IVHQ Brazil Volunteering Programs

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was meeting people from all over the world and organizing new adventures with them; getting in touch with the workplace and culture of the country, and testing parts of my character and discovering that I can overcome my limitations. I would say that I was hesitant and I was afraid of how I would get along in the accommodation, with the people and at work, but after having had this experience, everything passes and the only thing you are left with is the desire to have more experiences like this.

My trip to Rio de Janeiro was absolutely amazing. All of the volunteers in the house were from around the world and I could not have asked to be with a better group of people. There were a variety of different placements in Rio and everyone was extremely happy with the work they were doing. I worked with children in the favela teaching English and sports and you will quickly learn that they are some of the best kids out there and will always hold a close place in your heart. I would suggest going to Rio any time of the year! There are always attractions to see and the culture of Rio is so diverse that it can be enjoyed whenever it works for you! This is a trip that you will not forget and a place that I hope to return to soon!

Hey potential IVHQers, I'll cut straight to the chase, you've read all the reviews claiming how beautiful Rio is and how its made them a new person etc etc, It did the same for me and more believe that. I want to address the elephant in the room. The media has very much slandered Rio and Brazil as a whole for safety, Zika, Political instability, green swimming pools and etc.. Our friend Ryan Locthe definitely did not help.. It would be very easy and naive of me to sit here and claim all of it to be false. The media shows you 1 localized and independent event that has occurred. I can guarantee the city you live in would have similar incidents every friday or saturday night.. And as for the Zika virus, come on now I was there for two weeks- in peak "Zika scare period" and I saw and heard nothing. Rio is no different to any other city, theres of course dangerous areas and shady people, thats where the incredible IVHQ team come in.. Zac, Vivi,Miguel and of course Venessa do an amazing job of teaching and guiding you through the city and telling you what is right or wrong. They give you a local insight into the city and volunteers who have stayed there for a while really become your best friend .. I am assuming you're volunteering to challenge yourself and for a new experience.. Rio will do that in the right way, IVHQ Rio will provide that.. I had the time of my life in that city for the two weeks I was there, and I did something new every day.