Latest Program Reviews

Over 300 Programs and more than 3,000 Reviews

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

I had the most amazing experience volunteering in Portugal! At first it was scary because I didn't know what to expect when I arrive in Portugal, but after finishing my program the only regret that I have is staying there for only a week. I made amazing memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life, and new friends from all over the world. The children at my volunteer placement were the nicest kids ever and even though there was a language barrier, they were understanding that I couldn't speak Portuguese and helped me understand them better. I cannot wait to volunteer with IVHQ again!

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Portugal
Posted: Sep 10, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

I went to Indonesia, Bali, for my 3 week course on environmental education to teach children. The kids were amazing and so smart, you really get attached so it’s hard to leave them! I met amazing people and although the team on the ground were separate from IVHQ they were so so helpful in everything we did and the process for teaching went so smoothly and the whole experience from living arrangements to actually teaching was very easy. There were taxis available almost 24/7 that were specifically for the volunteer house which was very convenient as well and Green Lion (the volunteer house) partnered up with the taxi rank to offer amazing discounts on tours around Bali and had a variety of activities that we were able to book whenever we wanted. The rooms and bathrooms were super clean and were cleaned by Green Lion staff everyday. All in all an amazing experience and I would definitely go again!

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Indonesia
Posted: Aug 30, 2022
Overall:
9
Support:
10
Value:
10

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

One unforgettable summer – Rome 2022 with Impactrip

How did it all begin…

“I’m so busy… should I sign up for another project… without even being paid for it…” – this was going on in my mind when I was deciding to go or not to go… well I decide to go. And it was the BEST EXPERIENCE ever!
July 11, 2022, I arrived in Rome for my two weeks of volunteering in the Creative Technology Program with Impactrip. I was a bit anxious. The last day before my departure I asked myself – Why, please, remind me again? Instead of enjoying your summer vacation (I’m a secondary school teacher and I have two-month summer vacation) you decided to go to a new place, in a hot Italian city, where you don’t know anybody, to do who knows what with who knows who… This is so out of your comfort zone… Why are you doing it? I was anxious about the camping place I’ll be at, the roommate, the job location, even the language.

Arriving…

Arriving at the airport I was greeted by a big smile. This was Mortez - a volunteer himself, who was at the airport specially for me. He walked me to the parking, and there another volunteer – Juliana – drove me to the campsite. It’s like I’m a VIP. ☺ The camp was a luxurious one, with a pool and restaurant. It was clean and spacious with a shower, toilet and AC in each room and only two people per room.

Next day came the orientation. Nice icebreaking games, a lot of new information, lunch and walk around the city. It is a bit hot, but hey – this is Rome in July! I still didn’t know who I’ll be working for and what I’ll be doing.

Third day was the “dive in” one – I met with my “boss” - the “engine” of the organization Dario Dongo. He is one of the moving forces behind the social movement in Rome and Italy in general for variety of projects with a high social impact and definitely one of the most inspiring people I ever met in my life. From this meeting I learned about the situation of the people with disabilities and specifically of those with motor disabilities in Rome. Over the next few days I’ll be meeting with different people in their homes and making videos about their personal stories. Living with disability – what are the architectural barriers they need to overcome in their daily life. I’ll be also working on another mini documentary for the accessibility of the Rome’s metro…. And so it began…

The result…

The result of my work, as well as the links to some of the videos you can see here: https://www.egalite.org/la-vita-a-roma-con-una-disabilita-motoria-i-nuov...

Here is the mini documentary, that we produced with some of the other volunteers: https://youtu.be/FTiSVgfatwU

Besides making the videos…

I was going to peoples’ homes and I was listening to their stories. Talking to me, they were going back in time and they were reliving their accidents or reflecting on their lives… I got to know people that went through incredible hardship and adversity. Some had the family at their side, some didn’t; some had multiple years-long debilitating diseases, some had one life changing accident. And instead of whining, instead of blaming destiny, instead of being defensive and bitter, they found the strength and the resilience to keep going and to build a new productive life for themselves. They connected with others and stood up for themselves, they work for the common good and keep giving to the society and inspire the people around them.

What does it mean for me…

I felt connected with that network of amazing role models and I felt I can help a bit to have impact on the community they live in. I realized how fortunate I am and it made me grateful for what I have.

I felt appreciated for what I did. My knowledge in video editing and my experience in filmmaking were applied for a society needed project. I felt respected and valued for my volunteer work.

I made new friends among the other volunteers too. We were visiting historic places and tourist attractions, we were attending concerts and singing in karaoke bars. We travelled to Naples, swimming in the pool, and having fun together. The volunteer coordinator - Paule Yao was one of the most fun loving and supporting people. She is a perpetual mobile communicator – interconnecting business with volunteers, helping on each site, accompanying young lost souls, boosting the energy when the heat melts volunteer motivation, transmitting of ideas, joining people and ideas, and leading and inspiring all of us – the visitors of the old city. She was texting/informing/calling/meeting until midnight and from 6 a.m. I’ve know what does it mean to be busy, with three jobs, two kids and volunteer work, but Paule raises the bar for sure ☺. In brief – I’m looking forward having more fulfilling activities and adventures with all those amazing, like-minded people that I met during these two week.

In conclusion…

We, as human beings are all hard wired to be connected to each other and being helpful, being appreciated, delivered to me immense pleasure. I was happy to have this experience. I feel grateful for all that have and blessed to live the live. ☺

P.P. If you want to see more of my stay in Italy – visit my blog:
https://valexy.blogspot.com/

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Italy
Posted: Aug 27, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

IVHQ was really helpful in preparing me for
my program and answered any
questions/concerns I had. They offer 24/7
support during your stay and they made me
feel 100% comfortable. It's a really great
experience for anyone!

Program:
Location: Romania
Posted: Aug 19, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

This was an extremely fulfilling and enjoyable experience that allowed me to gain so much insight into Balinese culture and immerse myself in the volunteer experience. There was so much opportunity each day, from meeting new people, exploring Bali, and creating as much of a positive impact as possible in each program. The support provided was amazing and enables so much insight and advice into how to approach your project so that you were never left questions what your nexts steps should be. Additionally the food, accommodations, and transportation was amazing. Overall, this was an incredible experience that allowed me to leave with a great sense of accomplishment and motivation to do more.

Program: Volunteer Abroad
Location: Indonesia
Posted: Aug 19, 2022
Overall:
10
Support:
10
Value:
10

Pages