In today’s day in age, many of us want to take a stand. Whether that be in conserving the Earth, educating children and the people around us, helping at medical clinics or in thousands of other ways—we want to make a difference. By volunteering abroad you can do just that, and with some help with one of the worlds best program providers, IVHQ, you get to stand for the change you wish to see in the world. And with loads of benefits and opportunities to to get to know the culture, we say “WHY NOT!?”
Volunteering in far off places with smiling faces? Sign me up!
With safety, innovation, loyalty and quality at the core of everything International Volunteer HQ does, there’s no wonder they are so trusted. All their programs will dive deep into the local communities causing a wealth of happiness, health, and experience—which you would 110% be a part of. Exciting? I think so! Without further ado, here are the best IVHQ programs + reviews of 2019 according to the most important people out there—meaningful travelers just like yourself.
Top rated IVHQ reviews + programs on GoAbroad
1. Volunteer in Medicine in Ghana—30 Reviews, 9.3 Rating
“Honey, Listen... IVHQ Ghana is the best thing that I've ever done. I volunteered at the Kekele Polyclinic in Accra, Ghana. It was an amazing experience. I worked in administration as well as the lab. I was also able to watch a childbirth, take vitals, and shadow a doctor. The housing accommodations were extremely comfortable. Food was delicious. But the best thing about everything was my amazing tour guide. He went above and beyond to make sure that we were safe, taken care of, and happy. He even rode with us when we met up with a family friend to ensure that we were safe (he was off the clock). He set up an amazing weekend trip to cape coast that was a perfect combination of life changing and super fun! He was super hard working and dedicated to keeping us on track. In his words, "let's rock and roll"." Read more reviews of this program here.
- What? Community Centers, Health Care, Health Education, Health, Human Rights, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health
- When?: Year Round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks
- Program perks: online volunteer training, open to families and couples, several accommodation options, meals included, hands-on medical experience, weekends free for travel and excursion opportunities
- More program info
2. Volunteer in Sri Lanka—3 Reviews, 10.0 Rating
“IVHQ allowed me to take the single most exciting and educational trip I have ever been on. They took care of me from the time I landed in Colombo Airport until it was time for me to depart. I recommend using IVHQ if you are looking to travel and volunteer abroad. Ambalangoda was my favorite location because the Green Lion workers there are so sweet and caring! Also, I recommend hiking in the Knuckles Mountain range!” Read more reviews of this program here.
- What?: Rural Community Development Volunteer Opportunity
- When?: Year Round; 9-12 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 2-4 Weeks, 1-2 Weeks
- Program perks: Access to deals on flights and travel insurance, accommodations and breakfasts included, local homestay experience, affordable price, international hands-on experience
- More program info
3. Volunteer in Victoria Falls—11 Reviews, 9.8 Rating
“Volunteering with IVHQ in Victoria Falls was the best decision I have ever made. I cannot even begin to explain how extraordinary of an experience it was and the incredible people I met along the way. I participated in the Wildlife Conservation project (the only project offered in Victoria Falls), and I learned more about the native plants and animals than I ever imagined I would. The vast knowledge of the staff is truly incredible and they do an extraordinary job of making it feel like home. It is definitely worth every penny, I would highly recommend this program to anyone.” Read more reviews of this program here.
- What? Conservation, Environment, Tree Planting, Wildlife
- When?: Year Round; 5-8 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 9-12 Weeks
- Program perks: Weekend excursion opportunities, 24/7 support, PADI open water dive course, experience working within a game reserve, variety of community development projects
- More program info
4. Volunteering in Brazil—9 Reviews, 10.0 Rating
“I did the Carnaval programme where I was involved in helping make the floats and costumes for one of the biggest events in Brazil. The placement was hands on and super creative which was just my cup of tea, and the people who worked at the Samba Schools were so sweet and generous. It was incredible to meet the real people of Rio. I applied through IVHQ who were really supportive answering any of my questions leading up to my trip and throughout my placement. Overall I had the most incredible time, if you're thinking about going, don't hesitate! It will be the trip of a lifetime!” Read more reviews of this program here.
- What?: Agriculture, Arts, Building & Construction Projects, Childcare & Children, Community, Centers, Community Development, Culture, Eco-tourism, Education, English Teaching, Environment, Festivals, Grassroots Organization, Human Rights, Music, Orphans, Recreation, Social Work, Sports, Street Children, Tourism, Tree Planting, Water Projects, Youth, Youth Development
- When?: Year Round; 9-12 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 5-8 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 1-2 Weeks
- Program perks: Programs and projects in a variety of areas and interests, access to deals on flights and travel insurance, apartment or dorm accommodation, ability to explore the surrounding area and country
- More program info
5. Volunteer in Nepal—6 Reviews, 9.6 Rating
“My experience in-country as a volunteer was more than I could have asked for. The links were amazing. I always felt safe and appreciated. The orientation was so thoughtful and really broke me into the city. I acclimatised quicker because of the care the local staff put into the orientation, and I feel this is something IVHQ press in all of their programmes. There was a great sense of camaraderie and a really good way to kick-start the volunteering. The volunteering itself was carefully considered; I felt listened to and was able to make a difference during my placement. IVHQ have great connections and seem to be expanding these connections, something I actually experienced when I was out volunteering, as I was able to extend my placement and be flexible, working at various places.” Read more reviews of this program here.
- What?: Childcare Volunteer Opportunity, English Teaching, Orphans, Youth
- When?: Year Round; 1-2 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks, 3-6 Months, 9-12 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks
- Program perks: Homestay or group living options, international hands-on experience with youth, weekend adventures, great for first time volunteers, interactive volunteer training, deals on flights and travel insurance
- More program info
6. Volunteer and Teach English in Italy—4 Reviews, 10.0 Rating
“My experience teaching English to teenage immigrants is one that I will remember for the rest of my life. The local team were great setting up accommodations and making sure we felt comfortable at placement. However, it was the students at my placement that will hold the lasting impression.” Read more reviews of this program here.
- What? Childcare & Children, Community Centers, Community Development, Education, English Teaching, Tutor, Youth, Youth Development
- When?: Year Round; 9-12 Weeks, 5-8 Weeks, 2-4 Weeks
- Program perks: Hand-on experience teaching children, weekend excursions around Europe, accommodation and meals included, flight and insurance deals, no prior teaching experience needed, a chance to immerse yourself into Italian culture, GREAT FOOD
- More program info
[Check Out ALL IVHQ Reviews + Programs]
Which of these IVHQ programs are right for YOU?
With affordable costing programs in over 40 diverse destinations, we are positive that you can wrangle up a wild volunteer opportunity that fits your wants and needs, as well as the people you are helping! However, if you nothing really sparked your interest up above, no problem. Just take a hard look through the entire International Volunteer HQ programs directory. We understand how difficult it can be to just pick ONE program, because you just want to save the world. However, start with one, and you’ll realize how much you can accomplish from there. Happy trail blazing during your future IVHQ volunteer abroad programs, and in the wise words of Audrey Hepburn, “...you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” Onward and upward my fellow meaningful travelers!
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