Volunteer Abroad Programs

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.

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!

The whole experience was very well organised. The Ivhq team was very present and always responded to my emails and questions. Would totally recommend this experience to everyone no matter their age. Loved it

GIVE makes ethical tourism & travel easy and accessible for anyone dedicated to making a positive impact. From the moment I arrived in Hawai’i, my GIVE guides welcomed me with open arms and wide smiles—they made traveling alone less frightening and helped me make memories I’ll never forget. Not only were the excursions to snorkel at the coral reefs, hiking through a volcano, and crawling through caves spectacular experiences—each project brought new and important lessons. Through our project partners we learned about the negative impact mainstream tourism has on Hawai’i, we learned about caring for the āina (land) through an indigenous perspective, and supported projects that directly helped the community. Yes, I spent a week in paradise, but this GIVE trip gave me so much more than pretty pictures. I can say that I am leaving a better person than when I came. Thank you GIVE Volunteers for this life-changing experience!

This experience was amazing! I helped protect sea turtles, discovered Costa Rican wildlife, met people from all over the world and had lots of fun. I highly recommend volunteering in Ostional to help sea turtles!

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!

I went to Costa Rica thinking I was going there to teach. I came back realizing how much I had learned myself. I spent three weeks volunteering through IVHQ, and it became one of those experiences that is difficult to fully describe until you live it yourself. From the very beginning, IVHQ made the entire journey feel simple and well organized. The application process was straightforward, the information before departure was clear and detailed, and I always knew that support was available if I needed it. That structure gave me the confidence to travel to Costa Rica and focus completely on making the most of the experience. Once there, I taught English to people of different ages, backgrounds and ability levels. Every day challenged me to adapt, improvise and find new ways to communicate. I became more independent, confident and open-minded than I expected in just three weeks. But perhaps the best part was realizing that volunteering does not have to stop with the role you are given. Inspired by the people I met, I decided to start a fundraiser through my own network, eventually raising €850 to further support the community. I arrived in Costa Rica hoping to leave a small positive impact. Instead, the experience left an enormous impact on me. IVHQ gave me the opportunity, the structure and the support to take that first step. What followed became a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Three weeks on paper. An experience I will remember forever.

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.

I learned so much while being here. The internship didn't even feel like work but more like an aadventure while also gaining experience and ECTS (Uni Credits) on the side. The team is amazing and the atmosphere while working was always very relaxed while still getting a lot done with being surrounded by the great view and friendly people.

I learned so much while being here. The internship didn't even feel like work but more like an aadventure while also gaining experience and ECTS (Uni Credits) on the side. The team is amazing and the atmosphere while working was always very relaxed while still getting a lot done with being surrounded by the great view and friendly people.

My experience at El Terreno was an amazing opportunity to learn about architecture in a completely different context. Working alongside local people allowed me to understand how traditional construction methods, native materials, and the environment can influence the way buildings are designed. I really enjoyed being able to combine what I have learned through my studies with hands-on work in the community. Beyond the architectural experience, I also appreciated the cultural exchange and the opportunity to learn from the people of the Andes. It was a valuable experience that helped me grow both professionally and personally.

# Gender Internship Testimonial > El Terreno was a very nice place to meet people from all around the world, work with local people, and learn about the way of life of a small community in the Andes. During my Gender Internship, I had the opportunity to connect with community members, learn from their experiences, and gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural realities that shape everyday life in rural communities. The experience allowed me to broaden my perspective, develop a greater appreciation for different ways of living, and understand the importance of working together with communities. It was a meaningful experience that combined cultural exchange, personal growth, and valuable learning.

El Terreno was supposed to be a brief learning experience for me, a way to immerse myself in hands on work and building techniques. What it was in actuality, was the creation of a place where people and place come together in harmony. From the local community welcoming us with open arms and teaching their traditional techniques, to the days off spent with strangers who turned into friends; El Terreno reminded me what it means to be at home. It is not a place, but a feeling, that with the right components can be transported anywhere. A little piece of my heart will always remain in the family and home that we built.

My experience at El Terreno was truly special. During my time in the Architecture programme, I had the opportunity to work directly with the community and learn more about local construction methods, traditional materials, and the importance of architecture that responds to its cultural and environmental context. What made the experience even more meaningful was being able to contribute to a project that had a real impact on the people around me. Knowing that my work helped make a young man happy was a simple but incredibly rewarding moment that I will always remember. El Terreno gave me the opportunity to learn, create, connect with the community, and see the personal impact that architecture can have. :)

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at El Terreno and feel accomplished in all the work we completed. I loved being able to work directly with the community and build meaningful connections with locals. I think the El Terreno internship program is unique in this way, because you are able to fully assess problems and opportunities in the community to ensure your project is actually beneficial. I also loved the freedom to develop the project plan throughout my time in Atandahua. There was so much support behind me in all my tasks as well as setting up meetings with people in so many expertise. I also got to meet so many interesting people from all over the world with similar goals. The lunches were also amazing and I am definitely missing them now. I am so grateful for my time at El Terreno and I would definitely recommend this program if you are interested in meaningful community development.

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.