I could spend 2 weeks in Lima to support a local community. I didn't realize the privilege I was born with till my volunteer work. Because having social security, nature around us, and breathing fresh air are privileged life circumstances that we should give more credit for. Too often we underestimate things that are in our life. The volunteer program made me realize this. It made me realize that not everyone was born to beautiful places and if you were, nothing can be more selfless and beautiful than helping others who cant say the same. We took care of children who were so loving, they shared so easily, they didn't know how much they taught us about life. I will try to always remember this and returning to volunteer again, as soon as I can. for this, I am glad, IVHQ exists, because without this organization, my life wouldn't change. As a future volunteer, you should know, these people are happy for the fact, that YOU, out there in the big world, trying to reach them out, you give your heart and time to show them some love, attention. You cannot change immediately their life, you might feel, you don't do enough while you volunteer, but you should know and understand, that the act of kindness does move mountains.

I just returned from a 2 week medical volunteering program in Cusco, Peru through IVHQ. As someone who is extremely interested in international public health, I had high expectations for this experience. As dangerous as high expectations can be, all of mine (and many more) were exceeded in these 2 weeks. Not only was I able to learn from the incredibly knowledgeable healthcare professionals in Cusco, but my understanding of the culture was expanded more than I could have hoped for. I was worried that 2 weeks would be a lot, but I know that next time I go, it will have to be for more! I didn’t want to leave. The support from IVHQ was unparalleled, and I consider myself very fortunate for having this experience and learning so much!

I’ve always had a passion to see the world- and to leave each place I visit better than the way I found it. IVHQ offered me the perfect opportunity to travel with meaning- to do my part in making the world a better place while discovering some of the hidden beauties planet earth has to offer.

I didn’t expect to fall IN LOVE with Peru, but I fell hard! From the welcoming and kind feelings from our host family, connecting with volunteers from all over the world, to breathtaking sites like Machu Picchu- every minute spent during these two weeks was something priceless. Everything we did, from volunteering to site seeing, we did as a team- as a family. I am forever grateful for that. Peru is filled with so many hard-working people, many alpacas and mountains that literally take your breath away (and not because of the altitude! but that is no joke).

IVHQ gave me more than an opportunity to volunteer while abroad. It gave me new friendships that will last a lifetime, experiences that you can’t put a price tag on, a new cultural lens, and a heart that feels so full it could explode! It’s a beautiful thing- to be able to connect with people from all different backgrounds, cultures, and corners of the world- to come together under one common desire: to help others. This was an experience of a lifetime… And I’m already planning my next IVHQ trip!

This experience gave me a lot to learn and see, thanks to the Holiday Program I got to experience the majority of the opportunities for volunteering, and I got the chance to discover what I am good at, I could learn from a lot of people, met amazing people and got to know myself better. Now I can not wait to volunteer again for more time and a new country to visit! All the volunteering activities helped me to grow and think how fortunate I am which means I have to give back some of the luck I have. The best way to do it is giving a small piece of your kindness wherever you go or volunteer.

Be a volunteer is always something that everyone wants to be. But most of the people that don't have courage enough!
My experience this year was in Peru-Cusco and it was the first time that I have done some experience like that! And I love it!
I have chosen to do Special needs care at Madre Teresa it was no doubts the best project that I could have! Plus you always can choose another programs to do!
You never feel alone, the people that you meet are unbelievable, the trips that you do are incredible and in the end you really feel that you achieve the fullfillment in life!
In the end you feel that helping another people is something that you really appreciate in life and you just want to do more and more!
So be a volunteer and enjoy your life!

This program was wonderful. Starting from the pickup at the airport, everything was taken care of. This was my first volunteer trip with IVHQ and it will not be my last. I made so many friends in this program. I recommend to anyone looking for an affordable and impactful way to travel!

All of the staff that I encountered were wonderful and the homestay felt very safe and welcoming. I was conveniently located just a few blocks from the town square as well. As for excursions, the staff was more than willing to make recommendations. I ended up doing a day trip to Machu Picchu through America Inca Trail. As for my volunteer placement, our staff member showed us how to use the public bus system in order to get there and made sure we knew what was expected of us. This was a great time!

I had a wonderful time
Volunteering with IVHQ in Peru! Everything was well organized and smooth, I did the community support program and got to enjoy working in several different projects during my time. I will be volunteering with this
Company again and again! Everyone was so helpful and I left with such a humbling and eye opening view point. The work IVHQ is doing in Lima is making such and impact. Meals were good, the volunteer home was clean and organized. Travel was easy, I don’t speak Spanish and had no problems, just use a translator app! Most places have someone who can speak a little
English. I do suggest building in extra time to travel. There’s a ton to see and do in Lima and the surrounding areas! Thank you so much IVHQ for this amazing opportunity!

I had an awesome time volunteering in Lima, Peru. I worked with the dogs in the shelter and I fell in love with so many of them. My one regret was that I didn’t stay long enough. I was only there for one week which was really only four half days of volunteering. I would have liked to have been with the dogs so much longer so that I could feel like I was making more of an impact. I really enjoyed working with my coordinator. Her and I were one on one the entire time which made me feel like I had special attention. Spending that selective time with her helped me to really practice my Spanish which was an added bonus. This program is great for anyone looking to give back and explore other cultures while doing so. Finally, the shared house that I stayed
in was perfect. The people were great and the food was delicious. They were more than accommodating to my vegan diet.