Teaching Volunteer Programs in Africa

I participated in IVHQ's South Korea program in October 2026, including Culture Week and the Teaching volunteer project. While I genuinely enjoyed several things, I was disappointed with the overall organization, communication, and lack of guidance throughout the program. Before sharing my experience in South Korea, I want to mention that my interactions with IVHQ have been very positive. I originally planned to volunteer in Costa Rica in April 2026, but unfortunately had to cancel following the unexpected death of a coworker a week prior to my travel date. I work as a 911 dispatcher, and the circumstances surrounding her death were particularly difficult for me. Although I initially tried to continue with my travel plans, I ultimately couldn't go. IVHQ was incredibly kind and understanding throughout the process and credited me with most of what I had paid toward a future program. I genuinely appreciated how they handled the situation. South Korea was already somewhere I had been interested in visiting, so having that credit available was a big part of what motivated me to book this program. Unfortunately, while my interactions with IVHQ directly have been very positive, the organization and support provided during the South Korea program didn't meet my expectations. My biggest disappointment was Culture Week, which cost $660. Several activities advertised as included on IVHQ's website, such as Korean stamp carving, a calligraphy lesson, a War Memorial tour, a Blue House hike, and a visit to HiKR Ground, either didn't take place or weren't provided as advertised. For example, the calligraphy lesson was a brief children's activity in a museum hallway where we spent about five minutes writing our names with a brush and ink, with no real instruction. I understood before booking that the schedule could vary, and I had no issue with activities being moved to different days or times. However, I didn't expect the actual activities to differ so much, especially those explicitly listed as “included” on IVHQ's website. To make things more confusing, the itinerary advertised on IVHQ's website, the separate itinerary the local team sent on their Zoom in Seoul website before I arrived in Korea, and the activities we actually participated in were all different. Given the cost and the fact that Culture Week was advertised as an opportunity to experience and learn about Korean culture, I expected something more structured and educational for adult participants. Instead, much of the week felt like sightseeing, with limited explanations about the places we visited and some activities that seemed more appropriate for children. For reference, here's what we actually did during Culture Week: - Monday, October 5: A one-hour guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, approximately 20 minutes at the National Folk Museum, and about an hour of free time in Myeongdong. We were given meal vouchers to use at three restaurants within a few minutes' walk of the accommodation for lunch that day. - Tuesday, October 6: A Korean language lesson, lunch at a hot pot restaurant, a visit to Jingwansa Temple, and about 20 minutes at Eunpyeong Hanok Village to walk around and take pictures. - Wednesday, October 7: A stop at Jogyesa Temple, a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, lunch at a traditional Korean buffet-style restaurant, and walks through Insadong and Ikseondong with little time to stop or explore. We also briefly stopped at a craft museum for a stamp scavenger hunt, which seemed to influence most of our walking route. We also participated in a kimchi cooking class, which was my favorite part of the day. - Thursday, October 8: Approximately an hour-long guided tour at the National Museum of Korea. There were so many people on the tour that we often couldn't see the exhibits the guide was discussing before the museum guide moved on. We then took a short walk around Hangang River Park, had a buffet lunch at Ashley on the river, and spent about an hour at the Hyundai Department Store. - Friday, October 9: Visit to Namsan Tower, lunch at Namdaemun Market, and a brief stop at the King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Museum specifically to complete what seemed to be children's craft activities, including writing our names with a brush and ink (which I think was supposed to be the “calligraphy lesson”), coloring a lucky bag, and making a keychain. We were seated alongside young children completing these activities, and the three adults in my tour group were the only participants without children. We weren’t given the option to explore the museum further. We finished with approximately five minutes on the rooftop of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. We visited some interesting places, but our guides often provided little historical or cultural information, and sometimes couldn't answer questions about the locations. Some historical sites and museums were limited to very short visits, while we spent considerably longer in shopping areas. We also had to pay for our own transportation each day, which I hadn't expected given the $660 cost. Unlike the volunteer program page, which specifically states that volunteers are responsible for their own