Program Reviews

IVHQ met & exceeded my expectations😃

For my 1st volunteer trip abroad, flying solo, I was pleasantly surprised by how everyone remotely and locally, took my safety and comfort into consideration.

The orientation was thorough prior to arriving. Additionally, very welcoming when I got there. I was impressed with the IVHQ staff who not only came on the bus with me the first day but also came to visit me MORE THAN ONCE while onsite to ensure I was OK.

The accommodations hostess went out of her way to ensure all of my crazy dietary needs were met. Everything was comfortable and clean.

Thank you, IVHQ team. I am a grateful Canadian who hopes to share more enjoyable care experiences. 🇨🇦

Volunteering with IVHQ in Tanzania, Africa was hands down one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both the local Team and the community. The support system they provide is outstanding, ensuring that you have everything you need to make the most of your volunteer experience.

The programs offered by IVHQ in Africa are diverse, impactful, and deeply rooted in local needs. I volunteered in a rural community, where I worked alongside local staff in a local daycare. The opportunities to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and contribute to the community, made the experience so much more than just volunteer work—it was a chance to build meaningful connections and immerse myself in a new environment.

The Local team provided excellent orientation and support throughout, which helped us feel safe and confident during our time in Africa.

The living conditions were simple, but comfortable, and we were encouraged to adapt to the local lifestyle, which made the experience feel more authentic and connected. The food was always fresh and delicious, and the accommodation was clean and well-maintained.

Aside from the volunteering, the cultural immersion was incredible. The weekends were filled with opportunities to explore local wildlife, vibrant markets, and even go on safari in the Serengeti! The local team and our coordinators also encouraged us to learn a few words in the local language, which truly helped in connecting with the community on a deeper level.

The program gave me the chance to be a part of something greater than myself while making lifelong memories and friendships. If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back while also experiencing the beauty of Africa, I cannot recommend IVHQ enough!

I found this website after going on a trek in the Himalayas in January 2024. I fell in love with the country and the people and wanted to return and do some volunteer work. I found IVHQ on the internet and with the variety of programs they offer around the world I was able to return to Nepal and booked a trip to the Elephant Sanctuary in Chitwan. It was a magical experience. You learn such a lot about these wonderful animals and the hosts at the sanctuary were so gracious. It was a very rewarding experience.

Volunteering in South Africa was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life. I worked in childcare, and while entering disadvantaged communities can feel overwhelming at first, the local staff provided incredible support, education, and guidance every step of the way. They helped me process the emotions that came with witnessing inequality and hardship while also showing me the strength, resilience, and joy within these communities.

Safety was a top priority, and I never once felt unsafe. The staff ensured we were well-prepared, educated about local customs and realities, and always looked after. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to answer questions made a world of difference, allowing me to focus on the work and the connections I was building.

Seeing the impact we could have, even in small ways, was truly life-changing. The children’s laughter, the warmth of the community, and the bonds I formed with fellow volunteers and staff will stay with me forever. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I highly recommend this program—it will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a new perspective on the world. IVHQ prepared me for everything. While some parts were a shock at first, it was nothing that wasn’t already discussed before arrival. I felt prepared months in advance and my program managers support was unmatched. I would highly recommend IVHQ for any volunteering program abroad.

Working alongside the guides in a game reserve was very satisfying and educational. The guides were very eco conscious to the point of not driving over a line of ants or a dung beetle. They were very clear every living thing had a purpose and a place. Our on site coordinator was top notch on communication, organizing the outings for the weekends and verifying transportation needs.
The work was physical, including shoveling dirt, using a pick ax, loppers and weed whackers ( not mechanical), and weeding by hand. We learned to read animal tracks to know where certain animals were, build rock dams to help prevent erosion after rains, clear shrubs and saplings encroaching on game drive tracks. The work was hard, but short, especially when the sun became too hot. The weekly visit to a local school was interesting and the teachers very thankful for supplies we brought, and our work in weeding and clearing the playing field. We saw so many animals it became almost mundane to see the impalas, zeebra and giraffes. But so rewarding!

My time volunteering with IVHQ was an incredible experience. The local team made me feel safe, comfortable, and welcome. I gained new insight and perspective, was completely immersed in a new culture, and felt like I really made a difference.

Spending time with the children, and seeing how people that have absolutely nothing make the most of everything, and are truly happy and grateful.. just makes you feel truly grateful for what you have, and it makes all of your problems feel small. I plan to do this annually and hope to make it back to the same village I went to in Ghana someday.

I loved my experience volunteering with a local family near Cusco, Peru! This was my second experience with IVHQ, my first was in 2019 teaching English in Romania. They were both wonderful experiences. The local programs and teams are super nice, supportive, and helpful. I would definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a volunteer experience abroad. The experience I had in Peru was very different and I enjoyed the challenge of being completely immersed in a new culture and lifestyle. My host family was absolutely wonderful!

A fantastic experience teaching English in Laos with the monks and children.
The local team were incredible and included us in their personal cultural celebrations as well as taking us on little trips (like bowling on a very wonky lane).
Such a fantastic opportunity for my daughter and I to give to others. Definitely would love to volunteer again.
Some of our wonderful experiences included a bike tour to a village where we learnt pottery. We then had our bowls returned to us in Australia.
We also went to a cultural festival with the local team's village. This was so interesting and the rice wine was pretty good too :)

I had this trip booked for about a year, and unfortunately the week before I got sick. Between the programme manager and the local team I was able to move my trip to two weeks later. The team was extremely understanding and very accommodating to anything that I suggested. Whilst away, my group and I were able to adapt the introduction week’s itinerary to what we wanted to do and see. The local team really cared about what we were doing and was able to advise the best places to get food, juices and which shops are less expensive.

Both the online team and the local team were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. It was my first solo trip, and their guidance made it as easy as possible, when I did have an issue, they could help give advice and sort it out.

The accommodation was lovely, with brilliant staff and delicious local food. The other volunteers were wonderful, all like-minded people of all ages from around the world.

All excursions could be organized through the local team, who gave us a good price and sorted everything, normally with pick up and drop off to our accommodation.