International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Reviews 

The amount of preparation given before the trip. It has everything sorted out for me and clearly listed making me able to checklist all the things I need. And the contact with the manager was very smooth and fast, you can get a reply next morning, and it just cleared everything up.

When i first signed up for my volunteering with the turtles in Bali through IVHQ, I was definitely nervous and was worried. However, IVHQ gave me an excellent support system to resolve these worries and make me confident to travel. For example, IVHQ has videos and explanations for their policies, how to pack your bag for the trip, what to expect etc. Furthermore, whenever I had questions, my coordinator was super helpful through call and text and gave me responses quick. Even when I arrived in Bali, my IVHQ coordinator checked in on me and I felt super taken care of. I had the time of my life in this new country safely and I can thank that to IVHQ's determination. Thank you!

The program manager for my Thailand trip was brilliant! She made the preparation for my 5 weeks in Hua Hin super easy! I would recommend volunteering with IVHQ to ANYONE!

Volunteering with IVHQ was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It was my very first time traveling abroad on my own and even though I was on the other side of the world without my family and friends, I never once felt unsafe. The IVHQ team guided me through everything I needed to do before my arrival and ensured that I got to my accommodation in Hua Hin safe and sound.
While volunteering, I learnt so much about Thai culture and customs and I met some wonderful people who made my time there so much more memorable. The local IVHQ team ensured that everything within the accommodation ran smoothly, from cleanliness and delicious food to teaching us about the local culture and recommending us places we could visit.
In all honesty, I am so grateful for all the guidance and help offered by IVHQ, both before as well as after my arrival. I would love to volunteer with them again!

From the moment I started exploring the IVHQ website, the entire process was simple and easy to navigate. The program guide I received after signing up answered every question I had—from visas and packing to what to expect once I arrived—and made me feel well prepared. Throughout the process, the staff was responsive, helpful, and always available when I needed assistance. I would highly recommend IVHQ to anyone looking for a well-organized, meaningful volunteer experience abroad.

What made my experience great was how well organised everything was from start to finish. The local team were welcoming, supportive, and always available to help, which made settling in easy. The programme also gave a great balance between meaningful volunteering, cultural experiences, and meeting people from around the world. IVHQ communicates clearly, provides excellent support before and during the trip, and creates an environment where volunteers feel safe, valued, and able to make a real difference.

Program was really informative and I was able to navigate the preparation stages easily.

My volunteer experience was meaningful, well organised, and genuinely unforgettable. From the beginning, I felt welcomed, supported, and safe. The local team was kind, attentive, and always available whenever we needed guidance or help.

Working in the sea turtle conservation programme was both educational and emotionally rewarding. I learned more about the importance of protecting marine life, while also having the opportunity to contribute through practical daily activities. Spending time caring for the turtles made the experience feel real and purposeful, not just like a holiday.

The accommodation was clean, comfortable, and suitable for the programme, and the overall atmosphere made it easy to connect with the other volunteers. I met wonderful people from different countries and quickly felt part of a small international family.

I returned home with beautiful memories, new friendships, and the feeling that I had contributed to something important. I would recommend this programme to anyone looking for a safe, well-supported volunteer experience with real meaning.

Wonderful staff and experience. Very fulfilling.

IVHQ was an amazing organisation to volunteer with. The application was easy and gave detail information the whole way through up until the day I landed in my volunteer country. I had many questions and the support leading up to and during the program was fast and very helpful. I am definitely coming back to IVHQ

