If I were to describe this experience in only one word I would say it was mind-opening. It has helped me evolve from so many points of view. Not only did I learn to be more independent and choose for myself, but I also I got to know amazing hard-working people. I managed to do my project and build friendships with the other volunteers. I felt that I truly belonged to that world and I was devastated when I had to leave. The program was simply marvellous. I can say I got to live one of the best moments of my life when I encountered an octopus that gripped my hand. I have never felt something like that ever before. I think that this experience helped me grow a lot and made me understand how beautiful and unique the marine world really is. Furthermore, I managed to learn new things about a foreign culture and I loved exploring different parts of Lisbon on my own and with other volunteers. Even more, the staff was so kind and helpful that I almost felt part of their family. All in all, I find it incredible that even after a month I still think about those moments and me and the other volunteers are still keeping in touch. Now, all I want to do is embark in a similar adventure as soon as possible.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
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.
I volunteered in Bali - Ubud for the health care education program. This was an amazing trip and I LOVED working with all of the kiddos! Bali is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend this destination. I enjoyed my experience with IVHQ. Where I stayed was fine, it was clean and the staff did everything they could to accommodate us. There were bunk beds and I was paired with 5 other people in the room. Food was awesome as well! All of the staff, volunteer coordinators, cooks, taxi drivers, etc. were absolutely amazing and made the experience organized and enjoyable! For the program itself, it seemed slightly unorganized at first because there weren't enough people for certain programs so they were having some people switch programs, but only if they wanted to. With that being said, my program, health care education was amazing. I did find that I was teaching children English and spending time with the kids rather than teaching them specifically about healthcare but I still really enjoyed it! I was able to teach them about washing their hands and how to live healthy! One more thing that people who are travelling with IVHQ should know is that you are required to have a one week orientation. The orientation is fun, you get to learn a lot about the country and culture that you are travelling in. However, it does take some time away from volunteering so make sure to plan for this while planning how long you will stay in your destination. Overall, I LOVED my experience in Bali and would recommend IVHQ to people who are wanting to volunteer abroad.
I volunteered in Bali - Ubud for the health care education program. This was an amazing trip and I LOVED working with all of the kiddos! Bali is absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend this destination. I enjoyed my experience with IVHQ. Where I stayed was fine, it was clean and the staff did everything they could to accommodate us. There were bunk beds and I was paired with 5 other people in the room. Food was awesome as well! All of the staff, volunteer coordinators, cooks, taxi drivers, etc. were absolutely amazing and made the experience organized and enjoyable! For the program itself, it seemed slightly unorganized at first because there weren't enough people for certain programs so they were having some people switch programs, but only if they wanted to. With that being said, my program, health care education was amazing. I did find that I was teaching children English and spending time with the kids rather than teaching them specifically about healthcare but I still really enjoyed it! I was able to teach them about washing their hands and how to live healthy! One more thing that people who are travelling with IVHQ should know is that you are required to have a one week orientation. The orientation is fun, you get to learn a lot about the country and culture that you are travelling in. However, it does take some time away from volunteering so make sure to plan for this while planning how long you will stay in your destination. Overall, I LOVED my experience in Bali and would recommend IVHQ to people who are wanting to volunteer abroad.
I volunteered on the animal care programme where I was in a no kill animal shelter for 2 weeks, helping to look after the dogs and cats. My experience was nothing but positive and I had the time of my life, I would do it all over again if I could! There was a perfect balance between volunteering and having free time in the afternoons and evenings, and on the weekends.
The programme fee was very affordable and was worth it for the standard of the accommodation and food provided. The staff at the hostel were very lovely and welcoming.
The support prior to my programme was outstanding where my programme manager (Charlotte Very) was able to answer any questions I had in great detail, despite her being located at the headquarters in New Zealand and myself living in the UK.
I cannot recommend IVHQ and the programme itself enough - it was amazing!
Had a great time! Would do it again :)
