I had a great time in Thailand volunteering through IVHQ. Their pre departure checklists and videos were really helpful, and gave me confidence. The handover to the local team was seamless, with pickups and transport working really well. During the placement, the accommodation was great, with a good range of extra activities to get involved in during our downtime. In my third week, I transferred to a private room, as my boyfriend joined, and this again was seamless, with local pickups and drop offs only a whatsapp away. And the placement itself was sooo rewarding! I did construction and renovation which was sometimes tough in the heat, but well worth it to see the gratitude on the faces of the pupils and teachers at the kindergarten.

Volunteering in Thailand was genuinely one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I went into the program excited but unsure of what to expect, and I left feeling more connected, inspired, and grateful than I ever imagined. Teaching English to children for five weeks pushed me far outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. The kids greeted every lesson with energy, curiosity, and huge smiles, and their excitement made even the most challenging days feel meaningful. Watching them slowly gain confidence in speaking, reading, and interacting in English was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize how powerful patience, consistency, and genuine care can be when working with young learners.

What surprised me most was how much I grew personally. Being in a new country, adapting to different routines, and learning how to communicate across language barriers taught me resilience and flexibility. There were moments where I had to think on my feet, adjust plans, or find new ways to teach a concept, and those moments ended up being the ones that taught me the most. I learned to trust myself, stay calm, and choose kindness first—skills I’ll carry with me forever.

But the people I met along the way were just as unforgettable as the experience itself. I went with my best friend, but we quickly built a little family with other volunteers, teachers, and locals. We explored markets, beaches, and temples together; we shared meals, stories, and laughs; and we created memories that I know will stay with me for life. Thailand has a way of bringing people together. The warmth and generosity of the community made every day feel special, and the friendships I made there are ones I’m incredibly grateful for.

Living in Thailand also allowed me to experience its culture in a deeper, more authentic way. From learning basic Thai phrases to trying new foods and observing traditions, every day taught me something new. The country is beautiful in every sense—its landscapes, its culture, and its people. It’s impossible not to fall in love with it.

Looking back, volunteering in Thailand wasn’t just a trip; it was a meaningful chapter of growth, connection, and joy. I would absolutely do it again, and I truly can’t wait for the day I go back.

Mi piacerebbe ringraziare HQ Volunteer per questa esperienza meravigliosa! La consiglierei a chiunque abbia voglia di mettersi in gioco ed immergersi in una nuova cultura, conoscendo nuove persone e aiutando il prossimo. Ringrazio di cuore tutto il team locale, estremamente disponibile e sempre pronto a risolvere qualsiasi tipo di problema. Porterò con me per sempre questi ricordi, questa esperienza speciale a cui ho partecipato e le risate che ho condiviso con tutti gli altri volontari che ho avuto piacere di conoscere. Grazie mille

In English:
I'd like to thank HQ Volunteer for this wonderful experience! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to get involved and immerse themselves in a new culture, meet new people, and help others. I sincerely thank the entire local team, who were extremely helpful and always ready to solve any problem. I will always cherish these memories, this special experience I took part in, and the laughs I shared with all the other volunteers I had the pleasure of meeting. Thank you so much.

My IVHQ coordinator was very punctual and informative when answering my email and questions. Thailand was the first asian country I ever travelled to and I really loved the country, I was never home sick. The locals I met and the other volunteers were all kind and fun to be around. The teaching program was not too difficult even though it was mostly autonomous because there are coordinators and resources available to help build lessons. The volunteer to free time ratio was great. My only complaint was that my travel group found the beds too hard, but it was address by the end of the week.

When I first came across this program, I was unsure whether to take the plunge or not. I kept going back and forth, asking myself if I was really ready to commit, especially since this would be my very first solo travel experience. The idea of going somewhere completely new, without knowing anyone, felt both exciting and terrifying at the same time. If you’re in that same position—hesitating, second-guessing, or waiting for a sign—this is it. Absolutely book it!

Before I left, I had so many doubts running through my mind. Would I feel safe? Would I meet people? Would I be able to manage on my own? These are all completely natural questions, and honestly, I almost let them hold me back. But looking back now, I can say with 100% certainty that choosing to do this program was the best decision I’ve ever made. It not only gave me the opportunity to travel and volunteer, but it also gave me a newfound confidence in myself and in my ability to step outside of my comfort zone.

The support from IVHQ and the local team is incredible. From the moment I signed up, I felt reassured that I was in good hands. The communication leading up to the trip was clear and thorough, and I never felt like I was left in the dark about what to expect. Once I arrived, those feelings of nervousness disappeared almost instantly because of how safe and supported I felt. The local team was always there to answer questions, guide us through the experience, and make sure we had everything we needed—not just logistically, but emotionally too.

Another thing I loved was the sense of community. Even though I started this journey solo, I never once felt alone. You quickly form connections with other volunteers, many of whom are in the exact same situation, and you bond over shared experiences. By the end of the program, I had made friendships and memories that I know will last a lifetime. It’s such a unique environment where everyone is open, kind, and genuinely there to make a difference.

The experience itself went far beyond what I imagined. Not only did I get to immerse myself in a new culture, but I also felt like I was contributing in a meaningful way. Each day brought new learning opportunities, new faces, and moments that reminded me why I chose to do this in the first place. It’s hard to put into words the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself, but I think that’s exactly what makes this program so special.

Having clear expectations walking into the program allowed me to fully immerse myself in the culture of the program as I knew exactly what I was committing to. IVHQ make the process seamless and provide so much pre-departure information that assists with questions and concerns massively. The local team were also incredible and allowed us to make the most of our time in Thailand through giving recommendations of activities for after volunteering as well as organise whole group outings to night markets, the beach and more.

This was my second volunteer program with IVHQ and again it was wonderful! I love learning about another culture through hands-on work and meeting other volunteers from across the world and learning from them. I really enjoyed the construction projects because we could immediately see how we were making a difference.

Our accommodations were great (including a swimming pool) the food was terrific and we had enough free time to participate in local tourists activities. We loved the beaches in the area and also the many markets.
I highly recommend!

I really loved my 3 weeks in Hua Hin (one week of culture week and two of teaching English). The local team were very supportive and welcoming and provided us with great accommodation, transport and food. My volunteer programme allowed me to make a direct impact in the community by helping lots of children age 6-15 learn and improve their English skills. As an 19 year old girl who was travelling solo for the first time, I felt very safe and supported and made many great friends with the other volunteers. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to step out of their comfort zone and make a difference.