Group Volunteer Programs in 50+ Destinations Worldwide

I went to Merida with a few other members of my University's Spanish Club for a week over our Spring Break. I was really excited to go because I had never been to Mexico before and I would be able to volunteer while being there. My group was placed at CRIT, a hospital that is funded by the government for kids with neuromuscular disabilities. I absolutely loved the placement that we were at and I felt feeling really good every day. We took an uber to our placement because it would be cheaper, but if your placement requires a bus make sure you wake up with enough time to get on. The other workers and volunteers help you understand the bus system during orientation, which helps a lot. Our volunteering was only from 9am-1pm which was very nice because it gave us enough time to go out during the afternoons if we wanted to, but if we wanted to stay in we were able to have a short siesta (nap) or take a swim in the pool which was in the backyard. We also got our lunch at our placement. The food at our volunteer house was very delicious. Dinner was prepared by the abuelita at the family's house. The food she mad was cooked with love and was very delicious, can not say that enough! We also came in a day early which is how we got to do a day trip to Celestun. The afternoon trips that we did were to the 3 cenotes and to Uxmal. The prices were very affordable and worth it. Hope that if you go on this trip you will enjoy it as much as I did!

It was one of the best experiences of my life and was amazing. Filled with everlasting joyous memories and experiences. The trip exceeded all my expectations and gave me so much in return. I was shocked with the generosity and warmth everyone greeted and showered us with there, it was overwhelmingly heart warming. Could not have asked for a better trip and experience. Our university brought some students to volunteer at Kenya Mombasa and little did i know that i would be getting so much out of this trip than the alternative. I have learned so much form this experience and believe it has transformed and is transforming me into a better version of myself. It has opened my perspective and view on the world and life's aspects. As well as allowed me to have a better insight to others cultures and traditions including having a more well rounded appreciation for diversely different cultures and histories. Overall the trip exceed all my expectations positively and i could not thank born again orphanage and IVHQ team enough for the great memories and everlasting happy memories i hold in my heart, so thank you for everything, everyone even the people of Kenya were so welcoming, it all made our stay that much more better and wonderful.

I had a great experience volunteering through IVHQ! They were incredibly helpful coordinating everything in advance and for preparing us. The local team was absolutely incredible. I really enjoyed working with the kids doing well-child check ups and practicing my Spanish with them. We had some teenage girls teach us some local dances and even though we didn't know Spanish well and they didn't know English at all we were still able to communicate through the music and dance!

For one week, I volunteered under the medical project through IVHQ in Antigua, Guatemala. I chose Guatemala because it was one of the most affordable programs offered by IVHQ, but my experience completely surpassed my expectations. The local volunteer staff was beyond helpful and kind. They directed us to the best eateries/tours and supported us in every way throughout the entire trip. I highly recommend this program to anyone who's looking for a beautiful cultural experience at a low cost!

As an experienced traveler, I have to say that I was impressed with the accommodations for our group and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. We felt taken care of the entire time we were there, we knew what we needed to do and what they expected of us ahead of time. Staff was willing to help us understand the culture and our mission at all times, no question went unanswered. I am so happy I got a chance to participate on this trip and I look forward to future trips. I enjoy working with IVHQ.

When I told the children I was from America, they were very excited. They were working in their workbooks and one table began quickly flipping through the pages until they found a picture of the earth and the moon, to scale. They ran up to me and showed me the page and pointed to the moon. "Is that where America is?" they asked. I laughed and showed them on the earth where America was, and then pointed to South Africa, where we were currently. "America is very far away from here, but not THAT far!"

I cannot recommend IVHQ enough! I had the best 2 weeks of my life volunteering with NGO Support in Naples. The INN staff were so helpful and welcoming.

I couldn't get over the culture and character in Naples, it was absolutely beautiful. I was a little scared at first because I'm sure a lot of you looking into volunteering or travelling to Naples have heard some horror stories... Well, I can assure you that all the locals I met were very kind and helpful, to say the least. I made some very dear friends that I've been keeping in touch with.

We had a lot of off time that we spent exploring all the sights that Naples had to offer. We also had time to visit Rome, Sorrento, and Pompeii. I would recommend this experience to anyone!

ps. Try not to drink a cappuccino after 10 a.m., the locals might laugh at you!

When I was looking at volunteering options there seemed to be a minefield of choices, problems and good and bad reviews out there. I believe some negative reviews are from mis-informed people who haven't done enough research into how the company operate and where the money goes. One reason I chose IVHQ is because their website makes this information very clear.
The lead-up to my volunteering was well organised, and I had access to ask any questions I might have. Luckily I have been to developing countries and knew what to expect but the introduction videos are a great way to manage expectations. You should definitely expect to have nervous moments when volunteering abroad or moments of feeling out of your depth. However, with challenge come great rewards. During my week volunteering in Cusco I felt that I made a real difference to the people there and in many ways wished that I had been able to stay for longer. You will meet interesting people, see and experience local culture but most of all, with some hard work, you can make a difference to local lives. At the end of the day volunteering is about what you can give, the impact on you and the benefits you feel are just an added bonus. For anyone embarking on teaching English, doing a TEFL course beforehand or simply exploring teaching methods across various age groups can certainly help you feel a little more prepared and improve the impact you have once you arrive. If you are simply unsure if volunteering is for you then I would definitely say try it, it will almost certainly be an experience you won't forget!