International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Volunteering here was one of my top moments. It was so amazing to be welcomed by everyone with open arms and happiness. The local team was beyond amazing and helpful for ever situation. The other volunteers were amazing and so very respectful. The kitchen staff made the best food and was always making sure everyone ate and had the right food.

This program is a great opportunity if you're looking to learn more about healthcare while making a real difference. I volunteered in an elderly care facility in Cusco, and while the medical tasks were limited due to local regulations and my Spanish level, I still found the experience meaningful. I helped with feeding, general hygiene, companionship, and some light medical support like measuring physiotherapy. Be prepared for a bit of a culture shock in the beginning, especially if you don't speak much Spanish. The environment is very different from what you might be used to, and it takes a few days to settle in, but once you do, it becomes incredibly fulfilling. The Local Team provided excellent guidance and made sure we felt supported. I'd absolutely recommend the program, but with the mindset that you're there to help however you can, not to perform advanced clinical procedures. Go with an open heart and realistic expectations!

The guidance and preparation resources I received from IVHQ before starting my trip were invaluable. I was provided all of the information up front and walked through every single step that I needed to take in successfully moving forward through execution of my trip. The resources are there to read and ingest and the program management staff is always available within 24-hours to answer all questions one may have. The impact from my volunteering stretched me out of my comfort zone by allowing me to understand the ways others move around on a daily basis and how accepting everyone is for individuality. I gained the experience of set expectations. Here in the US where I live, expectations "waver' in some cases, but in Jamaica, there is a consistent value of "expectation or consequence" which I honor. If somone is hesitant about joining this program I would say: "Leap into something you never experienced and be prepared to learn about other cultures and thier ways of living, working, and playing!