Where do I start? It is difficult to put into words what this experience has taught me because the list would go on and on. Simply, volunteering has taught me that everything in life is temporary and the smallest impact on ourselves could make the greatest impact to another’s life. It is great to help in anyway possible- this is what makes the greatest difference. It is crucial to be present and be reflective. Teaching English in Thailand was rewarding, meaningful and purposeful- seeing the children progress day to day and experiencing the education system first hand developed my knowledge, understanding and outlook. Volunteering is a gift! The greatest gift of all! If I could give any advice to the next volunteer- be courageous, be considerate, be confident and be brave! Dive into the culture, ask questions and make the most of where you are!
You will make memories that will stay with you forever. You will be a part of a family and you will feel safe and welcomed as soon as your journey begins.
Watch and make the magic happen! Your heart will feel so full of love! Just remember a smile is contagious and universal!🥰

IVHQ really gives me a good chance to travel in a meaningful way. Compared with usual travel experience, IVHQ project let me meet new friends from other countries, and we cooperate to complete the project making impact on the world. The trip is safe, happy and meaningful.
If you are alone and cannot find a friend to travel with you, IVHQ project would be a good chance for you. There are various destinations and projects, just be brave to go there, to make new friends, and know more about the world. The place is safe, the accomodation is safe and the local team always try their best to provide help.

I had an amazing three weeks with IVHQ’s Hua Hin program. The coordinators were very flexible with the changes I wanted to make to my volunteering program as I realised I wanted to work with children. It was a beautiful experience that was incredibly humbling at the same time. I met amazing people and fell in love with Thailand. In particular, the elements that make up Thai culture: Bangkok’s nightlife, Thai massages, Muay Thai lessons and fights, Thai street food and so much more vibrant life.

Great chance to be immersed with the kind people of Thailand, learning their culture and language. Spent 4days living in “home stay” which is staying at one of the workers home in a village in the mountains. Additionally, the workers often reached out and invited me to travel to local spots with them. For example, the Hot Springs and enjoy local cuisine. Many are very excited to work on their English skills and excited to interact with you.

It was a safe, organized environment. I did have a stomach reaction to the food and got dehydrated. It was the staff that recognized and pushed me to go to the hospital. They drove me and walked me through the process within two hours. I was taking care of and out of the hospital full recovery and enjoyed the rest of my stay.
Rural Thailand is an extremely safe place. I felt very comfortable. The larger cities seemed much safer than in the USA, but still needed to keep an eye out.

Would definitely do it again!

Projects were both helpful and rewarding. Teams were well organized and fellow volunteers were such fun. Meals were both delicious and filling.
Will do this again. I worked on a construction project painting a daycare and teaching at a kindergarten. Kids were learning English through dance videos and songs such as Head and shoulders, knees and toes.... Old MacDonald, Baby Shark, etc. also through colors by painting drawings with colors you say. Encouraging good manners by repetition. Helping staff whenever needed.

I volunteered in Hua Hin, Thailand, for 12 weeks and had the most amazing time. This experience was my first time solo travelling anywhere, so at first I was very nervous. However, when I arrived all the staff and volunteers were very welcoming and made the volunteer centre feel like home. All the volunteering activities were well organised and transportation was perfect. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and the food was always tasty. If anyone is debating volunteering abroad, I would definitely recommend using IVHQ as their staff were helpful every step of the way and offered great support to make the process easy.

It was such a fun time. Being older didn’t make any difference. Everyone was really friendly and welcoming. It was great to meet the other volunteers and I made life long friendships. It was a great adventure working with the students while teaching English. The children were so open to learning. They all had a beautiful nature and we’re always happy to see us each day we arrived. The coordinators and the team were really helpful. I upgraded to single accommodation and it was outstanding. The food was good and everyone had plenty to eat. I would recommend.

The experience was incredible; the local team made me feel safe and welcome from the beginning. A real benefit of this type of program is the valuable local knowledge you get from the coordinators. The accommodation was clean and comfortable, with shared rooms but plenty of space. The placements were amazing, and you felt you were making an impact. The best part was the people; it was a great way to meet other like-minded travellers you could spend time with in the evenings and on the weekends. Definitely would recommend to others!