transportation, the Culture Week description made no mention of this additional expense. Since many attractions were free or inexpensive, I struggled to see how the experience justified the cost, even with accommodation included. That being said, I really enjoyed the Korean language lesson, the guided tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, visiting several temples and markets, and participating in a kimchi cooking class. The week definitely had some worthwhile experiences. I experienced similar organizational issues during the volunteering portion of my trip. I had signed up for the Teaching project, hoping to gain practical experience working with children. However, I received no placement-specific orientation or meaningful guidance about what I would be teaching, the English proficiency of the particular students I'd be working with, or what was expected of me. On my first day, I was given materials to make vocabulary flashcards and then taken to a location where I was essentially left to figure out how to work with the children. Thankfully, another volunteer who had already been there showed me what she had been doing. I have a TEFL certification but limited practical teaching experience, so I had hoped to learn from a local teacher or coordinator while contributing to the project. I wasn't expecting someone to do everything for me, but I would have appreciated some basic direction about the students and their learning goals. What made the lack of guidance particularly disappointing was that IVHQ's website specifically stated that volunteers would work closely with teaching staff and receive support from local teachers. The program guide also described preparing classes with a local coordinator. IVHQ even advertises the program as suitable for people without teaching experience. I understand that volunteering requires flexibility and initiative, but I think there's a difference between expecting volunteers to take initiative and leaving them to figure out how a teaching placement operates without basic direction. Based on how the program was advertised, I expected at least some opportunity to collaborate with or learn from experienced staff. I also spent a day volunteering at a dog shelter, which I enjoyed. It was a nice surprise to learn that we could try other programs while we were there, although there was similarly little direction about what volunteers should be doing. Unfortunately, I became ill during the week and later had to return home early due to a family emergency, so my volunteering experience was shorter than originally planned. Because of that, I can't speak to what the remainder of the teaching experience would have been like. I do want to emphasize that everyone I interacted with on the local team was polite and friendly. I never felt unwelcome or uncomfortable, and my criticisms are about how the program was organized and the level of communication and guidance provided, rather than how I was treated personally. If you're looking for a highly informative, well-organized cultural experience with knowledgeable guides and opportunities to really learn about the places you're visiting, I honestly think you could put together a more personalized and cost-effective itinerary on your own. Many of the places we visited were free or inexpensive, and I would have preferred spending more time at the locations that interested me rather than rushing through some of them to go shopping. Similarly, if you're looking for a structured volunteer placement with clear expectations, guidance, and opportunities to learn from experienced staff, this particular program might not be the best fit. Based on my experience in South Korea, I wouldn't personally choose to volunteer with IVHQ again. However, I recognize that different countries, local teams, and volunteer projects may operate very differently, and I wouldn't necessarily discourage someone from considering IVHQ altogether. For anyone interested in volunteering with IVHQ, I'd strongly recommend asking detailed questions about the specific placement, the activities actually included, daily schedules, additional expenses, accommodation arrangements, and the level of support provided before booking. One other thing I'd mention for LGBTQIA+ travelers to South Korea, particularly those who are trans or nonbinary, is the accommodation situation. I'm nonbinary and have a male gender marker on my identification, but I appear more feminine. I stayed in a private room at the temple, but the bathrooms were shared and separated by gender. Although the individual toilet and shower stalls were private, I sometimes felt uncomfortable using the men's facilities. I knew before traveling that attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ identities might be different from what I'm used to, so I wasn't necessarily expecting the accommodations to account for my particular situation. I also want to emphasize that nobody at the temple ever made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. However, looking back, I wish I'd booked a private hotel room with my own bathroom, especially since I believe the cost would have been similar. It's just something I'd encourage other trans and nonbinary travelers to consider when choosing their accommodation.

