Hosted by International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Philippines Volunteer Programs from $26/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Name: Philippines Volunteer Programs from $26/day | Most Affordable & Trusted
Brand: International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ
SKU: 52323
Rating: 4.89 (55 reviews)

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4.89 Rating

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Location

Philippines

Length

1 to 24 weeks

Project Types

Childcare Community Development Building Projects Environmental Conservation Education Teaching

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Program Details

Language

English

Timeframe

Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Lodge

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

380

Price Details

Fully hosted experience from only $380 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 01, 2024

Last Reviewed: Jul 12, 2024

Wish List

47 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 136,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Philippines and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 6 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in Philippines.

Our affordable projects start from $26/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 4 projects, ranging from Teaching, Kindergarten and Environmental in Palawan, an archipelagic province. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

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Video and Photos

Affordable Volunteer Programs in The Philippines $270

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Program Highlights

Cheapest volunteer programs from $26/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in the Philippines

Construction & Renovation Volunteer in Philippines

Transform schools, daycare centers, and medical facilities in the Philippines with IVHQ's Construction and Renovation volunteer project in Palawan. Help with renovations, restoration, painting, and carpentry to create functional and beautiful spaces for under-resourced communities.

Environmental Conservation Volunteer

Protect Palawan’s pristine natural environment as an Environmental volunteer! Rehabilitate mangroves, clean up beaches, and promote eco-education in local schools. Make a meaningful impact on the local marine and bird life by restoring vital habitats and protecting the shoreline.

Kindergarten Volunteer in the Philippines

Help provide quality education to under-resourced kindergartens in the Philippines as a volunteer. Follow the government curriculum in an exciting way, with an essential focus on fun. Volunteers can also conduct special classes during holiday periods, providing an opportunity to be creative and flexible.

Program Reviews

4.89 Rating

based on 55 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 92.73%
4 rating 5.45%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 1.82%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.6
Support 4.95
Fun 4.8
Value 4.7
Safety 4.9

Good for Solo Travelers, Adventure travelers, Students

Showing 1 - 8 of 55 reviews

The house was clean and the food safe and tasty. The staff was very competent and available. The daily routine we had to follow was tough but stimulating and we still had time to rest. The kids were so cute and we built a really strong bond with them. Also the other volunteers were very dedicated to making a difference. The Philippines landscape is incredible: it has an amazing flora and fauna. The locals were nice and helpful. We felt really safe going to and coming back from school. I really enjoyed attending local events too!

What would you improve about this program?

I would add more social activities and afternoon trips. Since we were in a small village, there wasn’t much to do after school and at night.

Pros

landscape
kids
food

Cons

isolation
heat
humidity

I cannot put into words how much this programme has changed my life, it has shown me how much power my words and actions hold while allowing me to experience a completely different and beautiful culture to my own, engaging thoroughly in the language, the festivals and the food. The local team were so warm and welcoming from my first day, and were always there to help me and the other volunteers. I wish that everyone had the chance to take part in this amazing opportunity, since it left me a changed person, giving me a physical representation of the difference I can make from such a young age!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

My most nerve-racking moment was definitely my first day teaching the kids, I was unsure if they would accept me
or even like me and listen to me, but truthfully I just took a breathe and tried my best, getting the class to actively engage in the lesson and trying to make them laugh, I just had to remind myself that “all is well…” My class was truly a group of the most amazing children I’ve ever met and I was quick to develop a deep emotional connection with each of them!

Pros

Immersing yourself in a new culture
Spending time with the kids
Discovering who you are as a person

AMAZING EXPERIENCE ! I was so lucky to have the opportunity to go to the Philippines and spend time with the community. I fell in love with all the kids there. I highly recommend everyone to do this at least once in your life. I am 34 years old and I wish I did that when I was younger ! I will do it again for sure.
The guidance that IVHQ brought me was also very useful, I always felt safe and never alone ! I highly recommend to go to the Philippines but I’m sure all the programs are great ! Try it, you’ll see !

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Just be open ! Don’t overthink and go.
You’ll be destabilized but it’s the point. You won’t live like you’re used to but you will be safe and have everything you need (and more). The team and support is just amazing !

