I've been checking out IVHQ for a few years now before I finally decided to take the leap. Simply reflecting back on my time volunteering makes me tear up. I had the most amazing life changing experience I could have ever asked for. It beyond exceeded my expectations. The support of the IVHQ team had me at ease, the local team was also amazing, the accommodation and food was incredible. I made friends and family for life with the other volunteers and local team. Teaching the children felt so rewarding and getting to explore and learn about another culture was eye-opening and magical. Bali is an incredible place. I can't say enough good things about IVHQ and the experience I had volunteering. I can't wait for my next adventure!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
Fully Verified
What's this?
9.4 / 10
after 443 Reviews
Based on overall, support & value average ratings
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is the trusted volunteer organization, providing safe, quality and extremely affordable volunteering placements in countries all over the world. Each year they place over 5000 volunteers abroad and have a wide range of volunteering opportunities in Argentina, Bali, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia - Bogota and Cartagena, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, India - Delhi & Dharamsala, Italy, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, Kenya , Laos, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru - Cusco & Lima, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Romania, Uganda, Victoria Falls, Vietnam - Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City and Zambia.
Program website: http://www.volunteerhq.org/
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 26, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: taylordall
Age:
29
If you’re thinking of volunteering with IVHQ, you absolutely must! The confidence this trip has given me, even in a week, is incredible. Being my first trip abroad alone with ADHD, I was excited but quite nervous however IVHQ, the local team/host family and other volunteers were lovely and so helpful. I learned so many things - navigating a new city and public transport alone (with the local team available if I got lost lol), teaching in front of a class (the students were brilliant and so grateful), and socialising in different languages (with both locals and volunteers). Also having the opportunity to experience another culture was amazing. The food was beautiful and my French speaking came on a lot, even in a week. Although, if you can, I would recommend going for more than a week since there is so much to do and you won’t have time (and won’t want to go back home!). It also put me at ease knowing for sure once I was there that the organisation is ethical and actually contributes to the sustainable development goals! Overall, such a great experience!!!
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 17, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: ellasophia04
Age:
18
I had a genuinely meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable time on my first IVHQ trip. The youth support volunteer trip was based in Lisbon, Portugal, and it was my first time being in the country. What a great way to explore a new place! You connect with both fellow international travellers, but the rich local community, too. Likewise, you have the opportunity to stay in safe, private hostels/rooms, while still being central to the action (i.e. town/city centers, transportation, nature, etc). But perhaps the deepest, most profound educational experience is the hands-on volunteering. What better way to connect to a community than to help their most vulnerable demographics? My particular placement worked with young mothers enrolled in school (14yo-24yo) and their infants in need of day-care (1mo-1yo). The placement was ideal for me, as it allowed me to deploy my love for / experience with young children and enabled me to help the promotion of education for young women from disadvantaged communities. Overall, I developed a deep connection with the country and community, while also diversifying my interactions and experiences with a unique, cosmopolitan group of travellers staying in the hostel.
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 2, 2022
Overall:
9
Support:
8
Value:
10
By: milamae
Age:
16
when i decided to do this i went with no expectations and an open mind. what i did not expect tho, was to meet so many amazing people. it was truly an experience i will never forget. Bali has become my second home and i can't wait to return to the people there. the program itself is very well constructed and you'll never be bored. there is always something to do and to see. if you need anything the local staff is there to help you 24/7. teaching at a school is just amazing. with all the kids, playing and learning. you really don't want to miss out on this!
Program:
Location:
Posted: November 1, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: rachno
Age:
21
The whole trip carries and injects positive energies to help and love people.
It ranges from IVHQ regional team's comprehensive arrangement, to local team - The Green Lion's hospitality in support plus food outreach station team's devoted contribution to needing people.
And of course there are the volunteers and their golden hearts, whom have travelled from different parts of planet, just to offer their helping hands from single week to several months.
Every second I can feel my fast pulses of excitement plus positive desire to do my contribution and do more. Every moment I am well confident my safety and well being in foreign land are properly taken care of by local team.
On my last 2 service days I was given opportunity to company disabled kids at hospital in afternoon, after food outreach event. This is broke my beliefs on the limited contribution I can offer. It opens me to new heights to understand there are actually more I am capable of to offer.
During the 5 days, priceless vitality and passion emit from everyone's eyes regardless of individual's status and wealth. There is no asking for any return or compensation. All there is are just unlimited flows of love and care to whoever need help.
As a corporate worker for years, this volunteering has woke me up to realize the 3 essentials to achieve harmony and peace in humanity. They are help, love and care.
I praised and salute to every single soul I met in this journey. You all are beautiful and handsome.
There are lot more for me to improve on volunteering but I am committed to join you all to make a better world, for many years ahead.
Thank you so much.
Program:
Location:
Posted: October 30, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: YewKuan2000
Age:
53
