Community Development Volunteering in Quito, Ecuador

Had a great trip to Italy. I met a ton of people from all over the world and we worked together educating about issues around refugees. We worked during the day and had fun at night and on the weekends. I am still in touch with many of the people I volunteered with. Thanks

What I felt I gained from the experience was the ability to immerse into a next culture and to develop a teaching style best suited to the children. I would advise just throw yourself into it. It’s the most rewarding and life changing experience you could do.

I had the most lovely time in Ecuador! My host team was so welcoming and helpful. They went above and beyond to ensure that I had safe transportation to my add ons and they made sure I was happy with my placement. The volunteer house was a friendly environment and I had no complaints about my housing situation. My volunteer placement helped me give back to others while practicing my Spanish. I recommend this trip for solo travelers and students like me for anyone who wants to truly immerse themself in the South American culture!

Join the Sports Education project in Nairobi! It's a great atmosphere. The people are great and I had loads of fun playing football with the kids. They were so happy to have other children visit them as volunteers (they especially loved my Messi t-shirt). I loved their positivity and never giving up attitude.

IVHQ were great, the preparation they gave me was really helpful and the resources I received were amazing. The local team were the best if ever we needed anything they would be there to help. The impact the children and the school have had on me has been huge, the kids were always so happy despite their disadvantages and it has created a new sense of the world for me. My host Mum was amazing and the food was always amazing too. The house was always clean. I would suggest to anyone hesitant about joining a program to just go for it. I was also hesitant about joining and it was the best thing I've ever done. Everyone is in the same position as you and also there for the same experience.

As a volunteer teacher in Maasai, Kenya you will make bonds and memories and there's nothing better than putting yourself out there. The program will also give you joy as you will be making a difference.

I spent 6 weeks in Córdoba, Argentina as a sports volunteer. Even though school was not in session, I was able to attend 3 different sports camps and even volunteered at a soup kitchen. The experience was rewarding, allowed me to practice my imperfect Spanish and I met fellow volunteers from around the world. The local team opened their home and hearts to the volunteers and made us feel welcome, answered our multiple questions to the best of their ability and created a safe and fun environment for all. It was my first volunteer experience abroad and it won't be my last!

We volunteered as a family (children aged 11 and 15) on the Sports Education Program in Nairobi and we had a great experience. We were all stretched in different ways, contributed in different ways according to our strengths, and gained differently from the experience. At the same time it was a superb experience to share and support one another in! Having IVHQ and the local team support gave me the confidence to take my kids to places I would never have dared to take them alone. Playing sports with disadvantaged children was an excellent way to connect across cultures, and we were astounded by how much joy was shared. We were also so impressed and humbled by the energy and commitment of local staff and volunteers from the community setting such a positive example to us all. We gained more than we could have imagined!

Volunteering is not an easy thing and it’s definitely way out of my comfort zone but 100 percent one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you’ll do in your life. Seeing different cultures and realising how happy you can be with so little made a big impact on me and being able to connect with the students at the program was a favorite moment of mine.

I gained valuable experience of how different life is in certain parts of the world, which is easy to forget sometimes when you are caught up in your own life. Learned to be more open minded when approaching situations, try to maintain a positive outlook as almost everyone who I met out in Kenya seemed to have.

My experience volunteering was transformative. I gained valuable insights into the local culture, resilience, and warmth of the people, and broadened my perspective on the global community. To anyone hesitant to join this program, I'd say: don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. This experience will challenge, inspire, and transform you. Trust that you have something unique to offer. Your presence, skills, and passion can make a real difference in the lives of others.

I feel like I personally gained a new self confidence, it was my first time solo travelling. Going through IVHQ made it so that I wasn't alone though, I made so many new friends. My advice would be to embrace it, it is obviously a different world to what you are used to but if you come with an open mind you will have the most amazing and rewarding time as well as meeting so many amazing people.

I was certainly out of my comfort zone, however, the host for the Sports Education program in Kenya made the week special. To enjoy the week, you have to let go of your anxiety, trust the process and go all in.

I love helping the old people , and I love those who do this because it gives them a spirit of life and enhances their psychology for the better. I also love animals and playing with them gently and I hope that I will enjoy this volunteering because it will have a great impact on my psychological state

My experience with VFP way back in 2009 was remarkable. Living in Germany and building a labyrinth at a World Heritage Site as the only native English speaker in my group was a truly immersive experience. I didn't feel like I was coming into a place from the outside so much as I felt part of a community. Our group really bonded and while we had a primary task, many of the day to day decisions were made by the group, one of my first experiences with really being responsible for myself.

IVHQ is such a great program and way to experience the world, other cultures, and to meet great people. The other volunteers I met were equally as fantastic to interact with as the local community and I'm so glad I met all of them! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this program and can't wait to plan the next one!

I had a time in my life where I worked in rural areas when I was there I met with children who lived in the very bad lives some didn't have food to eat some lived in the roads so their lives were not really good. So I tried to help some of them we tried even to give some of them food, life insurance and try to change their lives From that time I found myself having the zeal of helping people, I joined a foundation which helps people who need help P4H(Pride for Humanism ) so we help children to study and help poor people who are in needy to help to get what they want in life. So to work there It will be something were good for me because I will be helping people as well as my passion and interest in whatever I will be doing

I previously participated in a trip abroad to represent my country abroad in the field of art and music, and we got third place in singing. I am a girl who loves to travel and help others, especially since I am a doctor. I am used to caring about the health of others. I strive to volunteer in many fields

My favourite part of the volunteer program was being able to explore not only the city but the country while making a positive difference. I feel a lot more confident in myself. It’s completely understandable to be hesitant about volunteering abroad as you're going to a new country with people you don’t know, but everyone is incredibly friendly and approachable and you end up making friends and experiences for life!

It was the best time of my life. The entire trip was a highlight. There wasn't a single moment where I wished I wasn't there. My host company was a flat out awesome place to work. I absolutely loved it. They were very helpful and understanding, they became my family away from home. The language instructor was such a great help. She's awesome. Seeing such rampant poverty, this trip really opened my sheltered eyes.