Volunteering Journeys Reviews 22

I had a great experience, the staff were lovely and ready to help with anything I needed, always attentive. Volunteering at the school was great fun! I had lots of freedom to plan lessons and do whatever I liked with them, while following their syllabus. Overall, it was a anmazing experience surrounded by wonderful people!

The project was well run and the staff was incredibly supportive, and welcoming .

I spent 3 months with Volunteering Journeys and it was an amazing experience.
I worked on key fundraising tasks to help launch construction projects, and I truly felt useful and heard.

I loved learning new skills—like using REVIT—and getting to apply them in real situations.
The team was incredibly supportive and everything was perfectly organized.

I wouldn’t change a thing. I highly recommend Volunteering Journeys to anyone looking for a meaningful and enriching experience!

With the help of IVHQ, I traveled to Kerala to teach women and had a great time! I was able to see a lot of that area of India and learned so much myself, while being able to make a positive impact there and connect with people half the world away. Everyone—the staff, women, and other volunteers—was wonderful, and I felt relatively safe in the area. I would recommend going with a plan, however, as a little more coordination on the part of teachers could help improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and coherence of volunteers’ work there. This experience was life-changing, and I made so many great memories!

Just one word : amazing !! The staff, accommodations, foods… all was so good.

IVHQ where so supportive from the home based team to the well put together orientation when I arrived in India , the whole team where incredible,from the project manager who was with me every step of the way to the cook and cleaner of the volunteer house . This experience was the best ever and IVHQ where kind and helpfull so I highly recommend this experience, the best was being able to get money out to the school and get a water filter and a vegetable garden set up with help from the team well done IVHQ I hope to help another again some day .

The experience I had indescribable, both technically, culturally or relationally. This was really very rewarding for me. The team is at the top and the mission really very interesting. We were free to offer them what we wanted according to their constraints.

Honestly,
I didn't really like my experience with Gap Nepal.
For the positive points, the people were pretty nice with me.
For the negative points, the mission wasn't well organized at all. I was supposee to work 4 weeks to help building a school. Instead of that I have work like 1 week to find partnerships between France and Nepal (just building a data base, not even making the calls). And 10 days to destroy the toilets in a school in a small village. Also, the company Freepackers told me that I was supposed to be with other volunteer for this mission, and this wasn't the case, I was alone during the whole mission. I have seen only 2 volunteers but they were not doing the same thing as me.

I believe there is a need of transparency or a way better organisation.

Thanks

I stayed in Kochi at the volunteer house for a month. Overall, the experience was unforgettable and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to volunteer in India. The accommodation is basic, but comfortable. The staff allow each volunteer to play to their strengths and bring their perspectives to the table. A wonderful perk about this program is that you have plenty of time to explore Kochi and surrounding areas during your stay - and there is so much to do! There was a really good balance between work and rest. The ladies in the women’s empowerment program are so eager to learn and upbeat which makes for a very rewarding volunteering experience. Spending time with the other volunteers from all over world and making special friendships was truly heartwarming. If you are passionate about cultural immersion and having a more authentic experience than a usual tourist holiday, then this is the place for you. I particularly enjoyed attending a local zumba class in the mornings and making friends with people in the community.

I have been twice because it was so good!
I felt so well looked after and the accommodation was great. I’m sure I will volunteer again, the staff are absolutely brilliant and there is such a great community feeling in the volunteers house. The location is awesome, I have been to Kerala so many times but there is something special about Fort Kochi, its people and its history. I would really recommend the walking tour to learn all about it and see the best spots - I have forgotten the lady’s name (so sorry) but she is wonderful.
When I arrived I wasn’t well - the food in the flight was not at all good… so I must say an extra thank you to Shamla Chechi for taking me to the hospital and staying there with me, I was sorted in a few hours and was absolutely fine the rest of the trip - thanks to Shamla this was not at all a scary or worrying experience.
Honestly, I really really really hope I will be back!

