I had a wonderful time in peru! I did the medical program in Cusco. I had plenty of time after volunteering to do fun thing with fellow volunteers like ziplining and quad biking! We also went to Machu Picchu over the weekend. I definitely recommend this program!
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
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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/
I had a wonderfully meaningful experience volunteering at a day care center in Dueñas, Guatemala. I stayed with a local family in Antigua, one of the most beautiful and safest towns in Guate.
IVHQ was very thorough in preparing us for the trip and Maximo Nivel, the onsite contact, was excellent at making sure we were taken care of during the duration of our stay. They were organized, professional and very hospitable.
I enjoyed taking the famous chicken bus to Dueñas then working and playing with the children at the day care center for four hours each day. I assisted them in their daily assignments and meals and even played songs for them with a ukulele I brought. I also learned a lot from my Spanish instructor who was patient, funny and very organized.
I’m glad I decided to stay and extra few days to unwind after the volunteering portion of the trip, as Lake Atitlan was the perfect destination to end the trip on.
I left Guatemala feeling changed for the better and felt I made a difference to the children I met, as they certainly made an impression on me. I look forward to working through IVHQ again in the future and highly recommend them for anyone interested in volunteering.
Program:
Location:
Posted: September 10, 2019
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
9
By: sfekete
Age:
45
I recently got back from my week in Antigua, Guatemala with IVHQ and I had an unforgettable experience. As a premed student on the medical project, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a clinic in Jocotenango for elders 60 and older. I fell in love with the Guatemalan culture and the friendly and kind people I met there. I noticed how incredibly hard working they all were. It was so hard to leave! Each evening I took Spanish classes which helped with my Spanish at my volunteer placement. During my free time, I was able to explore Antigua and the surrounding areas. One of my favorites was trekking up Cerro de la Cruz which was such a beautiful view! And visiting the coffee plantation. My host family was very kind and professional, and the meals were always delicious! There was never a moment when I felt unsafe. IVHQ and the local staff were extremely supportive and always there with advice when I needed it. They helped me to feel comfortable and safe in a new environment. Thanks to this experience I met so many wonderful people and have learned so much! I highly recommend IVHQ Guatemala!
Program:
Location:
Posted: August 29, 2019
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: aperry855
Age:
19
My name is Sophie and I’m from Canada (the French part!). I’m currently studying in psychology and I just finished volunteering in Quito, Ecuador, on the Shelter project. During the project I worked at the Albergue San Juan de Dios with the most amazing people in the world! They have the biggest hearts and they work so hard to help others in need; it was an honor for me to give them a hand. The opportunity to experience a different culture while still being able to give back to individuals who are in need, was something I could not pass up on. Seeing how some of them had a hard life made me more appreciative of the resources that are easily accessible to individuals such as myself. The experience overall was incredible and life changing. I loved every second and would volunteer again a million times. Ecuador feel like a second home to me now.
Program:
Location:
Posted: August 27, 2019
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: totoweve
Age:
27
Before leaving for my trip with IVHQ to Brazil, besides all the guidance, preparation and help received I seriously considered not going, out of fear.
The moment I got to our hostel in Rio I knew right away I had made the right choice. I worked 3 weeks in the sports program in the favelas.
All the people, the volunteers, the beaches... Everything made this trip unforgettable and without a doubt of the best experiences of my life.
I invite all of you to do yourselves a favour and embark on this beautiful journey too.
Forever in my heart <3
Thank you IVHQ
Program:
Location:
Posted: August 20, 2019
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
8
By: Eduardaf05
Age:
19