I was ‘sold’ on arranging my volunteer experience through International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) the moment I learned that IVHQ is a B-Corporation. That designation I had learned is conferred to for-profit businesses that meet rigorous standards for ethics, social responsibility, accountability, and environmental impact. Working with IVHQ was a truly wonderful experience. Preparation for the trip entailed stepping through a polished – I’d say flawless -step-by-step manual with a checklist and viewing videos that introduce the mission, responsibilities, protocols, and help set one’s expectations. A Program Manager in New Zealand was [virtually] with me to guide me through my preparations and to answer questions that arose.
Once in Thailand, a local team stepped in to guide us and care for us. Every individual on the Thailand team was extremely welcoming, fun to work with, and willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs. They obviously love their work and are excellent at it.
The accommodations were fantastic and the authentic food was delicious and plentiful. The opportunity to sit together with other volunteers during meals to share stories and learn about other cultures was amazing. (My co-volunteers came from around the globe.)
Working with elephants in the sanctuary was almost indescribably incredible. While tasks of feeding, planting, harvesting, cleaning, and escorting the elephants into the mountains each day were rigorous at times, at no point in time was I not aware that we were doing meaningful, high impact work for good. From the very beginning, through planning, living in the accommodations, working in the sanctuary, learning every moment, being side-by-side with remarkable coworkers, and having exceptional support from the Thailand team, this IVHQ experience exceeded all of my hopes and wishes. I was honored and surprised when my coworkers and folks on the Thailand team joined me in celebrating my 76th birthday. In my three quarters of a century of personal experiences, this one with elephants in Thailand ranks very high among my most cherished and impactful adventures. JPS

Very good experience for my 16 y.o.

I'm in high school and wanted to try out one of IVHQ'S programs, I had chosen the food outreach program in Vietnam for a week over the July school holidays. Before the placement I received full support from my program manager Hannah who was extremely helpful with helping communicating all the dates and information I needed to know, When I had gotten to the placement I was greeted by the local team who were with us throughout the whole time and I had met great new people and gained some key experiences, the food offered was also a highlight, each morning we had received local traditional Vietnamese meals for breakfast and it was amazing!

My coordinator at IVHQ was really prompt and thorough. Ashlee answered all my questions. The step by step guidelines and website were super helpful and easy to use.

My experience was so amazing! I did the turtle conservation trip in Bali and it was seriously life changing! The coordinators were so kind, fun and welcoming. I made so many amazing friends from all over the world that I already miss so much! I loved getting to explore the beauty beaches of Bali and take care of baby sea turtles. I'm not even joking when I say this program changed my life. After getting home from this trip I realized that my major in college wasn't fulfilling for me and I ended up changing it to environmental science so I can do marine biology. If that doesn't testify to how amazing this program is, I don't know what does.

Child Care - Egypt
I volunteered with IVHQ - Egypt in the childcare program, and it was an experience I’ll cherish forever. From the very first day, the children welcomed me with the biggest smiles, endless kindness, and so much excitement to learn. Teaching them English was incredibly rewarding because they were eager to participate, curious, and always willing to try their best. Their joy, resilience, and love made every moment unforgettable. I also fell in love with the welcoming environment, the amazing people, and the beautiful country of Egypt. This experience changed me in so many ways, and I can’t wait to come back and see those wonderful kids again.

I volunteered with IVHQ EGYPT and instantly fell in love with the people, the animals, and the country itself. I would highly recommend working at an animal shelter as they are in need of volunteers who care for these animals just as much as they do. I can’t wait to go back!!

One of the most memorable aspects of the experience was the connections formed with fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Living and working together created a supportive environment where we shared knowledge, experience and challenges. These relationships fostered teamwork, resilience, and mutual respect, while providing opportunities to learn from one another's professional and personal experiences.
Overall, the placement broadened my worldview, strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving abilities, and reinforced my commitment to healthcare. It was a transformative experience that will continue to influence my practice and personal outlook long into the future.
I felt supported by IVHQ from my initial steps of application. The local welcoming team showed genuine warmth and kindness and helped me to settle quickly.
They encouraged us to immerse ourselves in the culture, supported us through challenges and celebrated our contribution. Their passion and dedication to the program created a sense of belonging from day 1.
I am incredibly grateful for everything that IVHQ did to make this such a positive and life-changing journey.

Volunteering with IVHQ
What made this experience for me personally so great is how safe i was made to feel! you have constant support, they are highly organized and helpful. i had travelled Solo and i found help to any query at any time i had.

Would recommend a 100%

IVHQ made volunteering overseas much easier than I expected. The application process was straightforward, and whenever I had questions before I left, the team responded quickly and made sure I knew what to expect.

Everything was well organised, which made travelling overseas for the first time feel much less stressful. The information provided before departure was really helpful and meant I felt prepared when I arrived in Vietnam.

The volunteering experience itself in Vietnam was amazing. I loved being able to help people in the local community, meet volunteers from different countries and experience a completely different culture. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had, and I'd definitely recommend IVHQ to anyone thinking about volunteering overseas.