Location
  • Philippines
Length
1 to 24 weeks

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
May 04, 2023
Feb 22, 2024
44 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in Philippines and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 5 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.

Video and Photos

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

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 in the Philippines

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

4.90 Rating
based on 50 reviews
  • 5 rating 94%
  • 4 rating 4%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 2%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.65
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 1 - 8 of 50 reviews
Default avatar
Dominic
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable Experience Volunteering with IVHQ in the Philippines

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
4 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Stephanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ Philippines Review

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
15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience of my life

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
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Isabel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Teaching in Palawan

It was amazing to teach children who loved and respected you as you did them. These children made you feel so appreciated even though all I did was teach them math and english twice a day. They also taught me something about the culture in the Philippines which I felt was lacking in other places such as where I am from. This kind of warmth in generally not experienced in the USA, but these people showed true openness and happiness, welcoming everyone.
Other than interacting with the people there, it was great to see a new country which is so naturally beautiful. I would love to return and continue the same project in the future.

Pros
  • great hospitality
30 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Dorota
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most eye-opening experience of my life

I recently embarked on a volunteering trip to the beautiful Philippines, and it turned out to be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience. From the moment I arrived until the day I left, the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people, coupled with the country's breathtaking landscapes, made it a journey I will cherish forever.

My volunteering project was focused on education in a rural area, and I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling opportunity. The local organization I volunteered with was well-organized, providing me with meaningful tasks and guidance throughout my stay. Their commitment to making a positive impact on the community was truly inspiring.

One of the highlights of my trip was the genuine connections I formed with the locals. The Filipinos are known for their friendly and welcoming nature, and I was warmly embraced into their tight-knit communities. Whether it was working alongside locals on various projects or engaging in cultural exchanges, every interaction left me with a profound sense of belonging and appreciation for their way of life.

During my free time, I had the opportunity to explore some of the Philippines' natural wonders. With fellow volunteers and know called friends we explored stunning El Nido and less touristy Port Barton. Hanging out with people from different countries benefited me as I got to learn about everyone’s culture.

The local cuisine was a delightful adventure in itself. From savory adobo to flavorful pancit, I indulged in a variety of authentic Filipino dishes that satisfied both my taste buds and curiosity about the local gastronomy. The local cook made delicious food and I have never experience such a burst of flavors in my mouth. We have tried local restaurants but nothing compared to the lady who cooked for us.

While the trip had its challenges, such as adapting to a different climate and occasionally limited resources, the experience was an invaluable lesson in resilience and adaptability. The bonds formed with fellow volunteers from all corners of the globe further enriched the journey, as we shared stories, supported each other, and collectively made a difference.

In conclusion, my volunteering trip to the Philippines was an extraordinary adventure that exceeded all my expectations. The country's natural beauty, the kindness of its people, and the impact I was able to make on the local community left an indelible mark on my heart. I highly recommend this volunteering opportunity to anyone seeking personal growth, cultural immersion, and the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing experience

Truly an amazing experience. The staff was so kind and helpfull and I made so many beautiful friendships from all over the world. The locals were so nice and the children so smart. There is no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than to volunteer.
The school is right next to the beach and a five minutes walk from the accomodations, which was very nice. The food was homecooked everyday and delicious. We were greatfull to have AC in our dorms, which helped cool us off in the hot and humid days (which is basically everyday).

Pros
  • cultural immersion
  • making friends
  • unforgettable experience
Cons
  • heat (but to be expected)
  • far from the city (but there are transportation options)
  • Lots of bugs (just bring good bug repalant)
33 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Izzy
5/5
No, I don't recommend this program

Well-organised, impactful program

I have truly had the most amazing time in the last 7 weeks. Teaching in a primary school in a rural Philippine village has been an incredible experience and I have learnt so much about kindness, patience and how the smallest things in life can make people so happy.

The kids in 3rd, 4th and 6th grade are so smart, attentive and funny, and I adore every single one of them (even my cheeky little monsters in Grade 3). It has been a great privilege watching them learn and grow even in the short time I've been here, and their smiles and their pride when they understand something lights up my heart every time. I've really enjoyed learning some Tagalog off Grade 6, and I'm sure they've enjoyed laughing at my pronunciation!

The people of Tigman have been so welcoming and friendly to us, and their pride and dignity in their culture is truly admirable. This village and it's people will always have a special place in my heart ❤️
🇵🇭 Maraming salamat po 🇵🇭

Pros
  • Friends from all over the world
  • Incredibly beautiful island
  • Well-organised, supportive staff
Cons
  • Don't expect home levels of cleanliness
  • Mosquitoes
36 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anthony
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Trust the Process

I'm Brazilian and I did volunteer work in a remote coastal village in the Philippines. Doing construction work in a small village in a country far from home was only possible because I had a solid international company with a great reputation behind me, which made me feel safe and sure that I would be working in a place that really exists and with people who really need help. IVHQ took care of everything before and after my trip. They answered via email all the questions I had about the program, they connected me with the local volunteer organization and they provided a comprehensive guide with everything I needed to know before traveling.

Pros
  • Making friends from all over the world
  • Helping the local community
  • Working in a picturesque place
45 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

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

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.

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.