Affordable Volunteer Programs in Greece from $340

Being a fifteen-year-old from India, where volunteer travel is sparse, I knew several curious friends and relatives would soon flood me with questions about my trip. I deliberated hard to think of just one word to describe my trip. The word that immediately came to my mind? Surreal. It seemed truly fantastical that I was half-way around the world, with a chicken living under my bed, waking up to rainbows and private beaches next to strangers that I felt like I had known for months.

Naturally just like any other holiday, I had a moment of hesitation before making my decision to go. Would I fit in being the youngest and from a diverse country? Was it safe? Was it worth it? Dear volunteer friends, if there is one thing I hope you would take back from this review, it would be to let nothing hold you back from this other-worldly adventure. 'Madagascar'-the name itself has a magical tinge to it. Not a place that is commonly visited, but take it from me, now that I'm back, a part of me will always belong there. Trust me, I did not feel homesick for a second.
Contributing to the forest conservation program, many exciting activities awaited me.

Working all day at an agro-forest was one of my first tasks there. Hard at work, it was so fulfilling to learn that the work all us volunteers had accomplished in a matter of four hours, the farmer would take around a month to complete by himself. Hiking to the local village everyday and having numerous local children running around me in circles, so full of life, enthusiastically trying to interact and use the english taught to them brought back this child-like joy that I thought the city had robbed me of. Their lives are so basic, but they are so, so happy, and that is one big take away from this program. We also performed transects and quadrats to record the herpetofauna in the Sambirano forests, in addition to lemur behavioral surveys. Without giving away too much, I was actually stunned to see before my own eyes, lemurs becoming more and more domesticated and the consequences on their health. I was also honored to be a part of a new program, encouraging the distribution of bamboo straws to bars in order to reduce plastic straw waste in the oceans.

Also, Malagasy lessons after dinner had us all in fits of laughter, while weekend travel with my newly-found friends was something I find hard to even describe. Nosy Iranja is considered the second most beautiful place in the world. However, when I was there under the sky studded with a million stars in the clear sky, all I could think was that my newly-acquired friends there were the only factors that could make the island any more beautiful.

My favourite memory? It was the last day, and I sat by myself on a rock on the private beach. It was almost sunset, and the clouds in the distance had this divine parting to make way for the sun. The big golden ball of fire lit an entire pathway on the ocean that appeared to come straight to me where I was sitting. And in that moment, the island was mine. The people there were my family, I found friends, I found love, and I had made up my mind as to what made me happy. I now knew what I wanted to do with my life. I had never felt more blessed.
All my life I've been an introvert behind a computer screen. I've had a fondness for conservation ever since I was little, but I never felt like it was a valid interest. At Madagascar, more than the sizzling Instagram beach snaps I got, I learnt to believe in myself all over again. With each volunteer I befriended and each intellectual discussion with the staff about conservation, I learnt to be confident again and believe in my passion because it was significant, even if no one I knew believed it was.

If my application works out, who knows, maybe I'll be the youngest ambassador there's ever been for IVHQ. All I'm saying is Madagascar gave me a new purpose. So so much more than just a volunteer trip, it's allowed me to be a part of something so much bigger, so much better, in our own small way, we made the world a better place. And that, in my opinion, is the epitome of bliss :)

Seriously the best experience in my life. Have an open mind and I assure you you will have a blast. Be prepared to meet people from over the world and most importantly emerge and respect the local culture. Don’t think twice when volunteering,, do it and stay as long as you can you won’t regret it. Some people on my program were not pleased about the program they chose so make a wise selection. If you have donde it before you will enjoy it more. I personally did childcare and I loved every second of it.

I had the chance to volunteer for IVHQ in Chios, Greece. My recommendation for this organization comes directly from one week of cheerful and meaningful experience.

Before I embarked on this trip, I had never heard of IVHQ before; I was nervous and did not know which direction whether the trip was heading toward. But my initial anxiety soon turned out to be a springboard for the excitement to come.

There are three important aspects one might want to consider when signing up for a volunteer program: The main mission, the people behind it, and the place where your trip takes place. I can definitely tell you that excellence can be found within all three factors of the trip IVHQ offers in Chios.

