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Visit International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)'s website to learn more about their programs abroad
Overview
Overview
IVHQ offers the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer programs in more than 50 destinations. Programs are available in Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, North America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Pacific where IVHQ has supported over 100,000 people to volunteer abroad since 2007.
Currently, IVHQ has programs in Bali, Costa Rica, South Africa, Greece, Fiji, Nepal, Peru, Jamaica, Madagascar, Spain, Cambodia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Italy, Tanzania, Cambodia, Victoria Falls, India, Vietnam, Portugal, New Zealand, Laos, Belgium, Morocco, Romania, Brazil, China, Ghana, Colombia, Zambia, Uganda, Ecuador, Argentina, Jordan, USA, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Mexico and Thailand.
IVHQ has the largest range of affordable volunteer programs, ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. Visit www.volunteerhq.org for more information.
Editorial
By Sarah Vandenberg
Director of Partnerships
Sarah has worked in the volunteer travel industry since 2004. She supports all of our partners, and shares stories, trends, and advice for travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.
International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a leader in volunteer travel, working in 50 countries worldwide, and placing travelers on projects that contribute meaningfully to the community they are visiting.
An awesome organization
Launched in 2007, IVHQ connects knowledgeable and skilled travelers with responsible, high-quality projects that heighten global awareness and cultural understanding.
IVHQ prides itself on being a values-led organization, and places four values above all others: Responsible, Innovative, Trusted, and Awesome.
IVHQ equates “awesome” with being ambitious, tenacious, and youthful – the goal is to use size and scale to have a significant global impact, and to be flexible to adapt and respond to volunteer and community needs.
Marine conservation with IVHQ
More than volunteering
IVHQ offers more than volunteer placements abroad! This organization also provides services like fundraising advice, scholarships, service activity ideas, online TEFL courses, customized flight itineraries, a carbon footprint calculator, volunteer travel insurance, and even an online store.
Some of IVHQ’s achievements include:
- Helped volunteers to contribute more than 860,000 hours of support to community programs abroad
- Enabled volunteers to spend more than 410,000 hours supporting education and literacy projects
- Invested over $11 million in communities abroad through IVHQ program fees
- Grew its overall volunteer numbers to more than 100,000 since 2007
- Reduced its carbon emissions by 15%
Teaching abroad with IVHQ
A trusted provider
Volunteers rave about their experiences with IVHQ, leaving more than 3,500 verified reviews on IVHQ’s website, and hundreds of reviews on Volunteer Forever.
From solo volunteers to families to students, the consensus is that IVHQ is organized and makes travel fun. Read on to see what volunteers have to say about this amazing organization!
IVHQ volunteers in Spain
Top projects
Gallery
IVHQers in Spain
Volunteering in Madagascar with IVHQ
IVHQ volunteers on orientation in Colombia
IVHQ volunteers in South Africa
IVHQ Teaching project in Bali
IVHQer Teaching English in Bali
Marine Conservation in Madagascar
IVHQ construction volunteers in Bali
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Nancy Gaskins
25 Nov 2019
Nakavango was an amazing experience. The people are what made my time there. All needs were taken care of immediately with a smile. They really cater to the volunteers with...Read more
Nakavango was an amazing experience. The people are what made my time there. All needs were taken care of immediately with a smile. They really cater to the volunteers with care and joy. I can not say enough about each and everyone of them. I learned so much from our guides. They all shared so much and I left with a better understanding of conservation, animal and people conflict, invasive plants, the birds and animal habits. The vast knowledge of all 3 of our guides was impressive. And they all shared with such a enthusiasm. The hospitality staff was equally impressive taking care of special needs. Then there is Justine the program director. All I can say is she goes far and above to make sure everyone's experience it the best possible. I am not sure how she does it but she appears to do it with ease. Although I know it was not an easy task to juggle 17 people's needs, weekend excursions and comfort. A real gem! Highly recommend this Conservation Project!
Zakiah Jaafar
19 Nov 2019
My experience volunteering with IVHQ, though only for a week, has been a very meaningful one! It was my first time volunteering and nothing could be more memorable than to...Read more
My experience volunteering with IVHQ, though only for a week, has been a very meaningful one! It was my first time volunteering and nothing could be more memorable than to do it overseas. Personally, the highlight of my experience would have to be interacting with the children. Back home, I work as a teacher as well but something about the children that I taught had left such a deep impression on me. I guess being able to speak bahasa made it easier for me to connect with the children and it felt so fulfilling that I was able to help them with their learning. It's been more than a week since the trip and I still think about the children :') From the first day that I stepped in the class, I'd regretted not choosing a longer program... But that's when I knew that if I were to volunteer with IVHQ again, it would be for the same kindergarten project, same destination. 1 week was definitely not enough for me and I would love to go again!
Isabel T.
19 Nov 2019
The overall process of volunteering with IVHQ was easy, affordable, and hands-on. Throughout every process both here in my hometown to where my volunteer program took place, IVHQ made it...Read more
The overall process of volunteering with IVHQ was easy, affordable, and hands-on. Throughout every process both here in my hometown to where my volunteer program took place, IVHQ made it so easy. They answered all my questions and concerns and were always super attentive. Volunteering in Cartagena, Colombia for the childcare program was an experience I"ll carry for the rest of my life. I went in there with an open mind and heart and came out with an abundance of love and gratitude. The children showed me more about appreciating the simple things in life than I could ever taught them. I've gained some lifelong friends and got to experience some of Colombia's beautiful culture and scenery and amazing food!
Sarah Cacdac
19 Nov 2019
I am so happy to have chosen IVHQ for not only my first Volunteer trip but also for my first time out the country. The staff and welcoming was top...Read more
I am so happy to have chosen IVHQ for not only my first Volunteer trip but also for my first time out the country. The staff and welcoming was top notch, the food was absolutely delicious, and the Kindergarten assignment was well laid out and clear. I definitely intend on continuing Volunteer travels through IVHQ. Not enough thanks for how much I enjoyed my time.