In 2017, I got a chance to travel outside my country, Uganda. First of all, I was so excited to travel. I love travelling and I was travelling by bus from my rural district of Hoima then, through Kampala to Arusha of Tanzania. I had been selected with other 29 Ugandans to attend a youth leadership training. While there, I met many other young people from East Africa and we discussed many issues including challenges and how we could position ourselves as young people to reduce on the challenges young people face. Besides that, I had to maximize my interaction with many young people from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda. I learnt lessons. Good lessons such as better communication, positioning myself for different opportunities. I learnt how to "stand out of the crowd" always. Most importantly, I learnt how to respect different people with cultures different from mine. I equally, tasted different kinds of dishes. Yes, I love eating sweet food and the food I tasted during my all trip was the best. All in all, This was my best of the best ever experiences.

I had the best experience volunteering with IVHQ. It gave me the opportunity to gain more confidence and a new perspective about so many things. I met the most amazing group of people, and I would recommend this program to anyone considering it. I participated in the healthcare program, which was such a great learning opportunity. I loved getting to immerse myself in a new culture while also giving back to the local community.

I travelled to Kisumu alone, a new country, a new culture and language not knowing what to expect, but it was the best experience. Each day was so different, and I quickly became accustomed to the laid back “Kenyan time”. When people hear about the trip the first thing they ask is “What was your favourite part?”, and I never know how to answer. It was the people, the lessons and the laughs shared that made the experience so special. We spent lots of time in the children’s remand home. In a time of such uncertainty in these young people’s lives seeing how eager they were to broaden their knowledge was honestly eye-opening. Getting to spend every evening chatting, playing lego, listening to music or being taught Kiswahili by the children are the little moments I will never forget.

My experience as a School Teaching Assistant with Future For Africa has been a valuable and rewarding opportunity to develop my teaching, communication, and classroom management skills. I enjoyed supporting teachers, assisting learners with their educational activities, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. This experience has strengthened my patience, teamwork, and commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals. I am grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge gained.

It brought me so much joy to soend time with the kids. It felt like we built a geniuine connection right away and i miss them very much. I am very thankful, that i was welcomed dearly by everyone. They made me feel like i belonged there and were always so hapoy to see me. I loves the walk to the waterfall and the hike on our last day. The view from up there was incredible and i loved being sorrounded by all those lovely people. I also enjoyed our trip to the lake. We danced and sang, it made me feel so nostalgic and it got me to really think about the future, and where and how i wanna spend my gap year after i graduate. I loved the whole experience and defenitly wanna come back.

This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. They supported me 24/7, and whenever I struggled or faced a difficulty, they were 100% there to help. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way. The same goes for the other volunteers. Living and sharing spaces with them made the experience special and unforgettable, and I came away with countless memories and a lot of laughs. The accommodation was very different from what I'm used to in Western culture, and sharing space means giving up some privacy, but that was part of the charm and I wouldn't change it. The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others and making people feel seen and valued. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, far from home, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear faded far more quickly than I imagined. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.

From the beginning the whole process was seamless and very supportive. Airport pickup, transportation, accommodation, staff, food were first class. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I participated in a teaching program in Kandy, also turtle conservation. Both programs far exceeded my expectations and I left feeling that I had made a difference. Wonderful connections and friendships made with fellow volunteers from all over the world. Life changing in many ways.

I truly had an amazing time volunteering with Better Me. The program is beautifully organized, with volunteers staying in a comfortable home, enjoying great food, and, most importantly, being surrounded by wonderful people. The staff is incredible—they are welcoming, caring, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making sure every volunteer has a meaningful and memorable experience. The variety of opportunities offered throughout the week was so enriching and allowed me to connect with the community in so many different ways. Every child I interacted with was incredibly smart, kind, and full of personality, and in so many ways, they taught me more than I could have ever taught them. My time with Better Me was truly one of the most meaningful and enriching experiences of my life. I learned so much, grew in ways I never expected, and gained memories and relationships that I will carry with me for a long time. I genuinely wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. What is your advice to future travelers on this program? Try everything! Better Me has so many different opportunities and experiences available to volunteers, and the staff is incredibly open-minded and supportive if you want to create and lead your own activities. One of the other volunteers led guitar lessons, while I helped lead Zumba with another group of kids. I also got to help with social media, create my own lesson plans, and teach my own classes. Better Me also collaborates with so many different organizations, which gives you the opportunity to attend their events and meet other staff members and volunteers. Outside of volunteering, make sure you take advantage of being in Kenya! Go on a safari and explore different parts of the country. The staff has so many connections and is incredibly helpful.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

My time in Kenya was amazing. The most beautiful moments were the time with the children. One meaningful moment was the time when I came back from town and the children ran to you with a bright smile. Their joy and energy surprised me every day and made me feel welcome all the time. This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and will stay with me forever. I'm thankful for the amazing people and the support of everyone. I already miss the children and the kindness from everyone. It was an opportunity to connect with great people and learn about a different culture. Kenya will always have a special place in my heart.

