Affordable Winter Volunteer Programs with IVHQ

When I first decided to go to South Africa, I was so excited to learn and see the differences between our cultures and see what I could do help with the kids as well. After a few weeks of teaching, we entered winter holidays and worked with the Western Cape Department of Education where I got to teach kids kayaking! I had one kid named Ishmael who took his shoes off and stuck them in the water off one side of the kayak causing us to drag. "What are you doing Ishmael?" I asked. He told me that he loved the water and that he used to live near our volunteer placement in Muizenberg, but his family had to move to Lavender Hill away from the fun of surfing and the ocean and towards higher crime rates and the influence of gangsterism. Immediately, I thought back to my childhood when my parents had considered moving, but I begged them not to take me away from my forest where I had built so many trails. Ishmael and I are growing up 8,000 miles apart, but in so many ways we are just the same. Although, it is theoretically true that we are all human, it is so good to be truly confronted by that fact especially through Ishmael's feet on a kayak in a South African estuary in the shadow of a mountain.

IVHQ has very affordable programs which is one of the reasons I chose this company. Traveling for the first time to India, it was extremely beneficial to go through a company. I honestly would be completely lost if I did not have the help of IVHQ and its staff. I participated in the Slum Teaching Program in India and it was the one of the best experiences I have had. I am a student and came here for three weeks during my winter break. I learned a lot and definitely grew from this experience. The program offered a fantastic orientation week that greatly prepared me for India and its culture. The language lesson was helpful and the sightseeing was spot on - my favorite places were Qutub Minar, Chandni Chowk and of course the Taj Mahal. I would definitely recommend to partake in the orientation week, even if you are only here for two weeks, it was well worth it. The program coordinators are very helpful and will go out of their way to help you with anything you need. My homestay was awesome and very comfortable. The Slum Teaching Project was extremely rewarding and the children were so sweet. I would definitely recommend this company and program to anyone.

As my first volunteer abroad program (and first time traveling alone for that matter), I had no idea what to expect from this experience. I never imagined I would enjoy it as much as I did! Since the day I arrived I felt at home. To begin with, the house is very spacious and the people who run the program/house are more than helpful and friendly (Lichi, Julio, Jose, Ariel, Quique). They truly want to make sure you make the best of your experience at the placement. The other volunteers are lovely and it's so easy to make friends. I personally think that the more volunteers, the better. There was a point during my stay that there were 30+ volunteers in the house and I actually enjoyed it! It's a good way to make good friends and keep yourself busy. The city of Córdoba itself is actually about a 45-60 minute bus ride from the house in Villa Allende but I didn't mind it much. There's also plenty to do in the center of Villa Allende which is about a 15 minute walk from the house. The volunteering itself was great. Only complain I have was paying for the taxi ride to and from placement every day but if you talk to Lichi about it she'll help you out in any way she can! I volunteered with healthcare at a clinic nearby in a town called La Calera and loved it! The doctors and nurses were extremely friendly and tried to include you in as much as possible. I've heard some good things about the other placements too. Besides volunteering, there's plenty to do. As far as nightlife goes, there's always at least one boliche (club) open every night of the week. They don't get good until around 2 AM and close around 5 AM. As for activities, there's many places in the province of Córdoba to go hiking (and swimming, I'm sure... But I went during winter). If you're making the long and costy commute to Argentina, I suggest you take some time to travel either during the weekend or after your volunteering. Argentina has much to offer for any type of traveler. Plus, you'll meet tons of people at the house to make travel plans with. All in all, I had the time of my life in argentina. I would recommend it to anyone who is passionate about volunteering and traveling! Already miss the house and everyone in it.