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, FijiGhana, Guatemala, India - Delhi & DharamsalaItalyPortugal, Spain, New ZealandKenya , Laos, Madagascar, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru - Cusco & Lima, Philippines, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, ThailandRomaniaUganda, Victoria Falls, Vietnam - Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City and Zambia.

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I have recently volunteered with IVHQ for 2 weeks in Vietnam (teaching project).
I have never collaborated with IVHQ before and this was kind of a trial for me: I wanted to "test" how IVHQ worked, prior to engaging with this organization for a longer volunteering experience, which I am going to undertake later this year.

I can honestly say I am impressed with their work. First of all, the support prior to departure was always timely, organized, and helpful (follow-up of coordinators on my questions, support when changing details of my application, easy-to-understand explanations, support for booking flight etc.).

Once I arrived, I was then communicating with local staff, who were super nice and and friendly too! It is important especially when you arrive in a different country after a long flight, and during the very first days of your stay, and before making any friends, to have someone who makes you feel at home and not alone.

IMPORTANT: I would like to warmly recommend all future volunteers to take "culture week" options during volunteering for sure! I am glad I did, because it provides you with a better understanding of the country you are visiting and moreover, you make better bonds with other volunteers.

As for program itself: it was well organized, I was working together with several other volunteers and a project coordinator Tracy, who was supporting us during the lessons. The teaching project was very rewarding and fun! The coordinator was giving us support, and at the same time we had a flexibility of acting during classes, as per our creativity and lesson-planning.

By the way, one more thing about positiveness of program staff: at one point I got sick and had a sore throat and a high temperature, and the local coordinators were so caring and nice to me: instead of just giving me pharmacy medications, they in addition prepared a homemade drink for my treatment, and used to bring me every few hours to my room together with soup and meals, while I was in bed.

During my time in Vietnam, I have also met many young volunteers who were engaged in various projects (most of them traveling and volunteering solo). In case you are very young and inexperienced, maybe even scared to volunteer alone in an unknown country - don't be discouraged! and be sure that IVHQ staff will support you, because I really felt it on myself and other volunteers too.

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Posted: February 4, 2020
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Londa
Age:
33

Bali review
My name is Maria, I'm from Colombia and I'm 21 years old, I volunteered in Bali for 2 weeks in the kindergarten program. Volunteering was an unbelievable idea I had since I was in school, an adventure I always wanted to be part of and a dream I’ve always had since I discovered the volunteering world. When the idea of coming to Bali came to my mind, I couldn't be more excited and happy about having my dream becoming true. The application was ready and my 32 flying hours we're almost done.
I arrived at the volunteer's house and since I entered I knew It was going to be one of the best experiences of my life. The local team was incredibly warm, they treated me as if they knew me for a long time ago, and we became part of a new family. Since that moment I fell in love with the Balinese culture, its people and their beliefs. When I start working with the children all these feelings became stronger, they taught me that you don't need to speak the same language to transmit love, that faith is stronger than any problem on the road, that sharing and saying thank you is the most important value, and that a smile says more than a thousand words. I learned from every person I met, I travel around Bali enjoying the food, the temples, and getting myself into the culture with some yoga and meditation classes. These 2 weeks of volunteer taught me more than many other experiences have done in my whole life, I'll recommend Ivhq to anyone who wants to help the world, knowing that at the end you'll learn and you'll get more than you're actually giving. Thank you so much IVHQ

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Posted: January 30, 2020
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: Majoql1
Age:
21

volunteered in Ubud, Bali for a total of 7 weeks. It was such an awesome and life-changing experience where I got to learn so much about the Balinese culture and lifestyle, but also grow so much as a person. I helped out as a kindergarten teacher for 4 weeks. Every day I would have a little lesson planned for the kids; I would handout some worksheets, play games with them and be there for their breakfast/lunch. The kids were so loving and full of energy! I loved being by their side every single day and see their beautiful smiles :) I miss my class a lot, they truly have a special place in my heart. I also volunteered on the turtle conservation program while in Bali. It was amazing to live alongside locals and help out with an environmental cause on a daily basis. At the turtle centre I got to clean turtle tanks, feed and clean the turtles and I even got to experience a turtle release while I was there. It was such an emotional experience to get to set a turtle free and bring her back to her natural habitat. On top of helping with the turtles, we also did beach and street cleaning. I would 100% recommend IVHQ and the Bali program, it was an experience I will never forget!!

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Posted: January 29, 2020
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
Age:
21

I volunteered in Laos for two weeks. I wish I could have stayed longer! Laos is a beautiful country that has so much to offer. The Green Lion Team is extremely nice and always willing to help you with any problem you encounter. From riding a bicycle to school to teaching the lovely kids at school or hanging out with other volunteers at the bonfire, every day was extremely enjoyable. This experience was really enriching and exceeded my expectations. I can't wait to volunteer again in the future. =)

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Posted: January 16, 2020
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
By: laurisng
Age:
20

Spent two weeks at the turtle conservation program in Bali on the island of Nusa Penida. My only regret is that I didn't stay longer. IVHQ did an amazing job organising the trip and getting me in contact with the Green Lion partner organisation before I left. They answered all questions quickly and provided modules to prepare for the trip and make it easier. I was nervous since it was my first trip alone, but I loved it and plan to return this year.
As for Bali itself it is a lovely place. The locals are extremely friendly and after a day you feel like you've known the coordinators and other volunteers for your whole life. Taking care of the turtles was a unique experience, especially releasing one on my last day there. The accommodation is lovely (Class House), and so is the food. The beach is just a two minute walk away, and there's a medical centre right next to the accommodation in case of an emergency. Even the stray animals are very friendly (no they don't bite) and probably one of my favourite parts of the trip.

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Posted: January 10, 2020
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10
Age:
20

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