Pros

Food
Community
Kids

Cons

Nada

I volunteered in the Philippines for 2 weeks teaching English to kindergarten and Grade 3 kids. This experience was definitely the most humbling experience I have had so far in my life. Philippines is such a beautiful country with even more beautiful people. I was blessed to have such a lovely placement and meet such amazing people. I have made friends for life who I will sure meet up with when I travel to their countries. My coordinator was lovely and the local team were supportive and all amazing. I recommend this to anyone.

What was your funniest moment?

Karaoke nights Thursday! We all sang and joined in. It was good fun

Pros

Good food
Special experience teaching the local kids
Meeting other likeminded people and able to explore the island together at weekends

Cons

The temperature is very hot (but you kind of get used to it)
You eat a lot of food as it is so good
Saying goodbye when your time on the program was over

My Experience Volunteering with IVHQ in the Philippines was a time I will never forget. From the moment I landed I felt like I was home, like I belonged. I am already a hands on type of person and I fix cars for a living, so being able to learn how the people of the Philippines fix, build, and create their own tools with the resources they have was everything. I love helping people. Being able to serve people in Philippines and seeing the instant impact meant so much to me. The coordinator and staff in the Philippines made everything so seamless and fun. They are very hospitable, friendly, attentive and make the volunteer experience all around enjoyable, happy, and safe. Volunteering in the Philippines was the best decision I have ever made. I cannot wait to go back. The Philippines stole my heart. Mahal Kita Philippines.

What was your funniest moment?

My funniest moment was when myself and two other Volunteers were trying Camias (sour cucumber) and it was ridiculously sour. The faces we made were priceless.

Pros

Safety
Experience
Learning

Cons

Heat
Water shutting off
Electricity shutting off

My wife and I had an unforgettable experience volunteering with IVHQ during our honeymoon in the Philippines. The organization facilitated a seamless and enriching opportunity for us to contribute meaningfully to the local community. Our main focus was on mangrove restoration, climate change education for the youth, and participating in beach clean-ups. The projects were well-organized, and the support from the IVHQ team was exceptional, ensuring we could make a positive impact during our short stay.

Volunteering with IVHQ not only allowed us to give back to the community but also created a unique and fulfilling dimension to our honeymoon. The hands-on experience of working on environmental initiatives left a lasting impact on us, and we were impressed with the dedication of the local team and the meaningful projects they have in place. We wholeheartedly recommend IVHQ to any couples considering a honeymoon with a purpose – the combination of giving back, cultural immersion, and the beautiful setting made our experience truly unforgettable.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would volunteer for at least 2-3 weeks minumum. We volunteered for 2 weeks and that seemed like a grand amount of time for our honeymoon, but for our next trip, we are thinking of volunteering for at least 4 weeks in Latin America. This would be sufficient time to have a lasting impact and we had so much fun along the way.

Pros

Authentic Human Connection
Lasting Postitive Community Impact
Unforgettable Experiences

The local staff was so welcoming and comforting. They were also available to help with anything I needed and were so fun to be around. The IVHQ team was so helpful from the second I expressed interest in going on a trip through the organization. They provided an abundance of useful resources and helpful reminders of what I needed to complete by when. They were always available to answer any questions I had. The experience itself was truly exceptional. I loved meeting all the children and the local people. It was so exciting immersing myself in the local culture. I felt proud of the value I added to the community. I felt incredibly safe in the accommodations and the village. I did not want to leave and cannot wait to return for another trip in the future.

Pros

Safe, welcoming environment
Meaningful work and connections
Immersion in local culture

In all honesty, this changed my life. I’m a 16 year old from Baltimore Maryland, and this trip opened my eyes to how crazy and amazing the world really is. I made so many lifelong friends just by being an open and friendly person, I’d recommend this to absolutely anyone with a smile and confidence! The people here are amazing, and I found a 2nd home, Palawan changed me and I left a better person then I arrived, with some people I could legit call my family! All love to IVHQ and the Philippines! Coming from Baltimore where people aren’t as friendly and lots of crime to a place like Palawan where everyone treats you like they’ve known you for years is crazy! The teaching project is a great opportunity and the kids are great, love them all! As a 16 year old going alone obviously there were some safety concerns but I had nothing but a positive experience and IVHQ made sure I was safe! Tip for people going, PLAY BASKETBALL WITH THE LOCALS! It’s the best way of bonding and everyone gets along over a pickup game! Again, all love to IVHQ and Palawan, I’ll be back in April! And hopefully volunteering with IVHQ in some other far off corner of the world!