The pre-departure support given was very adequate and I felt very reassured despite me traveling by myself for the first time. Sign up was easy and I definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ. Staff were very helpful too.

I did an animal care project in Portugal with IVHQ and I'm glad to say it was smooth from start to finish. The application was simple and the team always answered any questions I had about the placement itself or any issues I had with documents etc. Before I left there was a group call with my coordinator and other volunteers I'd be working with which made leaving home alone for the first time less daunting. At the placement I would feed the dogs, clean cages and have loads of cuddles and play time with them! The local team were very friendly and easy to approach as well. I had a great time and really felt like I actually made an impact. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone who would like to volunteer abroad

My time volunteer teaching in Zambia was unbelievably fantastic. I met such lovely fellow volunteers, staff at my volunteer house, teachers and of course kids at my school. The program was really well organised from pre departure to arrival home with plenty of time for sight seeing. I felt so safe in Zambia and received a warm welcome. I felt relaxed at all times and really did not want to come back. I plan to do it all again next year and hopefully catch up with the children a year on in their studies. I'm missing everyone in Zambia!

I Took my first trip alone with IVHQ as a 17 year old last month. It was an amazing first trip where I was supported the whole way and made many friends from all over the world. I loved the volunteering and I learnt so much about the culture. I am already planning my next trip!

Volunteering in Zanzibar was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different countries, discover the local culture, and take part in meaningful activities that made every day special. The staff and coordinators were always welcoming, supportive, and friendly, which made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also created strong friendships with the other volunteers and shared many great moments with them. This experience taught me a lot, both personally and culturally, and helped me grow as a person. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, rewarding, and meaningful experience abroad.

My experience with IVHQ in Tanzania was truly unforgettable! 🇹🇿🤍 From the application process to arriving in Tanzania, I felt like I had clear information and guidance throughout the process. The application was straightforward, and having the details about accommodation, transportation, volunteering, and what to expect before arriving made preparing for the trip much easier. The coordination once I arrived was also very helpful. I appreciated having people available to help with the transition into the program and being able to connect with other volunteers from around the world. The highlight, of course, was my time volunteering at a daycare in Sakina. The children and staff welcomed me with so much love and made me feel like part of their family. It was such a meaningful experience, and I left Tanzania with memories and connections I’ll carry with me forever. I’m so grateful to IVHQ for making this experience possible and giving me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, give back, and experience Tanzania in such a meaningful way. I would definitely consider volunteering with IVHQ again! 🌍❤️

My experience volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been absolutely incredible and has exceeded my expectations in many ways. From the very beginning, everything was very well organized, which made the whole experience much easier and more enjoyable. The staff were always available to help, answer our questions, and make sure that we felt comfortable and supported throughout our stay. Their organization and dedication made a big difference and allowed us to focus on the most important part of the experience: helping and connecting with the local community. One of the things I enjoyed the most was meeting so many amazing people. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, kind, and friendly, and they made us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Being able to interact with local people and learn about their culture, traditions, and daily lives was one of the most valuable parts of the trip. It was a great opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, experience a completely different environment, and see things from a new perspective. During our volunteering experience, we were able to do a lot of meaningful work. It was very rewarding to see that our time, effort, and energy could contribute in a positive way. Even though some tasks were challenging, they were always worthwhile because we could see the importance of what we were doing. Working together with other volunteers also made the experience even better. We supported each other, shared responsibilities, and created great memories along the way. Another aspect that made this experience so special was the feeling of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Volunteering gave me the opportunity not only to help others but also to learn from them. I realized that even small actions can make a difference, and that sometimes the most important thing we can offer is our time, enthusiasm, and willingness to help. The experience also taught me to appreciate things that I sometimes take for granted in everyday life. Overall, my time volunteering in Tanzania with IVHQ has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. I am very grateful for the opportunity to meet incredible people, experience a new culture, and take part in work that felt meaningful and impactful. I have learned a lot, grown as a person, and created memories that I will never forget. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who is looking for an opportunity to make a difference while also challenging themselves, discovering a new place, and creating genuine connections with people from different backgrounds. I am leaving Tanzania with a very full heart, a greater appreciation for the world around me, and many unforgettable memories that I will carry with me for a long time.