Program Reviews

I stayed for four weeks in Quito Ecuador and worked for an NGO in a street children project. Every day I got to visit a street market with social workers and play with the children so that they could have some free and happy time away from work and their family responsibilities. During the weekend, I traveled around and had great fun with other volunteers. It was a very memorable trip.

They offer various volunteer opportunities. You can choose to volunteer in a homeless shelter, teach English in a local school, or volunteer in street markets. They are very well established and well structured. You also have a lot of flexibility as to how much time you want to devote in volunteering. Choose according to your need and communicate your need as always with the helpful staff there.

The staff was very helpful before and during my experience. Very well organized and made sure we were safe. It was a great experience meeting other volunteers and helping the local community. Breakfast and dinner were served everyday. All volunteers at a a group. Everyone was friendly, helpful and supportive to the others. I only did one week which I do regret but next time I will definitely sign up for longer. Many volunteers were taking trips and tours together on their time off. Very good way to make great friends and help people

I have volunteered with IVHQ twice now, and been partnered with Maximo Nivel on both occasions (first Costa Rica, and most recently Peru). In both instances, I was so overcome with anxiety leading up to the experience because it was my first time in each country and I was traveling alone. That said, IVHQ was so helpful in easing my anxiety. They gave me plenty of information ranging from what to pack to transportation to everything in between. And in the end, those two trips ended up being my most impactful and memorable adventures yet.

If you love people and learning about different cultures, the IVHQ Mayan Immersion program is fantastic. Had the opportunity to live with an indigenous family for a week in their village in Guatemala. To walk in the shoes with these people and be involved in the day to day life’s is priceless. As always when giving the recipients are rewarded, but your reward are even greater. This program will soften your heart and want to do more. Don’t miss this, take a chance and you will have no regrets. Great executions also to hike volcanos or visit ruins.

I loved volunteering at IVHQ and Maximo Nivel. They start every monday so you don't have to go at the time the group is going. It's also very affordable. The fee pays for your homestay, 2 meals and 5 hours/day of volunteering. They custom made our volunteer program as I'm a rehab physician and I don't do acute medicine. All the patients were similar to patients I see in the US. They gave us a translator (even though I speak spanish, as many of the patients speak their mayan dialect) We also got to teach yoga and do some wellness care. I was with a pre med student and a nursing student. Our clinic was called "Mis Anos Dorado" or the golden years. The patients were so grateful and you felt like you could really help. Next time I'm bringing yoga mats and eyeglasses!

This experience was by far the best thing I’ve could’ve done. I learned so much about myself but also the loving culture I was welcomed into. Every local I came across was welcoming and happy to see us enjoying their country. Not once did I regret my experience and I’m so glad I have these memories and life long friends to remember. I was involved in the childcare project, and those kids were the highlight of my day. They were so happy to see us and loving. The bonds I’ve created with some kids are something I will cherish, I hope to travel back soon to see them again!

My experience was amazing because of the people around me! Don't be shy to get out of your comfort zone.

The company does a fantastic job at making you feel comfortable and safe the moment you leave for the airport to the moment you return home. There is support 24/7 and anytime I had questions, they were quick to be answered. The experience itself was life-changing in the sense that I was able to gain new cultural perspectives as well as new friendships. There is a lot of growth that can happen on these trips and I am so glad I found an organization like IVHQ to help me push myself outside of my comfort zone.

My experience at Green Lion was so fun, memorable, and amazing, a once in a life time experience. Nusa penida is such a beautiful island, and the programme is run by really lovely and amazing people. I learned a lot about Green turtles and other species of sea turtle, I made lots of new friends from different countries, and I also had the opportunity to explore different parts of the island including crystal bay and Gamat bay. I loved learning all about turtles, their rehabilitation, and their life cycle in the wild, and how people can contribute towards their conservation. I would recommend this experience to anybody!

I had the opportunity in Bali - Lovina on behalf of IVHQ. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by the organized and dedicated local team. They helped me to feel more comfortable and get oriented to kick start my work teaching English.

The sense of camaraderie among fellow volunteers was another highlight of my time on site. Our backgrounds were diverse across background, age, gender identity, but we quickly came together and experienced the community together.

I am immensely grateful to IVHQ for enabling me to volunteer. This experience has not only broadened my perspective, but has also inspired further commitment to global education and community service. I would recommend this program to anyone seeking a transformative and purposeful volunteering experience in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.