Volunteer Abroad for 1-2 Years

I spent two weeks at Na'ankuse in Namibia as part of the IVHQ Volunteering program working closely with animals at the wildlife reserve. For the price of the program my expectations were well exceeded! The accomodation, food and staff services were great and the experiences with the animals during the volunteer work is unlike anything I have seen. Being able to be so close to the wildlife whilst doing activities that make a difference was truly an unforgettable experience. I hope to go back soon!

My IVHQ coordinator was very responsive and helpful with questions I had prior to my trip. This is the second time I've traveled with IVHQ and only had positive experiences with both trips. I'm glad I stumbled upon it when looking to solo volunteer travel, especially as a woman.

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

My internship has been the best experience I could have ever asked for. My co-workers are what made my time there so memorable. Connect-123 made the entire process smooth and easy, especially Antonella and Xena. They were both so kind, supportive, and helpful every step of the way. I’m so grateful I got to meet my program group, it was truly an amazing experience!

Coming to Barcelona with Connect 123 was one of the best decisions I've made. They were incredibly helpful in helping find me an internship I felt comfortable and confident in and always very communicative. The housing they provided was amazing, and in a great location. Barcelona is now one of my favorite cities

As my time in Ireland comes to a close, I want to thank Connect-123 for partnering with Bucknell University to provide students like me with an opportunity like this. As an undergraduate, it can often feel stressful trying to gain relevant work experience while preparing for your future career. Thanks to Connect-123, I was placed with a company in a field aligned with my career goals, allowing me to grow professionally while exploring a new part of the world. This experience has given me valuable workplace experience, unforgettable memories, and a greater appreciation for living and working abroad. Thank you for making it possible!

This experience has been nothing short of incredible. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity. My internship could not have been a more perfect match. I have gained not only new skills but also a new perspective as well. Outside of the internship, exploring this beautiful city has been so fun. Carla, the program coordinator, is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of meeting. She planned the most fun activities for our group and was truly invested in our well-being!

Following this program was a unique experience that I will never forget. I thought it gave a great balance of working at my internship, meeting new people, and exploring the new country. The opportunities each weekend gave great insights and experiences to explore outside of where we were staying and i highly recommend going to each one.

Coming from the busy city of London, this was a fantastic experience to open my mind, get to know a festinating culture while being able to reach out to people in need and support this honest, small charity led by Ivan. I have been able to learn a lot about the food, the way of living and about the people in Uganda thanks to BID. I was able to learn how to make bricks for the organization, plant vegetables for food supply and visit villages where vulnerable people are helped and women are empowered thanks to BID Uganda.

My name is Sara, I am 25 years old, and I volunteered at the Shami Arabic institute for three weeks. At home I am a welder, but I have a love for Amman and have been wanting to do work in Amman and human rights. I decided to choose the Amman program to build up some experience and expand my portfolio, while getting to learn about Jordan and see and experience it in person. I also have always wanted to visit the Middle East in general, and learn Arabic, so to me it was a perfect opportunity that ended up being an amazing experience. Your time in the Institute is based largely on what you set out to do when you come here, with room for change and flexibility. I came to get experience in my chosen field and to learn Arabic, so my days would start off with Arabic lessons, and then afterwards either a trip to a site, a meeting with a journalist/human rights center/local activist, or touring local areas. The Institute will set up things in regards to your program, however they are open if you have specific things you want to achieve, and will work that into your program. The staff here, and the teachers, are fantastic. I had Arabic lessons with Sajida, and just with three weeks at 1-2 hours a day, I am now able to have (fairly simple) conversation in Arabic with Jordanians here in Amman.

My highlight was definitely getting to know the community and getting a glimpse of what the rural lifestyle is like. People were so grateful and delighted to see volunteers, and you can feel the impact you are having on the community. My highlight was spreading knowledge of what I learned in nursing school to less-experienced volunteers. The food and accommodation were so amazing. The staff was very accommodating and the sweetest.

I can’t say enough about this experience, from environmental work to helping the community, it taught me a lot about myself. The people were amazing and the trip was really well organized. William Pugh was fantastic in his support of us. This was a truly life changing experience. Thank you!

