Kindergarten Volunteering in Bali - Lovina with IVHQ

Volunteering abroad had always been an item on my bucket list. I wasn't sure what to expect going into the IVHQ Kindergarten program and doing it by myself as my first solo trip made me a bit more nervous. I did my research and read reviews, some good, some bad, about volunteering abroad and IVHQ. But from the moment the driver picked me up at the airport, to getting to the Lovina house instantly being welcomed by the other volunteers and staff members, to my first few moments in the classroom, I felt right at home. It's amazing how one experience can change your entire life. The kindergarten kids and the school teachers were beyond welcoming. They loved to learn, dance, sing and play, making every day a great day even while your sweating profusely in the Bali humidity! We had plenty of fun in the 3 weeks I was there and the kids picked up English so quickly! On the weekends, we hiked, swam in waterfalls, played with monkeys, visited different towns, went snorkeling and saw some pretty amazing sights. The other volunteers quickly turning into family. The hardest goodbyes came when I had to say "See ya later" to my kiddos. They made me a sign and flower headband on my last day, kissing my hand to show their gratitude. Even though I'm the one who was truly grateful. They changed my life more than I changed theirs. I'm already planning my next volunteer trip with IVHQ and would absolutely recommend it to anyone. The only thing holding you back from doing all you want to do in life is yourself and your excuses. So get out there and just go for it! Thank you IVHQ for an amazing experience!

I volunteered with the IVHQ Bali Ubud program for 4 weeks teaching Kindergarten and doing school renovations when the students were out of school for holidays. The staff at the Green Lion Bali were among the nicest and most helpful people I've ever met. They were always making sure we felt prepared, safe, and were enjoying our time there. Additionally, the trip was incredibly affordable. For 4 weeks in Bali I ended up spending about $3500 USD in total (all fees, flights, room, board, etc.). I would recommend this program to anyone. The only thing that I will say surprised me is that the accommodations are not in Ubud center, they are farther out of town in a village. However, I quite liked having a little bit of isolation from town.

My favourite moment from volunteering was meeting everyone I met throughout my experience. Without them, I don't think my experience would have been the same. You get to meet some incredible people along the way, who all approached me with the warmest smiles. From my fellow volunteers, local co-ordinators, the children in my class and the teachers. I have them all to thank for making my volunteer experience unforgettable. I can't stress enough how impressed I was by the local team. In my short 2 weeks in Bali, they made me feel like family, and I could go to them with anything. The accommodation, food and organisation of the programme was incredible, all thanks to them. I will definitely be coming back! Getting to see how bright each of the children at my school were was the biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me. Their smiles were so big and they were always so joyous. This made my volunteering experience very worthwhile, as I could see how excited they were to be learning. It made me want to continuously provide education in low-developed areas. What would you say to someone still hesitant about volunteering abroad is I completely understand why you may be hesitant. It's something out of your comfort zone, and you will be spending a lot of time in a place of unfamiliarity. However, the lessons you can take away from it are endless. You are bound to learn so much about yourself, about the impact you can have on a community, and on the local culture. Volunteering is a great way to see another side of the world. It is a decision I am sure you will not regret.