Volunteer Programs in North America

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!

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.

The support I received before going and while on the trip was really helpful, especially the programme guide, which included everything I needed to know about the trip. The opportunity to participate in IVHQ zoom calls before going was also helpful as it gave me more information and gives you the chance to ask any questions. I had an amazing experience volunteering with the turtles and crocodiles in La Ventanilla and learning about their conservation measures. Everyone there was so kind and friendly, and although I was nervous about travelling solo beforehand, they made me feel so welcome and safe. The food was delicious, and the accommodation was really nice. One thing I would say to anyone going on the project is to plan your transport back to the airport in advance. I found arranging this on my own quite difficult, especially with the language barrier, so I would recommend considering this before leaving for the project. Overall, I had an amazing experience and will definitely be booking another volunteer trip with IVHQ in the future!

I was, probably like some of you, a bit sceptical when initially applying due to the low price compared to other organisations. However, the experience I had was absolutely amazing and I have learnt so much about not only myself, but about different cultures and etiquettes. My program manager, Marissa, was absolutely fantastic at answer all of my questions and adjusting any mistakes I submitted onto my application such as flight number and pick-up time. Despite the huge time difference between Marissa and myself, she was able to reply to my email promptly and with extreme care - I was really at ease throughout the whole process and that made the experience a bunch better. Everything on my volunteering was as described on the program guide and there were no surprises when I landed, everything that happened during my week I was prepared for. I would really recommend this company and I want to thank them once more for the fantastic and truly life-changing experience they provided for me.

I had such a wonderful experience in Split! I met so many amazing people from different countries and made memories that I will definitely never forget. The Youth Support program gave me the opportunity to connect with the local community, experience a different culture and grow personally at the same time. The local team was very welcoming and supportive and I always felt comfortable asking questions or getting help when needed. I especially loved the international atmosphere and meeting people with completely different backgrounds and stories.besides volunteering, I had enough time to explore Split, enjoy the beautiful beaches and nature and experience Croatian culture. This experience helped me step outside my comfort zone, become more independent and see things from new perspectives. I’m really grateful for all the people I met and everything I experienced during my time here. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel, volunteer, meet new people and create unforgettable memories abroad. ❤️

The support and organization of IVHQ was strong and great. Traveling and volunteering with a family of five, with 3 Jr High School kids but was amazing. Very comfortable and things were laid out well, we all felt extremely safe and comfortable the entire experience.

My trip to the Big Island of Hawai’i changed my life and the way that I connect with my inner humanity. Yes, I got to go on amazing adventures like snorkeling with sea turtles, climbing a volcano and seeing it actually erupt, chasing waterfalls, exploring caves and black sand beaches, and so much more. But what made it all worth it was the relationships that I created and the wisdom that I received by living and working alongside the locals. Our project hosts gave me so many life tools with the completion of every project and our guides, Traven, Jordan, and Liv, where there to help our group every step of the way. Every time I pulled an invasive species out of the Earth, I pulled invasive thoughts out of my head. Every time I removed waste from the coastlines, I removed waste within myself. And every time I learned more of the Native’s wisdom, I unlearned the American norm of making a living and relearned the human beauty in making a life. I recommend this life altering trip to anyone and everyone. I felt so safe, so guided, and so changed the entire time. Thank you to the locals of the Big Island for welcoming me as family, my new ‘ohana that I found in my fellow volunteers, and GIVE for helping to make a trip like this possible.

Wonderful people, caring staff, beautiful experience . Been a couple different locations, same experience, just different longitude. And the locals, and local workers part of family. I'm not sure i know 200 words, O, 200 characters, some can repeat, got it. Interaction on free time with other volunteers, enjoyable, educational. Everyone you meet knows something you don't know( especially me) so listen with passion.Looking forward to next available program.Hopi g for many natural disasters to occur, of course with no injuries or community damage, which I'm guessing could still be a program? Good luck to all, continued succes., and making the world a better place, which you have.

The preparation before trip was so detailed that I don’t have anything to worry about. It got everything listed and made it so much easier to tick off what I’ve done and what they need. The communication with the manager for the volunteer was so smooth and fast, and I was able to get a reply current evening or next morning (due to different timing in different countries). I wanted to change my volunteer from rural teaching to turtle reservation, it was so fast that there wasn’t any problems with the money nor arrangements, everything just went so smoothly, really impressed. The local team there really helped a lot, the driver, the leader, everyone was just so nice, even the cook and the receptionist. This volunteer as itself also helped me a lot on raising awareness for the sea turtles, learnt a lot and really hope to help them consistently. This is such a memorable trip and I hope to do these volunteers with IVHQ next summer with my friends.

I am so grateful that I decided to go on this GIVE Volunteer trip as it has taught me a lot about Hawai’i but also the relationship between the land and people. The guides were amazing, I enjoyed their energy and explanations during the trip. They made the trip enjoyable and comfortable. I found the work that we were doing to be helpful to our project partners and was glad to help. I learned so many new things about the Hawaiian culture that I would not have thought to learn without GIVE volunteers like the relationship between the land and people. The land is not just a place to live but a provider, parent or grandparent. I am glad I got to learn about the natives connection to the big island and their spiritual connection was comforting as well as eye opening. The other volunteers on this trip made it welcoming because it was also a first time with GIVE Volunteers for them and a few had already been on trips with GIVE before.

