International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)

It is truly rewarding when you can actually get to see, help, and communicate with refugees is Brussels. Talking with them and knowing their stories are really eye-opening. When we...Read more

It is truly rewarding when you can actually get to see, help, and communicate with refugees is Brussels. Talking with them and knowing their stories are really eye-opening. When we finished serving coffee and tea for refugees on the first day, the local team leader using his body language and speaking some simple English words to ask us if we paid money to help them, and we nodded. He said that we are all angles. I literally cried a little bit at that time. Also, I remember help the clothes distribution program in local NGO, that is the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done. Besides, we can also explore the city when we were done the volunteer work. Most importantly, I knew some cool volunteers all over the world and we talked about our stories and did a lot of fun things. This is the experience that I could never had without doing volunteer work. They are the treasure of my life. I love this program and every single one I knew during this journey. I left a piece of my heart in Brussels.

I loved this program. It made me wonder if my life would be different and I would have taken on conservation work for a career if I did something like...Read more

I loved this program. It made me wonder if my life would be different and I would have taken on conservation work for a career if I did something like this 20 years ago. There aren't words to describe the passion and dedication of the Nakavango staff not only to wildlife conservation and sustainability but the holistic method they employ of helping the surrounding community in order to change attitudes towards wildlife. It's hard to protect elephants and other wild game when they destroy important crops locals depend on, but helping install water pumps & planting orchards & gardens at the school helps start to sway the community and change perceptions, especially when having conservation parks increase tourism and jobs. Our work shifts were quite short since we couldn't be out in the heat of the day and the way things were broken up with game drives made it feel like we really weren't working all that much even if we had 2 shifts. And yet we had plenty of proof that not only our money but our physical efforts were 100% appreciated by everyone we came in contact with. If you need further proof your program fees are going to something worthy, the manager gives an orientation and provides a breakdown of where the money goes. I always felt supported while in Zimbabwe by the program manager as well as by my fellow volunteers. When I fell prey to fire ants (wear long pants for all work shifts!) I had nearly everyone offer me creams or soaps to help with the itch. Because programs attract certain types of people, nearly everyone was unbelievably helpful, kind, supportive, fun and fully committed to teamwork. We even had a wide age range from 18-65. They honestly blew me away. If you consider volunteering here, do note that the facility is a little rustic... I compare it to camping with a well-stocked trailer or a cabin & staff (cleaners & chefs). We had our own rooms, shared bathrooms, a few common areas (we spent more time outside there than anywhere else), a shared kitchen, and a pool. It was all comfortable and functional, just not fancy. Overall, this is a worthy and wonderful program!

I volunteered in a sixth grade classroom in a fairly low income area in Muizenberg. In so many ways the children there resemble poverty level children in most cities. There...Read more

I volunteered in a sixth grade classroom in a fairly low income area in Muizenberg. In so many ways the children there resemble poverty level children in most cities. There was gang activity, drug use and dealing, shootings, and child abuse. At this age some children are just beginning to play a role in this type of life, and, therefore, are in great need of help and guidance and role models who may be able to make a difference. I encourage anyone who has time and willingness to volunteer.

I spent two weeks volunteering in the kindergarten program with IVHQ in Ho Chi Minh and honestly had the time of my life!! The staff make you feel so at...Read more

I spent two weeks volunteering in the kindergarten program with IVHQ in Ho Chi Minh and honestly had the time of my life!! The staff make you feel so at home and the accommodation is clean and well maintained. There was a variety of food to choose from at meal times and the location is super close to cafes and restaurants. The other volunteers were all so welcoming and had a great attitude, wanting to make the most of their experience. The kindergarten program was really rewarding and even in two weeks I made so many connections with the children. Although some days are repetitive (singing, dancing, feeding, teaching), the kids really love when the volunteers are there and you can see the difference you're making in their lives. Without the volunteer program, the children wouldn't learn English, limiting there opportunities in the future. The city of Ho Chi Minh is busy and has so much to do, after volunteer hours everyone was super eager to explore and make the most of their time overseas. Travelling to other parts of Vietnam is also really easy and affordable from Ho Chi Minh and the staff at the accommodation were so helpful with planning weekend trips and providing recommendations. We could book tours or weekend trips the day before we left easily with the help of the staff which allowed flexibility and kept the experience exciting! Overall, in my two weeks in Ho Chi Minh, I made memories which will last forever, made lifetime friends from all over the world and learnt so much about the rich culture and beautiful landscape of Vietnam. For anyone thinking about volunteering overseas, I would highly recommend the IVHQ Vietnam experience and any of the programs they offer.