I have completed many volunteer projects with IVHQ including Portugal (animal care), Sri Lanka (special needs care), Vietnam (special needs care) Croatia (Marine Conservation) and I can say every experience was amazing. From the pre planning assistance if your not sure where to go, to the booking and confirming process, to pre departure information and there 24/7 support if needed for any questions or advice. If you’re looking for an affordable, caring, supportive organisation to volunteer with then IVHQ is the one you should use.
Now just waiting to arrange my next trip…

I had a fantastic experience volunteering with IVHQ on the Marine Conservation programme in Omis Croatia. From the very beginning the IVHQ team provided clear guidance and excellent support and the local coordinators were welcoming organised and always available to help.

The conservation work was meaningful and rewarding. I gained a real understanding of the local marine environment and the importance of protecting it. Activities such as underwater clean ups and learning about sustainability gave me hands on skills as well as a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation. It was also great to gain my SSI qualification in scuba diving which really enhanced the whole experience.

Omis itself is a beautiful coastal town and living there with other volunteers made the experience even more special. I met wonderful people from all over the world and together we shared both the volunteer work and the adventure of exploring Croatia.

Overall I would highly recommend IVHQ and this programme to anyone who wants to make a positive impact learn new skills and experience another culture. It is something I will never forget.

The team there were very helpful and easy to reach if you needed them. The diving was so fun and the instructors were very helpful. Also there was lots of choice of activities and things to do on weekends in the town.

I was picked up at the airport by sweet Gabi who was delightful. She made me feel at home immediately. The hostel, Impact House, was cute, clean and the location was perfect. My placement at the private animal shelter was truly rewarding. I walked dogs and helped maintain the premises. The little puppies were adorable.
On Saturday, a large group of volenteers took 30 puppies for a hike in the woods and to a beach. It was so much fun. I was able to explore Split, Croatia on my free time. I could walk everywhere . . . so very convenient. Croatia is a beautiful country and the people were lovely.
When I returned home I got a follow-up message from IVHQ asking how I was feeling after my experience 😅 . . . very thoughtful.
I look forward to my next volunteer experience with IVHQ.

The preparatory organisation was excellent. Information was provided in a clear concise manner, timely and there was always a prompt response to any queries or concerns. The personal preparation workbooks were really useful and certainly helped me prepare for the project and contributed to its success. The local team support was exceptional in every way. Questions or queries were treated quickly and considerately. The local rep was exceptionally knowledgeable and proactively helpful. All these factors contributable to one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

Volunteering within special needs communities offers a transformative journey of empathy, resilience, and societal impact. Engaging in activities that support individuals with diverse challenges fosters personal growth, cultivates essential life skills, and contributes to building more inclusive societies. Embrace the opportunity to make meaningful connections and foster a culture of acceptance and belonging.By volunteering with special needs populations, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also gaining valuable insights and experiences that can enrich your own life. I will be forever thankful for this opportunity.

They went above and beyond in preparing me before my trip! Really left no stone unturned, I felt super safe & prepared before I left! When greeted at the airport I felt like I was truly going to have the best time ever, my volunteer coordinator really put me at ease, and the accommodations and food exceeded my expectations! Everyone at the animal shelter where I volunteered was super thorough, and everyone put in a great effort to give the dogs the best home possible. Truly an inspirational trip. It changed my perspective in many ways. Can’t wait to volunteer with IVHQ again

I had the best experience 9 weeks volunteering in Croatia for Animal Care Program. This was both my first time traveling alone and volunteering abroad, and IVHQ was really suitable for me as a beginner. They gave me detailed & helpful information about what to bring and what to expect. Also, especially the local team on ground in Croatia really went above and beyond to make sure that I was safe and enjoying the program. I cannot recommend it enough! Amazing company and experience, changed my life!