International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

This was my first time going abroad alone. I was really nervous before leaving because my English isn’t very good, and I was afraid of causing trouble for others. That nervousness stayed with me even until my second day in Portugal. I wasn’t familiar with the public transport there, and I felt like I messed up a lot of things. Unlike others who get excited before starting a new experience, I mostly felt scared. I even wondered why I had made such a brave decision. But little by little, that nervousness melted away because of the warmth and kindness of the people around me. At the hostel, I met sincere and talkative friends. During volunteering, I finally met staff who guided me patiently and helped me a lot. I could clearly feel that I was respected and treated equally. No one laughed at my broken English. That made me never regret my decision. I often walked alone on the streets of Lisbon, enjoying the beauty of the city. Although the weather wasn’t great, I will always cherish the warmth and touching moments this experience brought me.

My time volunteering in Cape Town with IVHQ was truly life-changing. Working with the children was the highlight. Their energy and resilience are unforgettable. The program also excels at fostering community. I met incredible people from around the world, and sharing a living space made the experience even richer. From impactful volunteer work to exploring the stunning city and coastline, every moment felt meaningful. I highly recommend this for anyone looking to give back and grow!

IVHQ provided in-depth information prior to our volunteer posting. This allowed us to fully prepare and take into consideration small elements that we may have overlooked, like cultue shock. Being aware allowed us to normalise the experience and feel supported. They also provided guidance and support with regards to volunteering with our 13 year old child. They ensured that he to was in an appropriate program with myself that would support his learning and well-being. Our placement was safe supported, but also allowed us to be independent. I would not hesitate to do this again with my child and adult children, its life changing