Volunteer Programs in Thailand

My time volunteer teaching in Zambia was unbelievably fantastic. I met such lovely fellow volunteers, staff at my volunteer house, teachers and of course kids at my school. The program was really well organised from pre departure to arrival home with plenty of time for sight seeing. I felt so safe in Zambia and received a warm welcome. I felt relaxed at all times and really did not want to come back. I plan to do it all again next year and hopefully catch up with the children a year on in their studies. I'm missing everyone in Zambia!

I Took my first trip alone with IVHQ as a 17 year old last month. It was an amazing first trip where I was supported the whole way and made many friends from all over the world. I loved the volunteering and I learnt so much about the culture. I am already planning my next trip!

Volunteering in Zanzibar was an amazing and unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to meet wonderful people from different countries, discover the local culture, and take part in meaningful activities that made every day special. The staff and coordinators were always welcoming, supportive, and friendly, which made me feel comfortable from the beginning. I also created strong friendships with the other volunteers and shared many great moments with them. This experience taught me a lot, both personally and culturally, and helped me grow as a person. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a unique, rewarding, and meaningful experience abroad.

My volunteering experience in Sri Lanka with International Volunteer was truly one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences of my life. From the very first moment I expressed interest in the program, the organization supported me step by step until my departure, making the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free. The team was always available to answer my questions, provide guidance, and ensure that I felt fully prepared for my journey. Their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care gave me confidence and peace of mind throughout the whole preparation phase. The teaching project I participated in was absolutely wonderful. It was an incredible opportunity to work with enthusiastic students, immerse myself in the local culture, and make a meaningful contribution to the community. Every day was filled with learning, personal growth, and unforgettable moments. I am extremely grateful to International Volunteer for creating such a well-organized and impactful experience. I highly recommend this organization to anyone looking for a volunteer program abroad. Their support, commitment, and the quality of the projects they offer make them an outstanding choice for volunteers. Thank you, International Volunteer, for helping me live such an amazing adventure and for making a real difference in the lives of others while also changing my own life for the better.

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!

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.

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 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.

This trip was life changing in so many aspects and I could not recommend it enough. We were culturally immersed in ways that were so raw and authentic and were able to build connections with the community through local guides and volunteer work. We trekked through multiple tribes and got to experience the different ways in which each lives as well as learn a part of their language and try to connect by doing Q&As and joining in traditional activities and dances. The itinerary was incredible and the team was unforgettable, I will forever cherish the connections I made through this trip.

The team was incredible and every day was planned out so thoughtfully and organized. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, it did and the connections I made on the trip feel lifelong. I learned so much not only about the culture but the spiritual connections between elephant and human and got to witness it first hand. I hope to go back soon because I don’t have enough words to describe the lessons I took away from this trip. I still cannot believe the things I did and saw and how incredible these creatures are up close. I also had the most incredible time with my guides, they kept us safe, made us laugh, and really made us feel like a part of their family and community.

P’nice, Marilin, and Ben were the best guides I could’ve asked for. This trip exceeded expectations specifically due to them. This Thailand scuba trip gave me the opportunity to do done things people have never done or get to do

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 absolutely loved the Thailand Elephant Experience! The guides were all super welcoming, understanding, and so much fun to be around! They made it a goal to connect with everyone on the trip and make sure everyone was comfortable with the activities! I really enjoyed the connection to all the communities we visited. P’Dee, P’Pon Pon, and P’Ann were all excellent guides who were organized and ready to lead us on the adventure! Hunter was an absolutely amazing guide. She was welcoming, fun, and so willing to share herself with you! I hope she is able to continue her experience with GIVE in the future! I definitely feel like all the guides are now my life long friends! The experience itself was magical. Getting to see all the personal moments with the Elephants and learn so much about their history and care was amazing! I would 100% do this experience again whether it’s for the guides or the trip! I plan on traveling with GIVE again!

