I also did the turtle project through Maximo Nivel for two weeks and had an amazing experience, quite contrary to the other review.
I found Maximo Nivel to be very sufficiently informed about the projects they sent me to and so so willing to help with any questions or concerns you had. In regards to the refund situation, when you pay you have to accept the conditions which clearly state there is no refund if a volunteer changes their mind.
The project itself was great. Ostional is a very complicated place with so many factors coming into play. The work we did there was research into the best way for locals and turtles to live sustainably. The staff there are very friendly and are very aware of the the species best interest.
I can understand how someone might get the wrong idea about the place and become frustrated at the situation they have gotten them self into but if you just take the time to listen to the reasons behind the harvesting and willing to help where you can rather than form your own judgements without enough information, I cant imagine how you wont have a great time!
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 had a wonderful time living and volunteering in Lima. I had the greatest host family, so kind and caring, who had tons of extra rooms in their house and were able to house many volunteers--at one point, I lived with 17 other volunteers! It was great that way. It was fun and there were always other people to talk to and do things with. The volunteering was worthwhile and life-changing. We had a lot of choice in what we wanted to do. I liked how everything was flexible, so, at any time, people could take trips. For example, I went with a group to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Almost every volunteer I met did that at some point or another. Overall I had a great experience and would recommend the program 100%!
Comments
Volunteer HQ are really well organized, affordable volunteer organization. I had reservations despite their good reputation and feedback I had seen, as there are many horror stories about. The program was really well run, the host family were lovely providing a nice place to come home to each day & I was well fed. The affiliated company that run the program out of San Jose kept us well informed with the orientation, were really supportive throughout my time there & they really show their appreciation of your time & effort in being there. I'd recommend IVHQ to anyone wanting to volunteer, as they are really affordable with their program fees but nothing is sub-standard! You have nothing to worry about. I'll consider doing another in the future also.
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I have volunteered twice with IVHQ and would whole heartedly recommend them to anyone considering volunteering.
Not only are they incredibly helpful in your decision making process, always responding to emails within 24 hours, they genuinely take the time to ensure the programme is right for you, rather than pushing for the sell.
All the pre-registration and registration information is invaluable and gives you a real insight into what to expect from your project. This support is added to by knoweldgeable and genuine advisors who have visited the project and have impressive knowledge of what to expect.
Both projects I have completed have been great. (Huancayo in Peru in 2008 and Kenya in 2009). Kenya in particularly was extremely well organised with a robust orientation welcome meeting to outline the projects and comprehensive in country information. All pick ups were on time and people were extremely friendly and welcoming.
The actual projects are well selected to ensure your help is definitley needed and logistics including transport was well thought out.
Compared to several other volunteering organisations I have spoken to, IVHQ stand out a mile for their first class service, ethical prices and outstanding organisation skills.
Highly recommended and I am already planning the next trip with them!
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I have just returned from a 2 week(too short!) orphanage program in Kenya through IVHQ. From the start i found their service Great. All replies to email where within 24hrs and the volunteer handbook comprehensive. Answers most questions you may have.
I dealt with a local organisation once there who collected me on-time at the airport. They were very friendly/welcoming people.I felt that if something went wrong i would be looked after appropriately. I was placed at an orphanage in Kibera. The place was well staffed so i wished maybe i could have been of more practical use to them plus there were already other volunteers there. But the kids were magic and I spent time playing/talking and hanging out with them. In my 2nd week I sorted out a lot of donated clothing into age groups for the kids so they had some newer clothes to wear. The conditions are pretty tough in Kibera but the people you meet are wonderful!
I stayed at a house nearby, 15 min from the orphanage walking and i was very lucky. The woman who owned the house was very welcoming and very organised to house volunteers. We even had a mon-sun menu! And the food, mostly traditional african food was great. My stomach had never felt better. Yes there is no hot water, impossible to sleep in past 6am if a light sleeper, and you are pretty much covered in grit every time you leave the house.But you need to get over that in a day so you can enjoy a very unique experience!
The other volunteers were great. Some from US, UK, Australia(i'm an aussie), Canada and even Portugal. I'm 37. Ages ranging from 18-60! which is cool.
Overall i would recommend IVHQ. Service was good, very good value for money and everyone i met associated through to the local organisation, volunteers, home stay and of course the orphanage were a wonderful group of people.
I plan to volunteer again in 12 months and will be going through IVHQ. Hope this helps.
