This was my first international trip and volunteer program. I was nervous but felt it would be a eye opening experience. IVHQ led in Italy by Teresa was amazing. Her staff made me feel comfortable and safe from the first meeting. I had the greatest time working with kids under 18 and they had different experiences they shared that I will never forget. My two weeks there I felt supported and appreciated and learned so much. My eyes weren’t the only thing opened my heart was moved with compassion for others. I would do it again in a heartbeat because I know I touched lives by teaching . IVHQ Italy they care period also the International Naples network they believe in changing lives and I’ve been changed too. The culture was different you adjust quickly, definitely know some Italian, and I walked around by myself a lot around Dante square during day. I had time off enough to enjoy my weekends and the beach. You won’t regret it .

As it was my first time being to a European country, everything was different and new to me; for example the food (gelato is great) and the way of life in Italy(Italians love sleeping after meals). My particular program was the teaching English one. I taught English to minors between the average ages of 15 and 17. They were all boys and they were very nice and appreciative for the volunteers who helped them with their English. In return I learned some Italian, French and Spanish from them and also became more thankful for the life that I have; when I talked to these boys who were nearly my age about their life stories, it was very appalling that these young boys who had no physical support system with them, and whose families were depending on them to help their family to succeed through going to another country and by making use of the opportunities offered, never gave up hope and most of them were determined to make a better life for themselves and their families. Henceforth, this program gave me a greater respect for all people, no matter what backgrounds that they may have came from and it made me want to do what ever I can to help these people! I am thankful for the impactful experience that this program has given me and now I left as a more independent individual, a more empathetic individual and a more compassionate and loving individual!

I volunteered in the after school care program for two weeks, Since it was the summer the children aren't in school. I absolutely loved my time with the children, we spent most of our time in the park where they played soccer, zumba, fencing, jump rope and any other game they could think of. I spoke no Italian but this did not effect my time with the children as much as I thought it would. The main thing I loved about my experience there was experiencing the Italian culture, I am from a small town in New Zealand and I spent most of my time watching the interactions of the children and their supervisors.
The IVHQ Inn was amazing too. All the people involved, staff and the other volunteers were amazing and I have made some life long friends! Everyone is like-minded and very friendly. The only regret I had after my time there is that 2 weeks is definitely not long enough! But my experience there was life-changing and I recommend doing this program, or any program with IVHQ as your time there will be amazing and you will never regret going!

Even though my time spent in the IVHQ Naples afterschool program was short, it was absolutely worth it. I lived in a beautiful apartment in the center of the city with 11 other volunteers who I became very close friends with. When you take a group of people from all over the world who are experiencing a culture together and who have the common interest of being abroad and doing good, a deep bond is made very quickly. At the beginning I didn't know what to expect, but upon my arrival at the INN I was welcomed into the community of young people in different volunteer placements and at the end of each day looked forward to our dinners together and talks up on the terrace of our apartment, exchanging stories about our placements, the funny bits of Italian culture we experienced, and some deep conversations about travel and what we wanted to do with our lives.
The first weekend I was there we traveled as a group to the walk of the gods in Positano and then had a picnic on the beach, and the second weekend we swam in the crystalline waters of Gaiola! There is so much to see in the area, and you will have plenty of free time either before or after your placement, so I highly recommend you take advantage of it.
I also highly recommend the afterschool program, but would also advise prospective volunteers to have at least a basic knowledge of Italian before jumping into it. I have lived in Italy for a while and speak fluent Italian, and since the children don't have a good enough understanding of English to translate or want to translate, I was very grateful to know the language and it allowed me to make connections with the kids easily. The afterschool program is divided into three sections (ages 7-9, ages 9-11, ages 12-16) and the first few days were divided among these three sections, getting to know the kids and the afterschool teachers from each section. The program went from 3-7 and involved helping the kids with homework (I liked to play a game where I would write a word in English and then the kid would have to write the word in Italian and then dialect. The kids were excited to teach me their dialect, and I was happy to learn!), then a snack time (one little girl got particularly attached to me and made me sit next to her during snack time and share her panino every day), then various activities (games, dancing, arts and crafts). This was all run by the staff at the afterschool center, which took some of the pressure off of the volunteers and allowed us to sit with the kids and make connections rather than having to worry about being in charge. Future participants should know that it is normal in Italian culture to be very loud and expressive, and should expect a lot of noise during the program, as well as a fair amount of chaos. One of my favorite memories was distracting the most rambunctious kids in the group by having an arm wrestling competition. With this as a distraction, the troublemakers were having safe fun and the rest of the kids could focus!
The support at INN and IVHQ was wonderful, and I often interacted with the employees around the housing. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to live in the crazy city of Naples (yes it is dirty and loud, but I never once felt unsafe and made so many connections with workers in cafes, bars, and delis, and people I met on the street! Plus the city is cheap and the food is the best in Italy) and is willing to make an effort to integrate themselves into their placement. It is your participation and eagerness to be involved that determines your success in the program! This program impacted my life greatly by showing me that I want to work with kids and that I love Naples. In fact, I am thinking of studying pedagogy in Naples next year! I also gained some amazing friends from my fellow volunteers. I traveled with two of them after the program ended and soon will be going to visit another! For anyone considering this program, I beg of you please do it and throw yourself fully into the experience.