Working with Volunteering Journeys was a wonderful experience. Loved every minute of it. The staff, the volunteers and participants all made it an unforgettable experience. The accommodation was very sufficient and the food was authentic and yummy. I loved getting to know everyone. The Women's Empowerment program was as enriching for me as it was for the participants. The volunteers all pitched in to do their parts and as a result we provided wonderful lessons. Outings were organized so that we could enjoy the country and culture of Kerala.
Ridhi Patel, the founder, is quite the amazing person. Besides this organization, she is also owns a sustainable swimwear design company called Cocopalms. If you volunteer there make sure to ask to see the swimwear. I would love to go back and stay longer. I would encourage everyone join this experience to make a difference in your own life and in the lives of others.

Kerala is truly a special place. I had an amazing experience getting to know the area, our wonderful team of project staff and the women we worked with during classes. Everyone truly goes out of their way to make you feel as though you are part of the family at the volunteer house. There is a good balance between support to design classes and scope to be flexible according to what you learn through relationships with the women and the community of Kochi. A truly life-changing experience and relationships made that will stay with me forever. I hope to go back!
Disclaimer: it’s not a trip for the faint-hearted. Be prepared to deal with heat, cultural differences and mosquitos!

Reshma Sreenesh was a great mentor in navigating our voluntary teaching roles! She was organised with lesson planning and provided clear guidance each step of the way. Reshma was empathetic and understanding when we faced any challenges, and was pro-active in helping in any way she could.

I loved the staff, they were so kind and helpful! You definitely have to be flexible and adventurous, but that is to be expected in this setting! One of the best trips off my life!

Volunteering in Kochi has been the best thing I've ever done. I went in without much knowledge of Kerala and couldn't believe how perfect it was. The staff at the volunteer house make it incredible - you are very looked after and supported throughout the whole programme. As a woman you feel very safe. The house is comfy and spacious, and the food is delicious. The women who are in charge of the programmes are so helpful with anything you need, like Reshma and Fami, and Shamla is always there for any questions you have. There is so much to do in Kochi, and even further out to places like Munnar or Varkala, and you will never be bored! I have been back 5 times now.
You gain so much valuable experience about other cultures whilst having the chance to get hands on and help directly. You can really see how your work is making an impact. An experience you will truly never forget.

I stayed for a month and it was incredible !
The food is incredible, the team is made up of only women who are all very kind and attentive.

Volunteering in Fort Kochi was a truly heartwarming experience that I’ll always cherish. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warmth and kindness by everyone I met. The people here are incredibly friendly and genuine, always ready with a smile, a helping hand, or a good laugh. Their openness made it easy to feel at home, even though I was miles away from mine.

The food in Fort Kochi was a delight, bursting with flavor and culture. Whether it was a home-cooked meal or something from a local eatery, each bite reflected the love and tradition of the place. Sharing meals together also became a beautiful way to connect with others during the volunteering period.

I had the privilege of teaching at Veli LP School and GHS Mattancherry. The students were lively and full of curiosity, and the teachers were supportive and dedicated. It was humbling to witness their passion for education and the close-knit bond within the school community.

Special thanks to Reshma, our project coordinator, for her cooperation and calm guidance throughout the two weeks. She made every task feel manageable and was always approachable. To Ridhi, the director, thank you for your trust and for creating a space where volunteers could grow and contribute meaningfully. And of course, to the wonderful chechis; your smiles, support, and warmth lit up every day. Whether it was a small gesture or a shared moment, your presence made all the difference.

This journey was more than just volunteering. It was about human connection, growth, and shared purpose. Thank you, Fort Kochi, for the unforgettable memories and lifelong lessons.

I was with volunteering journey in Cochin, Kerala and had a wonderful time. Reshma, Neha and Fousiya were amazing host that made my stay not only enjoyable but wanting to come back and give more.

My experience whilst with volunteering journeys was incredible! everybody was unbelievably welcoming and friendly.

The accommodation and food were great - by far some of the best food I have ever eaten.

All of the women are helpful and attentive, if you need anything they were always on hand to help.

The projects were amazing, we were part of the women's empowerment project and also spent time in Raksha school which I cannot reccomend enough. If you have the opportunity to go, make it happen ✨

A joyous and impactful week volunteering with the Special Needs class room in Fort Kochi! The accommodations, food and especially the staff were excellent. Thank you Volunteering Journeys for providing such a life changing experience!