Childcare Volunteer Programs Abroad

I had an amazing experience with IVHQ during the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. From the application process to the end of my stay, everything was well organised and I always felt supported. The application process was simple and straightforward, and the IVHQ team provided all the information I needed before travelling. Communication was clear and any questions I had were answered quickly. The pre-departure information was especially useful because it helped me understand what to expect and prepare properly for the experience. Once I arrived in Zanzibar, the local team was welcoming, friendly and helpful. The orientation was well organised and gave me a good introduction to the local culture, the area and the programme. I always felt that there was someone I could rely on if I needed help. The Coastal and Marine Conservation project was definitely the highlight of my experience. I had the opportunity to take part in activities focused on marine conservation and learn more about the importance of protecting Zanzibar’s coastal ecosystems. It was very rewarding to see how our activities could contribute, even in a small way, to the local environment. The experience was not only educational but also practical, allowing me to get involved rather than simply learning about conservation from a theoretical perspective. The accommodation was comfortable and suitable for a volunteer programme. Living together with other international volunteers was also a great part of the experience. I met people from different countries and backgrounds, and many of them became good friends. Sharing everyday life, activities and free time with other volunteers made the experience even more memorable. The meals were another positive aspect. The food was generally tasty, fresh and varied, with a good opportunity to experience local flavours and dishes. The staff were also very attentive and accommodating. I also really appreciated the opportunity to experience Zanzibar beyond the project itself. The island has incredible beaches, landscapes and a unique culture, and having the opportunity to interact with local people made the experience much more meaningful. Overall, I would absolutely recommend IVHQ and the Coastal and Marine Conservation programme in Zanzibar. It is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to combine travelling, meeting people from all over the world and doing something meaningful for the environment. I came home with new knowledge, unforgettable memories and a much greater appreciation for marine conservation. Thank you to the entire IVHQ team and the local staff in Zanzibar for making this such a special experience. I would definitely consider doing another IVHQ programme in the future!

My experience in Peru has been absolutely amazing! Working with the kids has been such a wonderful experience, not only do I get a ton of new friends but I get to learn with them. The teachers are so wonderful and are very patient with my Spanish. The kids are the sweetest ever and are so eager to learn. I get to work with the 3 year olds and it is such a rewarding experience. I am learning so much in the classroom and the kids help me with my Spanish so much. Overall, I recommend working on this project to really feel like you are part of the community and see the culture first hand. Exploring cusco has also been so rewarding. I get to take the bus to my placement everyday which is super cool because I am with all of the locals and get to see real life peru. I am grateful to be experiencing this more as a local rather than a tourist. My host family has been super kind and makes me feel like family. I have felt extremely safe and can even walk around at night by myself with no worries. My host siblings and I have also often talked about how the food has never been bad since we´ve been here. This country is so so beautiful and I cannot wait to keep exploring all that it has to offer.

I had the time of my life. At first i was a really scared kid, afraid to even speak and then one night i sat with Sarah, my Coordinator and she let me feel that talking with other people is not that scary even if u have a thick accent. And i’ll never forget that night because it gave me the push to talk with people. Everybody were heartwarming, always listening. The day care was amazing, i cried so hard when i had to leave the school and also when i needed to leave the house it self. Best weeks of my life.

My experience with IVHQ was overall amazing, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in volunteering abroad. The accommodation was lovely, the local team was incredibly kind and helpful, and I felt safe and supported throughout my stay. The volunteering itself was a really cool and meaningful experience, and I loved getting to experience a new country and culture. My favorite part was getting to play local games with the kids that are commonly played in Zambia but that I had never seen or played in my own country. It was such a fun way to connect with them and allowed me to get to know the kids on a deeper level. Being able to spend time with them, make them laugh, and hopefully help them feel loved and cared for was one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. I think two weeks was a great amount of time for the program I chose in Livingstone. After about two weeks, I felt like I had experienced most of what the area had to offer, so I think a longer stay could be difficult unless you enjoy a slower pace. I also wish the local team had given us a little more information about things to do during our downtime, such as local coffee shops, nail salons, affordable transportation options, and other things to do around town. I ended up figuring a lot of that out on my own, although I definitely could have asked more questions! Overall, I had a great experience and am very grateful I chose to volunteer with IVHQ. I left feeling like I had learned a lot, met some wonderful people, and had an experience I’ll remember for a long time.

I cannot recommend working with Give and Surf more. Overall the experience is fulfilling and super fun! A huge part of the success of my visit was the flexibility and supportiveness of the staff - they make traveling abroad and living in a new place a really smooth experience! Another thing that is extremely important to me when traveling or working with organizations abroad is that the organization is ethical, and I can unequivocally say that you can feel good about working with Give and Surf because it is community embedded, in it for the long haul, stable, and collaborative. The work they do is greatm and the experience they provide is worth it!