I choose to do the Teaching English program this November and I have absolutely no regrets! It has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. The IVHQ program prepares you well for first-time volunteers, especially the online training before travelling. The IVHQ Inn staff are so welcoming, supportive and are there for you whether its for feedback or to have a chat. I was extremely satisfied with my experience in the project. I was by the end involved in two meaningful projects teaching english to secondary students and teaching english to adults who are refugees or homeless in the last week of my placement, which was a nice surprise. You know its a great program when you feel like you are making a difference even in the slightest way.

There was of coarse some challenges along the way. Theres the fear of doing something new in a place you are not familiar with, or going to placement every day not knowing what to expect, trying to communicate with or understand the culture and the people and change of plans in your project. But for me that is when i grew as a person the most and I learnt the most.

Overall, its a very well-organised program and ensures that you are satisfied and any issues are resolved, for example the email to check up on your experiences beginning, middle and end of program. I have more confidence in life, I am more culturally aware, adaptable, independent and have become a better person because of this program and more knowledge of teaching english. Thanks IVHQ for a wonderful experience!

My month in Naples was amazing. The airport pick up service was great. The accommodation is very nice, clean and with a great location, right on Naples historic center. The view from the rooftop is unbeliveable. The staff there is really helpful, they made me feel at home since day one. Naples is a very interesting city with many things to offer and close to a lot of other beautiful places you can visit during the weekend. Neapolitan food is just perfect and neapolitans are incredibly kind and friendly people. The work at your placement can be very rewarding if you really put your heart into it. Thank you Naples for such an unforgettable experience.
I will definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to volunteer abroad.

I have been to Italy many times before, but that particular trip to Napoli is my favorite so far. It was very exceptional; the sweetest ever Italians in International Napoli Network will make you feel at home from the first second you arrive. They will explain to you everything you need to know about Italy in general and Napoli in specific, what they expect from you and even the necessary Italian language you need to carry out simple conversations with locals. People in Napoli are very friendly and well known for their hospitality and respect to people from other cultures. Ohhh, and in case you’re reading this to hear about food? Trust me, you won’t have any idea how pizza tastes like until you go there!
Besides, our delicious meals always arrived on time and some meals were prepared according to volunteers’ requests (e.g. vegetarian).

In case you are not sure whether you will do well in your placement, I would definitely advise not to worry at all.

I had no previous experience in teaching English before, but the motivating words and continuous support from INN is all what I needed to succeed in teaching middle school students.

In short, I can’t wait to apply again! ☺

When people told me of the border between north and south, I did not believe such a thing existed. The touristy north is beautiful however the language south is heard.
Warm, alive and Aloud!
Owhhh, chiama Napule’

I participated in a volunteer project that I believe was helping the local community. Instead they’ve helped change the very meaning of life and its existence I once thought. Seeing the smiles of joy and hope from the people where unfortunately a government flawed with corruption reigns is a great thing.

There are many trying and hoping for Italy. Ivan, Sara and Chiara, a very big thank you for your hospitality, guidance through your city, and most importantly for giving me the opportunity to give where it’s needed.

Cin cin!