Pros

Friendly people
Safe
Meaningful project

Cons

No cons

Questions & Answers

Are there projects that allow me to bring my 6 month old with me?

Answer this question

Do you have to pay your own airfare there?

Hi Jose, Volunteers are required to pay for their own flights. We know that flights can be one of your biggest costs when preparing for a volunteer trip abroad, so to help overcome this we have partnered with STA Travel to create flight itineraries and special offers, especially for IVHQ volunteers. Jordan McFadyen IVHQ Community Manager

By IVHQ on December 4, 2017

I would particularly like to have the Saturdays off. Do I have that option to be as flexible with how I spend my weekends on the Programme?

It's very safe, the staff take good care of you. Also, what you do on the weekend is completely up to you. There's so many options.

By Susmitha Bathula on November 14, 2017

How safe is this area?

The area is really safe. The northern part of Palawan is actually a known place of peace in the Philippines and the crime rates are really low. The village that this program takes place in is very small and wonderful but traveling around the island is also safe.

By Kaylor MacLaughlin on February 5, 2018

See all 2 answers

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

After living in Manila for two years, I was looking for a new challenge or experience to give myself purpose. I was in the position that I may not have again, where I had free time to do something meaningful and give back to the place I had been calling home. When I saw there was a program in Palawan, not too far from Manila, I saw it as a perfect opportunity.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

IVHQ made the application process easy and straight forward. Probably unlike a lot of people, my decision to volunteer was spontaneous and fast moving. I applied in June ready to go at the beginning of August, but the information and advice was clear from the start. The program provider offered to assist with flights, insurance, etc., but as I was already living in the Philippines, this was easy to arrange myself. They responded quickly to any questions I had.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Go with an open mind and a positive attitude. I once read a quote that said, “The difference between an adventure and an ordeal is your attitude”, and I think this is the most relevant piece of advice I can give. The culture may be different to what you are used to; the way of living, accommodation, and food will most definitely be different. If you don't embrace the change, you will lose out on the adventures.

The experience as a whole is invaluable and life changing. Some people go with a clear reason or purpose of what they want to accomplish – I didn't – but at the end of the program, I knew that whatever it was I came for, I had definitely found it.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I was a volunteer on the construction and renovation project. The average week was Monday – Friday volunteering; a few hours in the morning after breakfast, a break for lunch, and then a few hours after lunch. The day ends around 3 PM.

Renovation and construction projects can differ. When I volunteered, we were building a walkway and a septic tank. It was a lot of physical labor in the hot sun, but I learnt a lot of new skills, and it was worth it to see a finished outcome. The weekends are free for volunteers to explore the local areas or travel to different islands in the Philippines.

The Philippines has endless things to offer, and there are always like-minded people on the program who are there as travel buddies and friends.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I had lots of fears before leaving; probably more that I had overthought that were totally unnecessary. Would I be older than everyone else on their gap years? Who would I share a room with? Would I be able to eat as a vegetarian? Would I be strong enough to do construction? The only girl? All of it was unnecessary!

As soon as I arrived, everyone was so welcoming. The stories you hear from people all over the world are eye-opening. The food was catered for everyone, and I never went hungry. The girls I shared a room with were amazing, and we all felt the same.

The volunteering was for every ability, and you will never know what you can do unless you just try. As for the age thing... yes, I happened to be the oldest one there at the time, but it made absolutely no difference. Age is just a number, and not one person had the same story. You can only overcome your fears by giving it a chance. Take it day by day.

Nikola Duncanova

2018 Alum

Deanne Berarducci

2017 Alum

Location

Location:

Philippines

Currency:

Philippine Peso

Weather:

Jan-Mar

93 F / 54 F

Apr-Jun

93 F / 59 F

Jul-Sep

90 F / 59 F

Oct-Dec

90 F / 55 F

Airports:

Ninoy Aquino International

( MNL )

The Philippines being an archipelago comprised of over 7,000 islands lends itself well to a melting pot of diversity with different cultures and customs on each island. The Filipino people are known for the hospitality and will happily tell you the best islands for each activity; from sky-diving at Bantayan island to the untouched Caramoan island, you can't go wrong.

About International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all walks of life to make a difference on the adventure of a lifetime. We offer the world’s #1 rated and largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 40+ countries - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. For...