks to the incredible people and staff at the "Vila Olimpica Da Gamboa". The staff were welcoming and showed me the ways of the Rio cultures. I had the chance to to take in all the beautiful sights, sounds, and tastes of the amazing Carioca culture. You can’t say you’ve really “been” somewhere unless you attempt at least to make new connections, or plant a tree 🌲 (😅), otherwise you’re just visiting. Happy to say I didn’t visit Brazil, but I’ve “been” to Brazil because of all the connections and friends I made here in Rio from different places that will last a lifetime, I'm sure.

It was a great experience in general; I met great people and places during my volunteering. This 2-month experience in Brazil helped me personally and also made me notice how blessed I am. This volunteering definitely helped me to enhance my Portuguese and also to strengthen my abilities when I am with little kids. I could say that I ended up linking being with kids. Also, you guys will have different projects to help with. What I enjoyed the most was that every day I was doing different and amazing things. I will definitely repeat it and encourage you guys to try it.

I had a great time in Rio de Janiero. I volunteered at a community garden in the Santa Teresa favelas. It was so beautiful. I will never forget the people I met. I learned so much about the Brazilian culture and lifestyle. I think one of the most important forms of education is travel, and I think this trip has made me way more knowledgeable. I can’t thank the locals enough for such an amazing experience. I had a great time meeting the other volunteers as well, and it was nice staying in the same hostel as them.

Walking into the favela alone for the first time with a ‘western’ mindset , lots of thoughts however the feelings of respect, community and warmth seem to be the prevailing ones. Once at the top of the favela, Childerns voices appear: ‘TIA MARIETCHI’ and two kids fly around my neck of joy. Hounestly, we are so blessed and these kids deserve all possible to have opportunities to dream and fulfill these. This is one of the main leassons learned; it’s not the English teaching in itself, but trying to offer kids the feasibility of realizing their answer to the question ‘what do you want to do when you grow up’. Or even planting a seat of confidence / inspiration and keeping them from the streets by exposing them to the most spoken language in the world. I came as the English teacher mariette and left as Tia marieti, a blessed identity that will keep me sharp going forward!

Thanks to IVHQ these learning lessons and impact makings were possible. The support, introductions, organization, website/platform and quick replies to questions were top notch. Highly recommended to have IVHQ as a trusted guide for your volunteering and, to be fair, life changing experiences. IVHQ stands behind you

I absolutely loved my experience volunteering in the sports program in Rio. I have to admit, I was completely out of my element at first however I toughened up to stay and happy I did! The people are amazing and the work you do is really enriching. You make lifelong friends and get to learn so much about yourself. The program coordinators are always available and super helpful. I still think about it everyday and miss being there so much! You are absolutely sure to have an unforgettable amazing time.