Volunteer Abroad Programs

My IVHQ coordinator was very responsive and helpful with questions I had prior to my trip. This is the second time I've traveled with IVHQ and only had positive experiences with both trips. I'm glad I stumbled upon it when looking to solo volunteer travel, especially as a woman.

This was my first experience abroad for any reason. I hadn't been off the North American continent prior to Zanzibar! IVHQ provided tremendous advice and guidance to set me at ease. I know I can trust them for my next solo trip. No hestitation about a second experience with them.

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!

My internship at the Salesian Institute Youth Projects pushed me far beyond what I expected, taking me from supporting program logistics to independently running counseling sessions and managing my own client caseload within just a few months. I was trusted with real responsibility early on, from leading a group of 45 adult learners on my own to adapting a therapeutic intervention on short notice for an urgent client referral, and that trust taught me more about clinical work and resilience than I could have learned in a classroom. This experience confirmed that clinical psychology, particularly cross-cultural and community-based care, is exactly the path I want to pursue.

It was such an unique experience what I cannot describe in words correctly! I'm so glad I applied in the end even though I was so scared to do this alone. I've met incredible people, I've got to know a new culture and places with a lot of fun and adventures. I've never imagined I'll ever take care of so tiny and unique creatures, but I couldn't imagine a better place to do so. The local people were so kind and helpful. If you had any question they gladly answered and tried to help if they needed to. So everything was so awesome in overall. The accommodation, the food, the programs, everything. I'll never forget the unlimited pineapple and watermelon at dinner, and gossiping, of course. Thank you that I could be a part of this amazing program!

This was a memorable and worthy experience. Staying with a local family, getting a taste of how a Guatemalan family live and the type of food they eat. Working at the dog shelter was a very rewarding experience and fun especially with the puppies. It’s hard not to fall in love with the dogs. Definitely will be doing this again.

Throughout all days in here, I came to realise a lot of important facts and elements of this country and region. Every program activities is memorable and make me being more interested in the situation and reality. Moreover, every people I met in this city is quite nice to me, and I could have an unforgettable days. I was really honored to be here and hope that I come back to my friends soon!

I really enjoyed becoming interconnected with the Costa Rican experience. My host parents Tulio and Carmen were the best people ever. They became my home away from home. They were so kind and showed me the true Costa Rican kindness everyone talked about!

It was a great experience I would do it again 100 hundred percent would recommend to everyone I know.i loved my host family so much and the food was great the kids were amazing and the people were super friendly

I volunteered in Costa Rica, working with children, and had an amazing time! I met many wonderful people, made new friends, and enjoyed incredible experiences like ziplining, waterfalls, and many adventures. I highly recommend it!

My Volunteering Experience in Costa Rica My volunteering experience in Costa Rica was amazing and unforgettable. I had the opportunity to work with children, and I really enjoyed spending time with them. different countries and made new friends. We worked together to plan activities and help the children, which was a very rewarding experience. During my free time, I explored Costa Rica and visited beautiful waterfalls. The nature was incredible, and I had so much fun. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to help others, meet new people, discover a new culture, and have an amazing adventure. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget!

I joined the CFHI Program, Global Health in the Philippines for 4 weeks, during the month of July, 2026 and I received the Friends of the Philippines scholarship. To be able to join a program such as this was an honor for me. It was a wonderful journey, with a great group of people to be with. CFHI has provided plenty for us during the course of the program and made sure that we were able to soak in the Philippines' beauty, culture, and healthcare. As a Filipino, I appreciate how we got to share our first-hand experiences to our companions from abroad. One of the students with us was also studying medicine, and we appreciated how we were using almost the same materials for our respective degrees. It did not matter whether she was studying in the US, or we were studying in the Philippines, although some information might be tweaked, for example, for diseases endemic to our countries. The girls we were with for the program were just the loveliest of people to be with, along with the local communities that we went to for the program. Our group went to the municipality of Torrijos in Marinduque. During our stay at the municipality, we were not only exposed to the RHU (Rural Health Unit), but because they had an ongoing Barangay Caravan, we also were able to explore different places in the municipality. As an aspiring physician here in the Philippines, it was a great experience to be able to shadow local doctors in the area, knowing that I would be doing the same thing in the future. We got tips on how to talk to patients, how to interact with the locals, and most importantly, how to handle medicine in areas far from the capital. It was a sad realization to hear that the municipality lacked equipment for crucial diagnosis, but we knew that the doctors there are doing their best of their capabilities to provide care for the people despite the disadvantage. Dr. Gellie Ocampo, our local preceptor made sure that we were well taken care of while we were staying there at the island. Ma'am Joan Azares, and her daughter Marnie Azares took us in as guests at their house, and they could not have been more hospitable. To them, we are most grateful for ensuring that we have a roof above our heads and meals to eat that they so lovingly prepared. Before we even got to the island, Ma'am Anabelle Rioflorido made sure that we were safe on the journey from Manila to the homestay in Marinduque. Finally, I would also like to share my gratitude to Dr. Paulo Medina, and Ms. Mae for making sure that the whole program would be smooth and there would not be any mishaps. I am just so immensely happy to be able to participate in such a program, and I hope CFHI is able to continue giving scholarships for deserving students to get in the program. All the best for Child Family Health International!

Connect-123 made my experience in Ireland truly incredible. From the beginning, they did an amazing job matching me with a company that fit my personality, interests, and career goals. I couldn’t have asked for a better internship experience. They also did a great job planning weekend trips around Ireland, giving me the opportunity to explore different parts of the country and make unforgettable memories along the way. Overall, Connect-123 made my time in Ireland an amazing experience both professionally and personally.

I had a wonderful experience participating in the International Volunteer Service – Food Outreach program in Vietnam. It was a rewarding opportunity to support local communities, meet people from different backgrounds, and contribute to a meaningful cause. I really appreciated the organisation of the program and the kindness and hospitality of the local people. It was a memorable and enriching experience that I would highly recommend to others.

Volunteering in an overseas country offers many opportunities to learn about different cultures, countries and languages. It is particularly enjoyable living at close quarters with people from all over the world, with everyone having a similar drive to engage with others

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.

The moment I stepped into the airport, I felt welcomed and it was easy to figure out where to go to the accommodation. As for my stay, I found that the scheduled routine makes it easier to know what to expect in terms of house rules and what volunteers should be doing.

I had a really good time in Costa Rica. It was my first time in the country, and probably not the last! The children I worked with were so adorable and I enjoyed every moment of it, when teaching, feeding, putting them to sleep or just disciplining them! I also had some excursions, in the Catamaran and Manuel Antonio Park, and I was lucky enough to get both days very sunny with a clear water. The program in general was so fun, not to mention that I met so many amazing people that helped me throughout the journey.

My experience volunteering in Ghana was truly life-changing. Being able to care for patients, assist with their medical needs, and help individuals receive treatment they may otherwise have struggled to afford gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate and accessible healthcare. Seeing the gratitude of patients and families reminded me that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference. Beyond the medical experience, Ghana taught me the value of humility, compassion, and community. I learned that healthcare extends far beyond treating an illness. It is about seeing people, listening to them, and making them feel cared for and valued.

My experience volunteering in Ghana was truly life-changing. Being able to care for patients, assist with their medical needs, and help individuals receive treatment they may otherwise have struggled to afford gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of compassionate and accessible healthcare. Seeing the gratitude of patients and families reminded me that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference. Beyond the medical experience, Ghana taught me the value of humility, compassion, and community. I learned that healthcare extends far beyond treating an illness. It is about seeing people, listening to them, and making them feel cared for and valued.