I was ‘sold’ on arranging my volunteer experience through International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) the moment I learned that IVHQ is a B-Corporation. That designation I had learned is conferred to for-profit businesses that meet rigorous standards for ethics, social responsibility, accountability, and environmental impact. Working with IVHQ was a truly wonderful experience. Preparation for the trip entailed stepping through a polished – I’d say flawless -step-by-step manual with a checklist and viewing videos that introduce the mission, responsibilities, protocols, and help set one’s expectations. A Program Manager in New Zealand was [virtually] with me to guide me through my preparations and to answer questions that arose. Once in Thailand, a local team stepped in to guide us and care for us. Every individual on the Thailand team was extremely welcoming, fun to work with, and willing to go the extra mile to meet our needs. They obviously love their work and are excellent at it. The accommodations were fantastic and the authentic food was delicious and plentiful. The opportunity to sit together with other volunteers during meals to share stories and learn about other cultures was amazing. (My co-volunteers came from around the globe.) Working with elephants in the sanctuary was almost indescribably incredible. While tasks of feeding, planting, harvesting, cleaning, and escorting the elephants into the mountains each day were rigorous at times, at no point in time was I not aware that we were doing meaningful, high impact work for good. From the very beginning, through planning, living in the accommodations, working in the sanctuary, learning every moment, being side-by-side with remarkable coworkers, and having exceptional support from the Thailand team, this IVHQ experience exceeded all of my hopes and wishes. I was honored and surprised when my coworkers and folks on the Thailand team joined me in celebrating my 76th birthday. In my three quarters of a century of personal experiences, this one with elephants in Thailand ranks very high among my most cherished and impactful adventures. JPS

When I first set out on this adventure, I did not know what to expect. My friends and family, even myself, were shocked that I chose such a far and unfamiliar place with people I had never even met. Little did I know what these people and this place would mean to me when I left. Throughout these 14 days, I had the privilege of traveling, learning, and volunteering throughout northern Thailand. I experienced its rich culture, beautiful views, and the “Sabai Sabai” way. There are no words that can truly do this experience justice. Nonetheless, I met the most amazing and inspirational people, from the locals to the guides to my fellow travelers. These individuals showed me what life looks like when we’re fully present, focused on each other and our actions rather than materialistic ideologies and unrealistic standards for the world around us. I was shown how resilient we are both mentally and physically, and how essential it is to put aside our worries in order to feed our wellbeing. During my time here, I was reminded how much I value the outdoors and hard work, and shown the level of possibility that can be reached in the span of 24 hours. This trip is amazing and filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. Come in with no expectations and an open mind, and you will leave so incredibly fulfilled and changed. Say YES!!

The Thailand Elephant Experience was such a perfect trip. Right when i landed i was met by the local guides at the airport. The 3 main guides were amazing, wonderful, kind, helpful and organized. Right from day 1 they made sure we had the most perfect experience. Being up close with the elephants was truly a once in a life time experience. All of our meals were delicious and filling. The friends and connections i made throughout the week will stay with me forever. The hike through the jungle was truly a special experience, seeing the elephants in the wild, fresh fruit growing on the trees and views were spectacular. Getting to visit the local communities and learn from the residents about the Thai way of life was such a heart warming experience. If your on the fence about doing this trip, i will tell you, go ahead and book it!! You will truly love it and make wonderful connections! I have zero regrets after doing this!

Everything about Thailand with give was absolutely unforgettable! Every person that I met and place that I went exceeded every expectation that I could have had! This trip was so so excellent. And the guides made sure that I was not only always okay but that I was given the most immersive trip possible! They were so knowledgeable when asked any question and loved to share their culture and stories with us which made the trip even better! All of the local and international guides were so kind, caring and authentically themselves! Creating such a save space for each volunteer to do the same. The itinerary was packed with a great mix of all things Thailand, and on top of the wonderful volunteering we did, it provided a truly amazing opportunity to really experience the people of Thailand and it’s culture. It truly was such an incredible opportunity!

Not only was it incredible to interact with elephants up close, but the local guides, communities who hosted us, the culture of the places we stayed, and the people I traveled with were all SO amazing. This trip was enriching, transformative, and meaningful beyond description. I grew during the trip, but also it somehow made me feel more like myself, too!! I am so grateful that I went on this trip.