Program Reviews

Volunteering in Bali at 17 years old completely changed my way of perceiving life and impacting others in a positive way. The local team, the amazing friends i made, and the locals made me feel safe and completely at home, despite my age. Indonesia is a magical country, it has a beautiful energy and in every corner there is something to learn. I highly recommend the destination for all types of people who have an open mind and heart and specially, who are willing to leave their comfort zone. It's important to remember this is not a touristic trip. The experience changes when you invest all your energy in giving, and then you'll realize how much you're receiving as well. Being kind and open is the key. Having carried out my process with IVHQ was very simple, I was always very well advised and accompanied. If you have the chance, take it!

I was hesitant at first as it was my first time travelling solo - I cannot explain the build up of anxiety and nervousness leading up to my trip. But reaching out to the IVHQ team and the local team was the best thing I did - they were BRILLIANT and made my experience so comfortable. They were extremely accommodating and reassuring which I appreciated very much. Another thing they reassured me about what that I would meet others and make friends quickly - I just didn't realise how quick!! It was so great meeting like-minded people from all different ages, backgrounds and countries bonding through these amazing memories and experiences that we've shared together. Planning my next IVHQ trip as we speak !! :)

i had an amazing time in argentina. everyone was so lovely and helpful and i wish i could go back. the trip was definitely worth the money and it helped so much with improving my spanish which was one of my main goals. the accommodation was safe and comfortable and Nati and Pedro were amazing! the house is easy to get to by public transport and is near lots of amazing food places. my stay was only 2 weeks but i definitely want to come back in the future and stay for a longer time. thank you so much to everyone on the team!!

I had a wonderful experience from the first application to the follow up emails after returning home. I worked at the Galapagos Giant Tortoise breeding center for 4 weeks. My fellow volunteers are now friends for life. The work involved preparing food for the tortoises, feeding them, and cleaning lagoons feeding platforms and corrals. We searched for baby tortoises in the adult corrals, and then helped weigh, measure, and mark them. We also helped keep the grounds tidy with planting and trimming hedges. We raked the gravel areas and swept sidewalks. I took advantage of most of the tours on Isabella, and enjoyed the stay with my host family, despite my limited Spanish. IVHQ and the local organization were extremely supportive, so I was well prepared, and supported when small issues arose.

Frankadua - Ghana is a village I will remember forever.
The people there is so happy and grateful for everything.
I got the opportunity to teach a new sport, floorball, in the village and see all the kids develop their skills.
So grateful for all the help from the local staff and the help before, under and after from IVHQ.
To get to know all the other volunteers was something I didn’t think to much about before, but it was such a big part of why the trip was so much fun.
The people in Frankadua continue to play floorball and to be the one to teach them really means so much for me. But it wouldn’t be possible without the crew from IVHQ.

The local team was amazing and friendly. Thoughtful to our concerns and needs. The program coordinator was also very helpful and attentive to our needs. The volunteers were also super nice and supportive. The local team was attentive to our special needs/requests. The orientation done with a local of the city was very important and it helped us to get to know the country a bit better and be vigilant in terms of safe zones and unsafe ones. The locals are also respectful and friendly to foreigners.

The volunteering was an amazing experience which I will always cherish, working with the dogs at the shelter and meeting other people really changes your outlook. We also had lots of free time so had the opportunity to explore the city and locations we were in so its such a great way to travel. Memories and friendships to last. The local team were very helpful and supportive throughout the whole time. I received regular emails beforehand about what to expect and how to prepare which was really useful. I loved all of it and will recommend to anyone.

Great local team and local people. From the moment we arrived at the volunteer house, the local team was always helpful and enthusiastic. Even when I got sick and had to go to the hospital, they responded right away, assisted me to the hospital and acted as a translator with the medical team for me. The local people in Ecuador were friendly and always willing to help me with my Spanish translations. The local metro is amazing and a cheap way to get around town fast. The site seeing tours we did, did not disappoint. They were relaxing, with amazing views and fun activities. Just remember to pack some toilet paper, cause not all the bathrooms have some. My only complaint is that the volunteer house is in a local neighborhood and not many taxi drivers knew how to get there so I had to be able to speak Spanish and give them directions to the volunteer house.

I have volunteered for years around the world with different groups. You cannot do better than IVHQ. Their organization skills are 5 star. Their attention to every detail from registration to travel arrangements to daily activities to the transition homeward is perfect. I chose the construction team in Luang Prabang, Laos. Working with the locals building, painting, repairing schools was rewarding. I loved seeing the physical results of my labors. I would join the team at Luang Prabang again and again. We worked hard and played hard. Our hosts escorted us to numerous breathtaking locations. They invited me into their home for dinner and a fun game called pétanque. The first thing I did when I got home was purchase my own pétanque game set. These good people changed my life in so many good ways.

IVHQ supported me in planning and executing my volunteer stay in a very professional way. The whole journey started with research on IVHQ's informative website. Planning was supported by a helpful phone call and a very structured and transparent process from registration via required admin work up to the point of departure and pick-up at the airport in Zambia. From the early start, IVHQ appeared as a competent and trustful partner and its staff was always available to address questions quickly and to the point. The local team was nice and supported in a pragmatic way to prepare my first teaching session at a local school. They assisted me in getting local currency, a local SIM card and provided me helpful information on when and where exactly to start, what to consider in terms of culture and what options there are in my free time such as additional optional volunteering activities and excursions. It was easy and straightforward to add another night after my volunteering time was over and on the last day, I could even do a late check-out without additional costs. The whole experience was overall well-planned, well-supported and it felt safe and comfortable. Well-done, insightful, fantastic memories and absolutely recommendable!