The very goal of volunteering was, for me, achieved! In one week, I managed to create a public art for a local kindergarten. It was celebrated by the children and their parents alike. This project has deeply satisfied me and has given me new ideas for public artworks in the future. And just in case you thought that public art was a part of the program, it was not! I proposed it later, and it was gladly accepted. IVHQ's volunteer trip really caught me by surprise with the flexibility in what you could contribute to the community. If you think your passion and talents can add something unique to the program, please feel free to share your thoughts with the organizers!

Speaking of which, the organizers from IVHQ Greece are very outgoing and helping. Markos and Maria are the organizers for IVHQ. Being native Greek, they will help you get used to the culture and traditions of the land and show you how to get around. In their free time, both are open for the invitation for a drink. I'm proud to say that I now know two lovely friends from Greece!

Finally, the volunteer trip was held on a beautiful Mediterranean island. Having wandered around Chios in my free time (just in case you don't know, free time is also abundant!), I can say that this island has something to offer to anyone: from the historical medieval villages, the festive town of Chios, to the breath-taking beaches to the grandiose hills on which beautiful sunset can be seen from miles away.

I volunteered in South Africa with IVHQ surf outreach. We surfed and played everyday with the children of the townships. My heart is forever in South Africa. What an amazing experience, the children don't have lives like most, but make the most out of everyday. They have so much passion for life. Everyone forgets all their worries, and just goes for it in the waves, having a blast everyday. I met volunteers from around the world here, and I think of them as family now. So many adventures and memories this experience was everything I could have asked for. IVHQ did a wonderful job, from the airport pick up, to the housing, food, and 24 hour support. I loved volunteering so much I plan on going again!

This was my first time volunteering abroad and I am so glad that I was able to volunteer with this program and with the people I got to volunteer with. Everyone was so kind, friendly, and welcoming the moment I arrived.

If you have ever wanted to volunteer abroad and don't know where to start, look no further than IVHQ and if you love outdoors then choose to volunteer in Vic Falls. This program and these people have changed my life and I can't thank them enough for the love and joy they brought into my life during those 2 weeks!

My two months with IVHQ Ghana opened my eyes, and heart, in a way I have never experienced before. I went through the teaching program but was able to participate in agriculture and medical events as well, which was amazing since I was able to learn even more through that! I learned so much about not only the culture, educational system, and way of life, but also about myself. The staff (and locals!) are all so friendly, welcoming, and encouraging. I was able to build relationships with people from across the globe, while also knowing I was making a difference in people's lives, even if in the smallest of ways. Staff members offered support and assistance whenever asked, and checked in every couple of weeks to make sure things were going well with the program/placements. I am excited to begin planning my next adventure to a new country with IVHQ!

Volunteering abroad is a terrific experience. An in-depth cultural experience while helping those in need, it can really change your perspectives. Ghana is a great destination choice, people are great and welcoming, kids are really nice and it is a safe country to be in and travel around. IVHQ did a great job providing shelter, organizing my stay and enabling you to help wherever you want to. We also had really great local support, specially when with Evans, he will do the best so you can enjoy and feel safe in Ghana, the best guy! Highly recommended!

I had the privilege of being the first IVHQ member to go to Chios, Greece, let alone a volunteer from North America. Let me start off by stating that this trip went above and beyond my expectations and dreams. Between the check ups and preparation through the IVHQ website (which is so easy to work and well organized) to checking up on how my trip was going during my stay. IVHQ also emailed me after my trip came to an end to ask my thoughts on the trip. I booked the flights through IVHQ, well STA Travel, I called and paid and then was sent the itinerary and link to check in for my flights.

Everything went smoothly and when there was boarding confusion, Theo Jones the STA Travel coordinator that booked my flights was there to answer my calls and fixed the issue in a matter of minutes. I traveled 8 hours from Montreal Canada Airport to Geneva Switzerland Airport, from there I flew 4 hours to Athens Greece Airport, and finally from Athens I flew 45 minutes before landing at Chios Greece Airport. Waiting for me eagerly were Maria and Marcos Psora the Local staff for my program. The local staff made sure my accommodations were comfortable, I had their contact information, and they were there for any and everything. Marcos helped to guide me towards places I might want to see, drove me if I had no ride, was warm and made me feel at home. The accommodation I stayed at was in the Village of Katarraktis and it was clean and overlooked the Aegean Sea, with a backdrop of Turkey in the distance. The local staff was all in all amazing and went above and beyond to make sure I had the best experience of their everyday lives. My heart was so full watching the sun set and sun rise with a cup of Greek coffee in hand.