My Jamaica experience was great because it allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone, connect with new people, and make meaningful memories while serving others. I loved being able to learn about the culture, build relationships with the local community, and see the impact that small acts of kindness can have. The experience challenged me to grow in my faith, gratitude, and appreciation for the opportunities I have. It was rewarding to work alongside others who shared the same passion for helping people and creating a positive difference. IVHQ does a great job of creating opportunities for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while also providing support and guidance throughout the experience. They help connect volunteers with local communities, organize programs, and make it possible for people to serve in a way that is safe and structured. I appreciated how they allowed us to experience the culture of Jamaica while still focusing on helping the community. Their organization made the trip feel purposeful and helped create an environment where volunteers could learn, serve, and grow.

My experience with IVHQ absolutely exceeded my expectations and was so amazing, the staff were so friendly and really created a positive and welcoming environment, i felt safe and included by all the other volunteers, my only regret is not staying longer! I will definitely be back in the future!

My Experience Working on a Strawberry Farm in Egypt I worked on a strawberry farm in Egypt for a period of time. My main duties included picking strawberries, sorting them, and preparing them for packing. The work started early in the morning and required physical effort, but I enjoyed working outdoors. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and hard work. I also learned how strawberries are grown and harvested. Working on the farm helped me develop patience and discipline. Overall, it was a valuable experience that improved my work skills and gave me a better understanding of agricultural work.

I spent two months volunteering at Chilcotin Holidays, and it was hands down one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. As a French university student, I came here looking to improve my English, step out of my comfort zone, and discover the real Canadian wilderness. I got exactly what I came for, and so much more! The environment is beautifully remote, and the reality of the ranch is wonderfully authentic. Whether it's caring for the horses in the early morning, setting up the wilderness camps, or interacting with guests from all over the world, every day is an adventure. It is physical, demanding, and incredibly fulfilling. If you are looking for a standard, comfortable luxury vacation, this isn't it. But if you want a genuine, rugged adventure where you will push your limits, build deep connections, and experience the pure Canadian frontier, I 100% recommend Chilcotin Holidays. Thank you to the whole team for this unforgettable journey!"

Overall I had an amazing experience with Ivhq. I volunteered in Cape Town South Africa and I have never been so in love with a place. The culture and the people are truly amazing. I volunteered in a town ship with grade three and loved every minute of it! The kids are so kind and you can tell they truly love the help you have to offer. This experience will forever have such a big impact on me and changed me as a person. I would definitely recommend this to anyone:)

I spent 10 weeks at the Chilcotin Ark Institute and came away with far more than I expected when I first applied. I originally joined because I was interested in conservation and wanted to spend time in the Canadian wilderness, but the experience ended up being much broader than that. The programme combines conservation work, ranch life, community living, and a surprising amount of personal responsibility. Rather than being given a fixed schedule every day, you're encouraged to take ownership of your goals and find ways to contribute. That approach won't suit everyone, but for me it was one of the most valuable parts of the experience. One of the highlights was progressing to the point where I could assist with guiding. It was rewarding to go from learning the basics of ranch life and horse work to helping support guests and take on more responsibility. The horseback element was also a major draw. Some of my favourite memories were spent travelling through the backcountry and seeing parts of British Columbia that very few people ever get to experience. Life at the ranch is immersive. You're not just helping with conservation projects; you're also part of a small community. Everyone contributes to cooking, maintenance, animal care, and the day-to-day running of the ranch. The days are full, but that is also what makes the experience feel meaningful. The programme isn't a holiday, and it isn't a typical volunteer placement. It requires initiative, adaptability, and a willingness to get involved. However, if you're looking for a chance to challenge yourself, learn practical skills, spend time in nature, and contribute to something larger than yourself, I would highly recommend it. For the right person, it's a genuinely unique experience and one that I expect will stay with me for a long time.

I have already done 3 programs with IVHQ, and this is just the beginning! Costa Rica to teach English, Fiji for childcare, and Thailand to teach. Each program has been magical! The experience is supported, from the application process through post program reflection, and everything in between. Safety, support, encouragement, insight, and perspective are all the things IVHQ provides and more! You get to meet people from around the world, and then come together for a common purpose. Already planning my next adventure, and I can't wait!

I havnt got any complaints from my trip through IVHQ. Every single part of the trip was perfect from the organisation to the welcoming coordinators. I’m only 17 but I felt so safe and supported through the whole process. Thank you for this opportunity!

During my 4 weeks in Oaxaca, I spent 2 weeks at Hospital Civil where I had the opportunity to rotate through the emergency department, labor and delivery, and the operating room. Each setting offered valuable learning and exposed me to a wide range of clinical scenarios in a resource limited environment. In the emergency department, I observed the management of acute conditions and gained insight into rapid clinical decision making. In labor and delivery, I was able to participate in patient care during critical and emotional moments, which reinforced the importance of compassionate, patient centered care. In the operating room, I observed surgical procedures and developed a deeper understanding of teamwork and technique. The local physicians and staff were incredibly welcoming and committed to teaching. They made a strong effort to include us in patient care and explain their clinical reasoning, creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. In addition to my clinical experience, my time in Oaxaca was shaped in meaningful ways outside of the hospital. Living with a host family gave me a genuine look into daily life and culture in a way that you simply can’t get as a visitor. From sharing meals to everyday conversations, I felt welcomed and supported, which made the experience feel much more personal. The language school was another highlight. It helped me build confidence in my Spanish and gave me a supportive space to improve my communication skills. That growth extended beyond the classroom and helped me feel more connected overall. Outside of structured activities, I also had the opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s culture through its food, traditions, and strong sense of community. These experiences added depth to my time there and reminded me how important cultural understanding is in both life and medicine.

My volunteer experience in Thailand was truly rewarding. The program was well-organized, and the staff were supportive throughout. What stood out most was the real impact—even small contributions made a difference in the local community. It also helped me grow personally by becoming more adaptable, independent, and open-minded. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone considering volunteering abroad.