I am certain I will never find the right words to describe how precious this experience was, so bear with me, my words will not do it justice. I had always wanted to do something like this and I could not be happier that I finally was actually able to. For starters, the house itself exceeded all my expectations, it couldn't´t have been better. My room was in perfect conditions, clean, roomy, comfortable, etc. the bathroom that was part of it as well. I was beyond impressed that my special dietary need were taken care of so kindly and carefully. There was not a single time when a meal was prepared that I wasn't able to eat (because of my allergies) that there wasn't a special dish made for me, the woman who made this possible always had my health in mind and was incredibly kind to me. Our house master was amazing as well, I felt comfortable with her since we first met, she was ver approachable and had answers for every nervous (and even stupid) question I made, before and during my program. Getting the chance to meet so many wonderful people really was so fulfilling, helping me get more and more perspective as time went by. My program itself was beautiful, I know I already used this word but I don't even know what else to call it. I worked with special needs adults, most of them being at least twice my age, in a day/work center. What I did was mainly serve as a companion to these sweet people, talking to them, listening to music, dancing, doing art projects, gardening, and more. Once I had been there for a couple of weeks, they knew who I was and the way their eyes lit up when I would walk into the room is something I will never forget, it's very powerful to feel like just your presence makes a difference in someone's day. It was so humbling to see that people who face all these obstacles continue to do their best and of course display a love and kindness that I had never seen. With all honesty, I loved every bit of it, it is so well organized, it's a dream.

When I first arrived the local center where I volunteered for, I was a little bit nervous. Because I can't speak Spanish and I can't communicated well with the kids.
Suddenly, a little boy called me on the high railing. "Please catch me!"
He opened his arms hoping I could catch him, and I did what I should do. I realized that the kids believed that I can keep them in safe. That's a good experience.

IVHQ's Madrid program was amazing. You are located in a safe area with 24/7 support and receive a comprehensive orientation. The apartments are more than comfortable and are close to public transportation. I had work in the morning and free nights and weekends to explore with my housemates. We even flew to Lisbon, Portugal one weekend. You must go to the night club, "Teatro Capital" one night if nothing else when looking for the social scene and the food in Spain is to die for. Safe travels!

I volunteered for 2 weeks in Madrid and it was amazing. The support from the IVHQ volunteer house were always ready to answer questions we had about the volunteer program and the city. This experience was unique because I got the opportunity to be placed in two different programs. I was open to whatever the program needed me to do and that helped me understand the lives of the individuals at the program. It was tough at the beginning because I did not know any Spanish, but I did not let that bring me down. I learnt a little to just get by with communication using the Google translate app. I highly recommend it. Don't get intimidated by the language barrier. Such things are opportunities to learn, so be open to learning. Working with the elderly and individuals with Autism showed another side to life that I wouldn't have experienced unless I volunteered to do so. Making friends were not hard as everyone has the same goal for the weeks that you volunteer. I had no expectation from this program and trip and that brought out an amazing learning experience which I highly recommend to all.
Tips- Use Google translate for languages, the metro and the bus app to get around madrid.
I also got the under 25 metro bus card, and that saved me loads on transportation!
Travel outside Madrid during the weekend to places like Toledo or Segovia. It is worth it!

I had a lifetime, affordable and safe experience with IVHQ Spain. I taught EFL for the first time at a rehab center. The participants were very responsive. I was enlighten by the daily structure provided for the rehab participants but yet they had enough energy to focus on the English I and my team mates taught them. They were very appreciated. The IVHQ staff allowed my team mates and I to use our own creativity to teach. They didn't impose any structure only provided some tips. It seemed very challenging at first not being given a manual to follow but in the end this approach brought out the best in me because I had to think of a strategy to teach the participants (aged 18 to 25). Every day I had to figure out what and how to ensure that the participants benefit from my teaching. I also worked on the Renovation Program preparing a new rehab center. Painting and sweeping on a rooftop in the hot boiling sun challenged by perseverance. Living in a house with 30 strangers and yet feeling as though I was with siblings was the most amazing part of my volunteer stint in Spain. I think there was a nice balance of work and play that would want me to repeat a similar experience with IVHQ. Thanks for a great experience that I will forever remember.

My volunteer trip to Spain was unforgettable. I got the opportunity to volunteer for 3 weeks in the special needs program. I helped adults with disabilities learn how to work with computers and learn their way around it. I got to meet new people and explore the beautiful country of Spain. I got to go on tourists tours during free time and I also had the amazing opportunity to explore the city of San Sebastián because we had weekends off. It was an amazing weekend trip with friends. I loved it and I want to one day go back a revisit!

I was able to spend 2 weeks in Madrid, Spain volunteering with IVHQ on their "Special Needs Support" program. I work in special education in the public school system in the U.S. and was hoping to find a volunteer opportunity that would allow me to continue working in a similar capacity during my summer off. IVHQ's program was unique in that it included programs for working with children with special needs as well as more traditional teaching or renovation programs. The program allowed me to immerse myself in both the Spanish language and culture while also giving back to a group of individuals that truly needed volunteer support. Throughout my time in Madrid, I felt safe and comfortable exploring the city independently as my volunteer schedule allowed. It was a fantastic opportunity to combine my interest in volunteering with my interest in the Spanish language, culture, and people.