International Volunteer HQ [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

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!

I had the most amazing time in Nusa Penida. My family and friends are probably so sick of me because I won't stop talking about it! I met the most amazing people from all over the world and we instantly became best friends. I adored working with the turtles and our coordinators were so funny and kind! Bali is so beautiful and I loved getting to explore the island. This was a life changing experience that I would recommend to anyone! This was more than I could've dreamed of!