Such a fun experience, super transparent. Great team. The accommodation and the volunteer work were great. You also meet a lot of amazing people from around the world. I definitely made a new friendships you do feel like you’re making a difference. Would definitely do again.

I went with an organization called International HQ, partnered with a local group and I was really impressed with how well everything was run. It’s a program that’s been around for 20 years, helping people serve in meaningful ways, and it showed. Everything was organized, intentional, and impactful. We worked at a local clinic in Antigua, building a private room for mothers to pump milk for a milk bank. It was simple work, but meaningful. There was something really fulfilling about using my hands to help build something that will directly benefit others. What stood out just as much as the work was the people. I met a lot of genuinely good people; people who didn’t just want to travel or have fun, but who also wanted to give back. It reminded me that there are others out there who care, who want to serve, who want to make a difference. Sometimes I get caught up in my own world and forget that. This trip also put a lot into perspective. I saw kids who were malnourished, kids working long hours late into the night just to help their families survive. Kids who should be playing, learning, and resting, but instead are carrying responsibilities far beyond their age. It’s hard to see, but it’s important to see. Growing up in the U.S., it’s easy to take things for granted. Trips like this remind me just how much we’ve been given. So, I’m really grateful I went. This was something I wanted to do last year, and a coworker held me accountable to it this year. I’m glad they did. This won’t be the last time I do something like this. If anything, it made me want to do more, and hopefully bring friends and family along next time. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your own perspective… is to step outside of it.

Okey. I learned about new country, met new people and connected with them. It was my first experieces like a volunteer in abroud. So I had more funny time. Also I went to trips and I discovered new places. I learned how is it in another country works in medical program. I have new view on my job. I have more patience and new friends. I am a solo travel and I stepped out of my comfort zone. I learnted to use another types of materials and found new methods of extracted tooth. I learned that nothing is for granted.

As seasoned travelers and retirees, this was our 17th volunteer program, 14 of which have been with IVHQ. As we tell anyone that asks, we feel IVHQ does an EXCELLENT job communicating both up front and during the application, pre and during the volunteer process, vetting their diverse projects in over 50 countries. Their local team partners work seamlessly, so that the experience is smoothe. We have just finished our first Eco-Agriculture project, where we picked coffee, worked in the gardens, mushroom farm and saw the impact of our efforts first-hand. Working side by side younger volunteers is always rewarding as we mutually share experiences and travel highlights. Oh, and although there is an application fee in addition to modest room and board costs, we feel these are reasonable and provide great value in exchange for volunteering, meeting diverse people, and experiencing the local culture, while providing balance to what otherwise, would "just" be traveling. Anyone can do this! The structure is there, you simply need to be flexible, embrace the opportunity and give it a try.

IVHQ was very easy to work with, from start to finish. As a senior woman traveling alone, I felt well taken care of. They picked me up from the airport, and transported me to my homestay. I stayed with a lovely family, and I felt very safe and welcomed in their home. I was shown how to get to my job at a school teaching English, and they checked on me several times throughout the week. Their office was centrally located in downtown, open 7 days a week, and was a meeting point for other volunteers. After two weeks, I was picked up from my homestay and taken to the airport. I never felt more taken care of in all my life! Thank you IVHQ!!

I completed a two week elderly care volunteer work program in Antigua in Guatemala through IVHQ, and what a memorable experience it has been! This was my second time volunteering with them, a decision that I made so easily as I loved my first time, which was in Madagascar back in 2014. You get so much support from the moment you sign up until you arrive, throughout your program and afterwards as well. The IVHQ team is very organised, kind, responsive and supportive. I loved every moment working in the program with the elderly, including the regular check ins that I received all the way till after I left Guatemala.

The application was very easy, all the steps and requirements were very clear, with a super detailed checklist and helpful training modules to help prepare you for your experience on the ground.

Overall, my trip was a combination of giving back and working closely with a group of very sweet elderly women and dedicated, caring staff; immersion in a new culture; meeting wonderful human beings including my Guatemaltecan host family and the program team; and getting to practice my Spanish. All in the very beautiful and scenic setting of Antigua, surrounded by majestic volcanoes and many excellent coffee spots. An experience I highly recommend to anyone who is feeling the inner calling to do good, have a fun trip abroad and learn so much along the way!

My medical mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) was more than I ever imagined. From start to finish, the program was incredibly well organized, safe, and meaningful. I felt supported every step of the way, which allowed me to fully focus on learning, serving, and connecting with the community.

As an LPN, I had the opportunity to work in a clinic setting where I assisted with assessments, participated in daily activities, and spent quality time with elderly patients. Working with the elders was especially impactful — not only providing care, but listening to them, learning from them, and simply being present. It was an experience that strengthened both my clinical skills and my compassion as a nurse.

The host family experience was equally amazing. They were warm, welcoming, and truly made me feel at home. The food was incredible, and I appreciated learning more about Guatemalan culture through daily life with them. It added such depth to the overall experience.

The tours and cultural experiences offered through the program were absolutely out of this world. Exploring Antigua and the surrounding areas was unforgettable and helped me better understand the country, its history, and its people.
This trip pushed me personally and professionally in the best way possible. I gained hands-on experience, cultural awareness, and memories that will stay with me forever. I am beyond grateful to IVHQ for creating such a meaningful and well-run program. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to grow, serve, and make a real difference.

I had an excellent experience with IVHQ from start to finish. The application process was clear, smooth, and very well organized, which made planning the program easy and stress-free. The support from the IVHQ team before and during the program was outstanding — communication was timely, helpful, and always reassuring.

Every step was well coordinated, expectations were clearly explained, and I always felt informed and supported. It was evident that IVHQ truly cares about its volunteers and works hard to ensure meaningful, well-structured experiences abroad.

Thanks to IVHQ’s professionalism and organization, I was able to fully focus on the volunteering experience itself, knowing everything behind the scenes was handled with care. I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a reliable, well-run, and impactful international volunteering program.