Involvement Volunteers International

As seasoned traveling retirees, this was our 16th time volunteering abroad. Maximo Nivel, in partnership with IVHQ, did not disappoint. Communications up front were clear & informative. Our project was diverse, with the option to vary tasks daily. We picked coffee, helped in the garden,composted, and more. Homestay provided authentic interactions and home cooked meals. Questions were answered, recommendations and suggestions were freely offered. Social options like salsa & cooking classes were a plus. As we like to say, "When it comes to volunteering, age is just a number." Flexibility helps!!!

It was an incredible trip. I had a wonderful time volunteering….the people were so lovely, and the children are truly amazing. Working with the kids was especially rewarding; they were always excited to see us, eager to learn, and incredibly creative. It was a very fulfilling journey, and it certainly won’t be my last. The team were amazing, very accommodating and always helpful. The accommodation was comfortable, and the food was very good most of the time.

The trip was the most fulfilling, enriching and inspiring experience I have ever embarked upon 😊 It is my second time volunteering with IVI and each time I embark on a new teaching journey I seem to learn more, take new things away from the program and leave with new friends from all over the world! I was fortunate enough to volunteer in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 2 weeks wherein I got to teach at 2 schools within the local area. Each day was filled with joy, excitement, friendship, compassion and new opportunities to which I grasped with both hands. One of the most awesome things about volunteering abroad would be the everlasting friendships you create. I adored spending many of my afternoons exploring the local culture with both our coordinators and other volunteers as well as spending many late nights learning new languages, cultures and travel stories from across the world. These friendships hold a very special place in my heart and continue to flourish outside of the volunteer space. My favourite part of the volunteering had to be the lesson planning as it was the most rewarding experience when the lessons and games I had planned were so well received and enjoyed by the kids! If you are considering volunteering … this is definitely your sign as it is an unmatched experience that has countless affordances ❤️ The local team made my stay like home wherein I became apart of this close knit family. We were all so well looked after, with all facilities well maintained, drivers readily available, existing connections across all of Chiang Mai and major attractions we all wanted to visit as well as endless resources to utilise within the classroom setting. The food was definitely locally sourced with many dishes being traditional to Thailand however the food was well prepared and delicious. A few more Western dishes would have been adored but not necessary! It was awesome! I’m so very grateful! THANK YOU 🥰