International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

I've volunteered through other programs and this is probably one of the best. I was originally set to volunteer as a Health Outreach and Education Worker in April, but my...Read more

I've volunteered through other programs and this is probably one of the best. I was originally set to volunteer as a Health Outreach and Education Worker in April, but my plans were delayed because of COVID-19. Thankfully, I was able to go as soon as Ghana re-opened, and I'm so glad that I did. I was the only volunteer because of the current situation, but I don't regret a minute of it. Edward, the Founder of Volunteer Corps, IVHQ's in country partner, as well as the rest of the team, made sure that I was taken care of and followed safety measures due to COVID-19. There was no reason for me to fear or be nervous. I was already in country and Benedict, a Program Manager, made sure that my transportation to the volunteer house in Accra was in place. When I arrived at the volunteer house, I was warmly greeted by the team there. The next day, I had orientation (language, customs, health outreach/education program overview, discussion about excursions) and commuted with the Purple Program team to the Eastern Region, about 3 hours away from Accra, and stayed in the village of Frankadua which was the central location to the villages where work took place. The volunteer house was clean and I felt safe because of the security guard. The food was great and Mary, the chef, can make food based on your diet. The team went above and beyond to make sure that I was taken care of. When I arrived, I was even greeted by respected community members The night before volunteering, Joe, the Purple Team Manager, led the team meeting where we discussed more details about the work that I would be doing. Because I was the only volunteer due to COVID, I was asked to do blood pressure screenings (I brought my own monitor), teach on health topics based on my knowledge, conduct malaria tests, and provide first aid (I do have American Red Cross First Aid training, but it is not a must if you are not comfortable). The malaria tests are easy to perform especially if you already have lab experience. It is advisable to bring at least 3 - 4 boxes of your own gloves. So many people would show up (at least 75 per village) to learn and receive testing and care that the staff stepped up to assist in reading malaria test results, educate about malaria treatment, conduct blood pressure screenings, and assist with the flow of the day. They constantly made sure that I had everything I needed, inquired if I needed to take a break, and made sure that my overall health and wellbeing were taken care of. During my time in the Eastern Region, I was able to provide health outreach in different villages near the volunteer house in Frankadua. The other villages are about a 20 minute ride from the volunteer house. The team is organized, worked well together, and made me feel like family. There's so much that a volunteer can do. Overall, I was also able to teach about hygiene at a secondary school, teach a community about COVID-19, conduct over 200 malaria tests where treatment was provided (the tests and medication are covered in the program fee), conduct blood pressure screenings and education, and provide first aid care to people who aren't able to access a clinic. Safety measures were taken because of COVID-19 like wearing face masks, using hand sanitizer, and sanitizing equipment (tables, chairs, etc.). The need for volunteers is great and there's so much work to do. I will return again.

I volunteered in Croatia for 2 weeks (I did 10 days at the shelter) and I cannot describe how much I loved it! The experience was incredible and like nothing...Read more

I volunteered in Croatia for 2 weeks (I did 10 days at the shelter) and I cannot describe how much I loved it! The experience was incredible and like nothing I had ever done before, as I travelled alone for the first time, which is something very out of my comfort zone, but after the first day it had felt like I had been in Croatia forever, and the people I was with felt like my lifelong friends! The volunteer programme in itself was so much fun I loved spending my days with the dogs and cats, and despite being in a shelter, they were all so happy, and very pleased by the company! There was a perfect mix of both volunteering and free time mainly in the afternoon/evening, and also on weekends there is no mandatory volunteering. The experience was unforgettable and I'd love to do it again in the future.

I will always remember these two amazing weeks I spent in Romania. The Care2Travel team is great and I enjoyed every single minute, whether it was spent playing games with...Read more

I will always remember these two amazing weeks I spent in Romania. The Care2Travel team is great and I enjoyed every single minute, whether it was spent playing games with the children in the Summer Camps, teaching them English or spending time in the lovely city of Csikszereda with new friends you're able to make so quickly. So many great memories were made, and if you're thinking about volunteering there I can only recommend to book that trip right now!

I had such an amazing time in Rio volunteering with IVHQ in the sports program. Everyone from the volunteers, coordinators, kids and staff at our project we’re wonderful. I'd do...Read more

I had such an amazing time in Rio volunteering with IVHQ in the sports program. Everyone from the volunteers, coordinators, kids and staff at our project we’re wonderful. I'd do everything over again in a heartbeat!