Trusted Medical Volunteering in India - Kerala with IVHQ

I was so afraid of going in to this program alone, as a women in a new country, but since the first day IVHQ answered all the questions I have, even the smaller ones. Once I arrived to the house I was so grateful and happy with the others volunteers and the local team, specially Sarita as she treated all of us like a daughter - I felt safe all the time. The volunteer program in the clinic is a lot of hands-on experience and learning with the doctor and the kids can make everyone smile in the clinic. It was the travel and experience that changed my life forever!

The program guides were very helpful! The local team was absolutely amazing and very approachable. They went out of their way to answer any questions I had and to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Physically being able to see the improvement in patient symptoms was very satisfying and provided much-needed encouragement in the hot summer conditions. The accommodation was very comfortable. This was a life-changing experience and I am beyond glad that I chose to participate. I was able to physically see the differences we were making in the community we served. I also was able to immerse myself into a completely different culture and learn about their way of life.

The preparation resources were very well laid out and helped me prepare for what I should expect when I arrived in India. Experiencing a culture that was wildly different from what I had grown up in had the biggest impact on me. I have visited countries like Guatemala and Mexico and I have grown up in the United States, so coming to India and seeing all the differences that a plane trip half way across the world can bring was incredible. It's an experience you'll never forget, and only done justice by doing it in person.

IVHQ well prepared me with all the guidance I needed before my trip. They had a team bases in NZ incase I needed to ask any questions which definitely helped my peace of mind. The local team were fantastic and made sure that I was comfortable in their own home. I saw how so many people live, and I feel like the experience has humbled me. The way that I’ve seen people stay positive with so little has definitely made me rethink the luxury’s I have. I loved every minute of it and feel as though it really changed me as a person in a good way. I’d love to go on another adventure with IVHQ sometime!

I had a very good experience with IVHQ and have already recommended this organization to friends of mine. The local team was superb! There were so many great moments in my volunteer experience but I thought sitting around the table at night time playing some card games with all of the other volunteers from around the world laughing and having a good time was an unforgettable experience. Seeing alternate ways of life is such an impactful experience. You simultaneously realize that each culture has something crucial to contribute to the world and that we can all learn for each other, but you also become grateful for your home, family, and everything else in a way that can not be done unless you go out and experience different parts of the world. I would absolutely suggest you go and volunteer abroad. It isn't always comfortable but you are providing valuable assistance to people that are desperately in need and you get to see a new part of the world and gain a perspective you never ever would if you do not travel and see these place with your own eyes.

All questions and emails were responded to by IVHQ and provided great information/background. The local team were excellent. They were great on the orientation day answering any questions and clearly describing the volunteering, and were also so accommodating, welcoming and helpful. They were willing to answer any questions and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. They really looked out for us and I felt incredibly safe in their home. Meals were excellent - really tasty, not too spicy and had variety. It was great being able to to try different indian vegetarian meals. Food was also prepared very safely as none of us got sick from the food. Overall it was an incredible experience working in the slum clinic and it definitely had an impact on me. The work itself seemed small in comparison to some of the challenges they faced. I would recommend volunteers to organise fundraising/donations before to give to the clinic as they really benefit from extra money to buy medications and offer other services (I.e pay for a patients ct scan or xray). Overall I do feel the ongoing support the volunteers provide to the doctor make it a great service to be available (especially for free). Interacting and helping the people who lived in this slum village was absolutely a highlight. They were so gracious, bright and happy despite their circumstances. They were polite and so thankful for the help, medications and treatment we provided. It was such a pleasure to help these people, families and children. The perspective and positive attitudes they demonstrated really made you think about how privileged we are living in Australia and yet how quick we are to complain. Seeing the people who lived in the slums attitude and smiles really had an impact on me. Seeing how content they were with so little guided an important self reflection. My recommendation to future volunteers is to embrace the uncomfortable feeling and uncertainty. It’s the most important thing to challenge and push yourself. Things may not always go to plan and not setting expectations are important cause you never know what foreign cultures and countries will bring. But I guarantee you will walk away with so many lessons, realisations and reward.

The two weeks I spent in India volunteering in slum clinics was one of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences I had the privilege to take part in. Not only do you gain knowledge of healthcare abroad but you gain knowledge in the culture and beauty of India by immersion. Whether it is spending time in the clinics caring for all age types or having the opportunity to go to hospitals and schools, the amount of people able to be helped truly makes a difference in the community. Each host experience was lovely. Not only do they provide you with food and a safe place to reside, but they take you in as a part of their family. At the end of my trip I was left with the words of "You will always have a home here in India." I not only would recommend volunteering abroad with IVHQ to anyone I encounter but would use this program as the only program I volunteer with.

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