My experience with MOLAC (Modern Linguistics and African Cultural Promotion Centre) was truly rewarding. The organization provides a unique opportunity to engage with local communities while experiencing the rich culture of Tanzania. The team is welcoming, supportive, and dedicated to ensuring that volunteers have a meaningful and impactful experience. I particularly appreciated the cultural immersion activities, Kiswahili language learning opportunities, and homestay programs, which allowed me to connect deeply with local traditions and daily life. MOLAC creates a friendly environment where volunteers can contribute to community projects while developing new skills and friendships. The staff were always available to assist with orientation, accommodation, and project coordination, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend MOLAC to anyone looking for an authentic volunteer experience in Tanzania that combines service, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

My experience with MOLAC was truly unforgettable. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed like a member of the family. Living with a local host family gave me a genuine understanding of Tanzanian culture, traditions, and daily life. The Kiswahili lessons were practical and engaging, helping me communicate confidently with local people. I especially enjoyed practicing the language during community activities and cultural visits. The volunteer experience was meaningful and well-organized. I felt that my contribution was valued, and I learned just as much from the community as I was able to give. The MOLAC team was supportive, friendly, and always available to help. This program offered the perfect combination of cultural immersion, language learning, and community engagement. I made lifelong friendships, gained new perspectives, and created memories that I will cherish forever. I highly recommend MOLAC to anyone looking for an authentic and impactful experience in Tanzania.

This was my second time volunteering for IVHQ. IVHQ makes the volunteer experience seamless. If you are new to volunteering like I am, IVHQ makes it easier. They have local contacts who will make sure you are safe. My host family in Jordan was amazing. It was my first time in that region and I was so nervous before my arrival. From the local pickup, to the host family, and the locals themselves—they all made my experience very pleasant and educational. If you are having second thoughts about volunteering, just do it!

It was an excellent experience, I connected a lot with the local culture. The Favela Inc project is fantastic. The weeks I spent at the project was one in a lifetime experience, Having the opportunity to teach and learn at the same time in a cultural exchange with the locals which is also a big chance to learn the language.

The Lemur Experience at Nosy Be Madagascar was a life altering week. The setting offered more that just watching crocodile feeding, washing big turtles and small turtles, and learning to care for and engage with lemurs. I spent our work days with locals who work at the sanctuary and local volunteers, laughing and talking while we worked. Our group work spent our time sharing life stories across generations, focused more on dreams than heart break, a true gem of the volunteer experience. At our long 2 hour lunch breaks, students and I engaged in helping them improve their English, including hands-on social media skills in English. I spent a few days exploring the local community, the local markets, shops, beach, and cafes for a real feel for the area. The experience included housing in a safe villa with two houses, local meals prepared by Rodrick, and daily transportation through the local area back and forth to the center. I had a room with 2 bunk beds, mosquito net, hot water shower and shared bathroom, wifi, and access to refrigerator. The work tasks were easy to complete. Program guide John oriented me to the work and I was able to do what I was comfortable with, which was everything! Pavith oversaw the program, joined me for evening meal, answered all my questions, and was always available.

I am very grateful to have participated in this project. I am returning from my assignment at the Philippine schools with somewhat mixed emotions, though the experience was deeply moving and rewarding in many ways. I was deeply impressed by the locals' positive mindset. The community welcomed me with smiles, and the students were grateful and respectful. Furthermore, I was enchanted by the beautiful surroundings at both locations. The stunning scenery, with its pristine beaches and palm trees, provided wonderful opportunities for swimming and relaxing after work. It was the perfect backdrop to unwind. A major highlight was the excellent support at the volunteer camp. The local team did an outstanding job, and I felt very comfortable and well-cared for. • Catering: The cook prepared truly delicious meals every day. • Maintenance: The cleaning staff kept the rooms spotless, and the gardens were always perfectly maintained. • Support: The coordinators and support staff were reliable, professional, and incredibly kind. Their efforts made the camp feel like a home away from home.

It was a wonderful experience to discover the country and its people from a different perspective. The connections I made were very warm and welcoming, and the support on site was close to perfect. The learning went both ways: not only the children, but I myself learned as well. I picked up some Korean and, above all, gained rich insights into Korean culture through them. I sincerely hope to repeat this experience in the future. For the children, it would be beneficial if the program could run longer than one or two weeks, as they need time to build trust and truly settle in. The team in Korea was easy to reach at all times and well prepared to answer any questions. I always felt very well informed and supported—almost as if close friends had been waiting for me on site. Thank you very much for that; it truly could not have been better. The temple stay felt like a home away from home. Even though the rooms were small and simple, they were more than sufficient. The location was excellent. At times, however, I would have appreciated having a quiet space to retreat to beyond the sleeping area. As I had a single room, this was at least partially possible. For those staying longer, though, having a dedicated quiet space separate from the shared areas would be very beneficial.