Staying in a local house is something you have to experience at least once in life, also have the ability to see how life works in another country and the local people, is an amazing way to find another version of yourself, and learn how you can live the life with “pura vida”. It was also too beautiful the volunteering with the kids, you are always welcome by them and they are expecting you with a lots of love and happiness. The only thing I don’t like about this experience is saying goodbye and had to come back home. Also I recommend takes some tours because you get to know better this beautiful country!! (Specially Nauyaca Waterfall tour if you like risks)

I found the program very enjoyable. It was easy to fit in and meet other volunteers. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Everybody who is willing to embark on such journey will definitely not be disapointed!ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Everything was excellent, great support from Maximo Staff. Good introduction session as well as bases covered. And good offers of support from Maximo staff. ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

You guys were great! There was great support, info, and involvement. Thank you!ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

My experience in Peru with Maximo Nivel was above excellent. I had such an amazing time. The atmosphere of my project, school, homestay, and city of Cusco was so comforting, especially as a solo traveler. Everything was excellent!

I was incredibly impressed by the speed and efficiency of the team when I submitted my application. I signed up for the IVHQ program just over a month before my departure, yet everything was organized smoothly and efficiently from the very beginning. The organization was excellent, and the people on site were incredibly kind. Cambodian people are genuinely warm, welcoming, and friendly. The staff and teachers at the school where I volunteered gave me a wonderful welcome and made me feel comfortable from the start. Neth, who showed us around Siem Reap on our first day, was incredibly kind, attentive, and always willing to help. Our host, Lin, was also absolutely wonderful—always cheerful, smiling, and taking great care of us. She prepared our meals and cleaned our rooms once a week. The food was always delicious, generous, and filling. Lin paid close attention to everyone’s preferences and dietary requirements, including vegetarian diets, which was greatly appreciated. It was also a wonderful experience to share meals and spend evenings out with the other volunteers. There were around six of us living in the house: two people from New Zealand, one from the UK, two from the US, and me, from France. It was a great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and share this experience together. That being said, I was also very happy that I had chosen a private room with air conditioning—which I definitely made good use of in the Cambodian heat! Siem Reap itself was absolutely beautiful, and there is so much to see and do in and around the city. I was lucky enough to experience the Bon Om Touk Water Festival during my stay, which made the trip even more special. There are also many amazing places to visit, such as Tonlé Sap and its floating villages, the Angkor National Museum, the incredible Angkor temples, and the famous Cambodian circus, Phare. There are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy during your free time, making Siem Reap a fantastic place to combine volunteering with discovering the local culture, history, and surroundings. The volunteer house was also very comfortable and pleasant, and conveniently located just a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the school. Overall, I had an amazing experience and would highly recommend it to anyone considering volunteering in Cambodia. Everything—from the organization and accommodation to the people I met and the work at the school—made this an unforgettable experience.

Give & Surf is such a special organization, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been able to volunteer with them multiple times. Every visit has been such a rewarding experience—not only because of the incredible work they’re doing, but because of the amazing people who make the program what it is. I’ve formed genuine friendships with several of the teachers and staff, and some have become lifelong friends. There’s such a strong sense of community, kindness, and purpose within Give & Surf. It’s one of those organizations that stays with you long after you leave, and I feel very lucky to have been a small part of it. I would highly recommend getting involved or volunteering if you ever have the opportunity!

Throughout my placement in Croatia, IVHQ provided me with the relevant help and support needed to make my stay as stress free as possible. I would highly recommend this company and encourage anyone contemplating a placement.

IVHQ did a wonderful job in organizing a beautiful volunteer program in Costa Rica. I took part in the teaching project in San José for two weeks, and I was welcomed into a loving home, with delicious food and several roommates (fellow volunteers from all over the world). The locals are so welcoming and sweet; teaching them english was the best experience ever, and they taught me a lot about life as well. IVHQ sent me multiple emails before, during and after the program to make sure that everything was going alright and I received my volunteer certificate once the project was over. Absolutely recommend!

La experiencia fue inolvidable! Me gustó el plan de la semana y también las actividades en cada foundación. Simon and Laura are very accommodating, welcoming and are always open to feedback. Luisa who accompanied us to many foundations was great at including everyone and set a great example with the kids. Thank you for all the memories! I recommend this experience who anyone looking for a family feel way of experiencing the culture in Colombia and want to be involved in some great local social projects. I stayed with a Colombian family and I would highly recommend this option.

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.

I will carry this experience in my heart; it was absolutely wonderful. Volunteering was one of the best things I've ever done, especially with animals, where I met so many kind and joyful hearts. It was so lovely to share moments here with such a Maximo Nevel of care and be a part of it. I'm grateful for being made to feel welcome and for the opportunity to help. Thank you so much for everything.