Something my experience really helped me realize is the huge heterogeneity in ideas, opinions and perspectives people might identify themselves in depending on the social and historical context in which they grew up. I understood that in life it's very important to be able to resize one's own problems and to try to look at the bigger picture, contributing to the betterment of someone's situation.
This journey taught me to try to understand without judging, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to get to know myself in a completely new environment.

Volunteering is a life-changing experience, you will learn and experience a new culture, community, people, language and most important: you will create beautiful memories with amazing people while you make an impact. If you are a volunteering for the first time IVHQ is the best organization to do it with. They offer 24/7 guidance, a diverse variety of programs/countries and an amazing team that will guide you through the whole process. I joined the kindergarten and special needs program in Kenya for 3 weeks, I spent every day teaching and playing with the most lovable and kind kids. The teachers and volunteers at the school I was placed in became my family and the school my home away from home. If you are thinking about it do it, you will have the BEST time of your life!

I had the most amazing time on my 2 week trip to Kenya. It was much more than I could've anticipated. I have been following IVHQ for over 10 years now. I knew when I was younger that volunteering abroad was something I wanted to do but when you are young, having the time and money plays a major part. So when I finally got the time during the pandemic, I booked before I could talk myself out it (nerves of the unknown)! And I'm so glad I did. Between the culture, the people and the children I met (I taught children from PP1-grade 8) this experience left me nothing short of humbly appreciative. Down to my host family and the food that was prepared for us (I had two roommates also volunteering and we became fast friends!) daily was such a joy. I was awaiting such a big culture shock (and please don't review my experience, and think that you won't have one. Everyone is different!) but it never happened. It was all very comfortable and enjoyable. Again, everyone's experience will be different, even my next program may be very different but if you go in with no expectations except to give back to a community that needs helping hands, then you will love IVHQ. I came back on such a high, that I already signed up for my next destination!

I went to the Teaching programme in Nairobi and it was the best experience in my life! Some people said that they were amazed that I am doing this with just 18, but I think it helped me a lot to grow and see beyond my little home town in Germany. All the kind people I met there, the volunteers, my host family and all the kids at the school… I have already decided to visit them before I go to University and I will definitely take part in even more IVHQ programmes!!! The only regret I have is that I only signed up for a month, so to everyone wanting to do this programme I recommend to do it over a longer period of time!!!

This was my first trip out of the country and my first major volunteering experience, but it was also the best part of my life. The friends I made along the way and the people I met will impact me forever. IVHQ has shown me how much I can do by helping those in poorer countries around the world. The organization also lets you go on side trips on the weekend, such as safari. These trips are fun and also let you experience the culture much more than regular touristy trips. Everyone who was with me in the program wanted to stay longer and the goodbyes were the saddest part.

I spent 6 weeks in South Africa and they were the best weeks of my life. The staff is amazing, since the very first moment you know that you are going to have the time of your life, it is an amazing program, I change my perception of life and grew so much as a person. It was the best experience of my life. You know that wherever you choose to go you will have so much fun, you will be safe and you will grow so much as a person. They have so many programs and all of them are amazing. My experience was amazing and I wouldn’t change anything about it

The absolute best volunteer travel organization! The programs are responsible, safe, affordable and sustainable. I have volunteered in two counties through IVHQ and cannot wait for my next service trip!
I had the best time. I met so many amazing people. I look forward to continuing to support the NGO I worked with in the future. It was incredibly meaningful work that I am grateful to have been able to contribute to. To highly recommend International Volunteer Headquarters. The staff is great. So great!

Volunteering halfway across the world with IVHQ was easily one of the best experiences I’ve ever been on. IVHQ was very helpful during the days leading up to the trip. They were always checking to make sure we were well prepared and new what to expect to ensure a successful trip and arrival. They had an amazing team working for them in Kenya that were always available if we needed anything. IVHQ’s team went above and beyond to make sure our volunteer experience was an incredible one. They were very affordable and gave us the best possible deals whenever we wanted to branch out and do any excursions during our off time on the trip. We met tons of amazing people and made many life long friendships. It truly was life changing and I will definitely be going through IVHQ again in the future to plan my next volunteer trip!