I loved my week long home so much, it was more than I could dream up. I thought to myself quite often, "I died and went to Greek heaven." I could live there forever. The people are so kind, I loved living like a local, taking in the culture, learning some Greek words, eating local authentic Greek food, walking around town, and walking the beaches of Chios. I got to walk to the village over every day to volunteer in the or if it was a bit cold the teachers would give me a lift on the way to school, which was very nice. I felt as if the feeling over overwhelming excitement I had for the trip never went away. I was smiling so much from arrival to departure. I learned a ton about Greek culture, language, and the history of Chios Island. This was a learning experience so special it will remain close to my heart forever. The view on the walk up the mountain to the village over was absolutely lovely, the Aegean Sea with the view of Turkey the entire way up the mountain.

It was such an incredible week with the children. I worked in the program for Kindergarten in the village over from Katarraktis the village I was staying in. Im so happy I got the chance to meet all the locals and learn so much from the kids and the local community in the short time of my stay. I think the exchange of culture, viewpoints and local customs all brought together is such a special thing. I love meeting new people and this trip has inspired me to continue traveling and I hope to stay in contact with all the wonderful people I have met with this trip.

When I got to the school i realized how small the schools are compared to North America, due to the small villages opposed to big towns and cities piled together. The kindergarten I volunteered worked with a class of 14-18 students daily. Class runs from roughly 8:30AM -12:30PM. During this time the children learn, pray, do craft, eat breakfast, sing, and play outside. The teachers were amazingly inviting and very appreciative for the volunteer help. The children were so welcoming and nice and understanding of language barriers.

Because I volunteered in a kindergarten I was able to learn what they were learning since beforehand I knew very little of the Greek language. The week I went was a special one too because this week the schools had a field-trip that I got to partake in. We went to the village over to a museum and a puppet theater, it was so cool. I was as in awe and excited as the children, maybe more so haha. The children are so smart and wild, I enjoyed working with them. I am thankful to have been aiding in their learning experience, as they aided in mine without even realizing it. My trip was full of laughs, deep conversations, good food, smiles, and to mention again..TONS of learning.

Learning about culture and exchanging cultural norms and experiences is something i am so grateful for and appreciate through all my travels. I have all these wonderful opportunities in life, and I am so happy IVHQ lead me to this particular opportunity. I had the time of my life. The feeling I had is the feeling I think of when I speak about traveling and what I wish to do with my life. While writing this review thinking of the memories and the feeling in the moment of this trip puts a huge smile on my face and fills my heart with a content feeling. Before my time in Greece came to an end I was already thinking about my next visit or at least my next trip through IVHQ.

I had my expectations for this trip set pretty high, because it's Greece and when you think of Greece nothing bad comes to mind. That being said, my high expectations were surpassed from the day I had arrived. I don't think I could of predicted just how it would be and just how perfect and wonderful the people, villages, learning experience, and culture would be. Leaving the village, the kindergarten, the people, children, and teachers was utterly bittersweet. I cried while saying goodbye and wrote thank you letters to the local staff and teachers that left a lasting impact on me. I will carry a part of Greece with me forever. This trip has inspired me, showed me so many things and taught me many life lessons I will carry with me for all time. I left Greece with a newly gained perspective on the beautiful world I share with the beautiful souls I had the pleasure to meet along the way. I am from Indiana, USA- but moved to Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada on an open work and travel visa for one year.

So upon my departure back to Canada I still carried the 'traveling to somewhere new that I get to explore' feeling. During my flights all I could feel was pure happiness, content/wholesome feelings. My heart is so full. My soul is at pure peace and I don't think I could ever write enough words to convey the raw meaning and true experiences this trip brought into my life. I give IVHQ a 10/10, the staff a 10/10 both local and international, and Greece of course a 10/10. I am so grateful. My first time overseas and solo traveling that is ... was a dream come true, a dream I didn't know I had until I pursued it. Thank you IVHQ!