Most Affordable Volunteer & Gap Year Programs in Italy with IVHQ

The program gave me an opportunity to become more independent. I was able to gain confidence and I made a lot of new friends. The volunteer opportunity to work with young children was fulfilling beyond my expectation. It also helped me learn patience. I was able to play music for the children and they absolutely loved it. The big thing I would say before going is do lots of research about the program and make sure it’s something you really want to do. I enjoy performing music and hanging out with children so it was an unforgettable experience. Doing research on the destination is also essential because you want to find a destination that you feel comfortable going to. As a young female traveler, I felt so safe going to Italy. However, anything can happen anywhere so always go with an open mind and research all about the program you plan on doing. I would highly recommend the youth support program in Italy.

This program was beyond amazing! I had the time of my life working with cats at the animal shelter in Rome. I really felt like I was making a difference in there lives. Not too mention being able to see a lot of Romes attractions along with other cities in Italy. This experience also taught me how to be more responsible and how to work with other people well. It is definitely an experience that without a doubt I will remember for the rest of my life and I would recommend this project to anyone who is interested in working with animals.

My time in Naples, Italy with IVHQ was wonderful. I met friends from all over the world and getting to work with the children was really special. The project wasn't exactly as I imagined, but still very meaningful. The kids were so loving and excited that we came there to work with them. Overall, the program was very safe and the staff were nice. It is located in the most ideal area as well! I went to Rome and the Amalfi Coast on my weekends, and Pompeii, Procida, and around Naples during the week after my program. It was so beautiful and relatively cheap to get there as well. I came alone, so they were really fun places to visit with my new friends. I would definitely recommend this program to solo travelers, as most people I was there with came solo as well. The accommodation is also walking distance from anything you could need and the many famous Italian food places.

I had such a magical time in naples Italy with IVHQ. The volunteer coordinator were very communicative and always willing to help. Once I got there the people at my placement were always there to answer all my questions from where the best places to eat certain foods were, how to get to work using public transportation and so much more. I felt extremely safe and would love to volunteer with them again. Anytime I felt uncomfortable they would ease my stress. They walked me to work and back the first day to make sure I was comfortable with my surroundings and everything that went into traveling alone to my volunteer placement. My placement itself was awesome, the people were so welcoming, by the end they felt like family and we still keep in touch!

I volunteered with Arcigay Napoli for a month in Naples, Italy. Arcigay Napoli is a gay rights organization. It was very interesting to learn about the people who were traveling to Italy from other countries to seek refuge from the dangers they faced because of their sexuality. The program was only a few hours a day for four days a week - this provided me with plenty of time to explore the area, scope out some great places to eat, and learn more about the country that my grandmother grew up in. At fist I was a bit nervous about the idea of sharing a room with a bunch of people I had never met but everything worked out fine and my roommates were great. Having lunch catered was nice and they even had options for my roommates that were vegetarian. Ever since I left Naples I've been dying to go back since I am familiar with the area now and know where everything is.

I volunteered in Rome from April - June and I can't express enough how amazing this experience was. Meika from IVHQ helped me with any queries during the registration process, she was fast to reply to emails and always very friendly.
The local team in Rome, Sara, was the most helpful and friendly person during my stay in Rome, again she was always on hand to help out wherever I needed it and checked in with me to make sure I was okay.
Rome is such an amazing city to explore and having your afternoons and weekends gives you the perfect opportunity.
I worked on the Special needs program and honestly met the most amazing people there. I've made so many good friends by doing this program, I would 100% recommend anyone to consider volunteering abroad with IVHQ.

My experience with IVHQ was truly unforgettable. I got to spend 5 weeks in Naples, Italy volunteering with World Wildlife Fund. While there, I helped with trail restoration, wildfire prevention, and social media output. Being able to help such wonderful, passionate people who work for such a renowned NGO was truly more than I ever expected, especially for the small amount of money IVHQ charges for such an international experience. One of my biggest fears about this program was its location: Naples, Italy. I have heard many stories about this city, mostly revolving around its dirtiness and danger. However, I had nothing but positive experiences while exploring the amazing place of Napoli. Also, if any problems ever were to arise, I know that the IVHQ staff would be supportive and helpful. Overall, really recommend this program.

This experience was amazing. Everything was so organized and safe. No matter what someone was always there to answer any questions we had. I volunteered in Naples, Italy, and fell in love with a culture, a country, and it's people. I have no choice but to go back. The program was amazing and the kids were so grateful and easy to work with. If you're thinking about volunteering, don't even think twice, just dive right in and you will have no regrets. IVHQ participants will always be there to help you out.