International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

The IVHQ program in Laos is well run. The support staff prior to arriving is very attentive to all the details. In Luang Prabang, the Guest House is in a good location. The meals were delicious and nutritious. I was teaching English at a local temple school. I was paired with a Laotian teacher. The tandem teaching system works well. School was closed for exams so I worked at with the Childcare group for a few days. I was fortunate to experience both volunteer programs. I arrived with 6 other new volunteers and we had a fun time together. We even took weekend trips together to explore more of Laos. A few volunteers worked Construction and enjoyed that work. IVHQ has all the support in place and this allows the volunteers to enjoy the experience. I felt personally rewarded by the smiles and enjoyment shown everyday in the students I worked with. I would return to Laos again...the people are so friendly and welcoming and the country is amazing to travel around.

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!