Agriculture Volunteering in Chiang Rai, Thailand

The staff who helped me prepare for this trip and those who assisted me during my stay were nothing but kind and enthusiastic to help. The cultural experiences offered and suggested made me feel truly immersed in the local community. The volunteer work felt quite impactful and everything was quite organized. The food and accommodations were beyond what I could have expected. All in all, it was a trip that impacted my life for the better.

I found the guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ really helpful overall. The pre-departure checklist and online training modules were clear and easy to follow, which made planning a lot less overwhelming. I especially appreciated the country-specific guide - it gave a good sense of what to expect and how to prepare. The support team was also responsive whenever I had questions. The local team honestly made this experience unforgettable. I can’t say enough good things about my main coordinator. She was so warm, organized, and always made time for me - even when things got hectic. You can tell she genuinely cares. The local team was such a kind presence - always patient, always helpful, and just made things feel easier. They also brought such great vibes - funny, approachable, and super supportive. I felt really cared for the whole time I was here. It didn’t just feel like a program - it felt like being part of a little family. This week reminded me that even small contributions can matter when done with care. Whether it was helping prep food for the elephants, cleaning, or just being present - it all added up to support the daily rhythm that keeps the sanctuary running. I know I was only here for a short time, but I genuinely hope I was able to give back even a fraction of what I received in return. The experience left a mark on me, and I leave with a deeper respect for the work that goes into ethical animal care and conservation. It’s not glamorous - but it’s real, and it matters. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into ethical wildlife care. It’s not just about being around elephants - it’s about supporting the people and systems that protect them. I gained perspective, new friendships, and honestly, a sense of peace that came from stepping out of my routine and doing something meaningful. If you’re hesitant about joining - just go for it. You don’t need to have special skills or be super outdoorsy. Just show up with an open heart and a willingness to help. The program, the team, and the elephants will meet you halfway - and then some.

I would say people who are hesitant about joining this program that the people your are going to meet there will be so different than anyone you can ever met with. Because their lifestyles, worldviews and moralities will be so similar to yours; due to being their with similar reasons: helping a community. I learned that when people come together from all around the world with same goals they really can make a difference.

Amazing conversation information and support whenever needed from the local team. Working directly with locals and working in and around their villages helped to create an immediate sense of satisfaction and appreciation. Accommodation was great and everything I could have needed. Any concerns or questions I had were resolved or answered quickly. The meals were truly a highlight - every meal was deliciously authentic and ridiculously good. There was certainly no shortage of food for myself or other volunteers. There were too many great examples to give only one favourite moment. The staff and local volunteers I worked alongside were amazing people who made me feel comfortable, safe and had a wealth of knowledge. So the people were my favourite highlight.

The local team and IVHQ are very accommodating and helpful in all aspects the program. They explain things very, such as how the job is to be done and what's it's purpose and the benefits local community will get. They support you with everything you need as a volunteer and they make sure the safety and security, especially for me as a solo volunteer. I feel safe and secure during my volunteering. It was the great feeling when you help people especially those who are in need. It feels great to share and give back even if you don't have much for yourself, but the small thing you do for other people gives you this feeling of fulfillment. The small thing you can do for others has a big impact to them and they would be more than glad to receive it - that feeling when you give back to people is incomparable.

Absolute amazing support from IVHQ while deciding my sabbatical. When I was first accepted I was offering my time - I had no skills or experience but I honestly wanted something different, and I got it. I wrote a thread on Facebook to my lovely friends and loving family very often commenting on how lucky we are in NZ, this beautiful experience has made me grateful for what I have returned to. I loved every minute and hour of my journey. Home stays was the absolute moment for me and I was blessed to be able to have 3 wonderful great experience. Will always be in my heart. I can only say, this has changed my life for the good and forever. We work for a comfortable life yes, but the beautiful Thai people work to live, something I have never thought about. For those still hesitant about volunteering abroad, I say give it a go! I am 61 and experienced my journey with a 69 and almost 72 year old .Prior to going I suffered from a knee injury, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid issues but knowing this I felt the drive and passion to do something different in my life, never wanted for anything but gave everything I had to give.

Everyone was so welcoming and amazing! I feel so privileged and volunteering was so rewarding. All of the food I ate during the entirety of my trip was absolutely incredible. I've never worked so hard in my life, but it was amazing.

The last night of homestay where I got to play an acoustic guitar and sing my favorite songs to and with my fellow volunteers and the host was my favorite. The renewed confidence the trip gave me after venturing off alone to live with people I've never met, in an unfamiliar place, to do what I can to make things a little better there. Because of that, I now feel a lot more motivated to deal with my responsibilities back at home. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. In some ways, the younger you are the more you can give and risk. None of us are getting any younger as time goes by. So give it a try at least once as soon as you can before it's too late. It's not even necessary to be in the prime of your life age-wise. One of the fellow volunteers I had the pleasure to live with was in his 70s. He's been volunteering in numerous countries for years and still plan to do so for much longer with great enthusiasm.

The local team did an absolutely amazing job of making me feel comfortable and helping me through my program. They were amazing to work with! The meals were amazing and some of my favorite parts of the day. I loved getting to try all the Thai cuisine! This experience gave me more confidence in myself and helped me feel more comfortable adjusting to new situations. I think it helped me grow a lot as a person as well. I thought it was incredibly positive helping others, but it also positively affected me in many ways! Do it. Fully immerse yourself in the experience. There will be some tough moments but just push through it because the reward at the end, looking back at your experience, is completely worth it.

Scotia did a great job answering my questions. I had quite a few as was taking my two younger nephews with me for this volunteer assignment. Appreciated the detail on the website and in Scotia's responses. The local team was fabulous ensuring we both settled, saw something of the area and also were fed and practical needs taken care of. I was very grateful to the local team for checking in and briefing us ongoing. Made the placement easy to settle in. Couldn't have asked for better support. Our shift boss, cultural guide, homestay host and just an overall good guy, was a pleasure to work with. Encouraging and positive - we could not have done better. Overall, I felt we did add some value in the community we worked in. IVHQ have partnered with some awesome NGO's around the world and their screening process can be trusted. I will be doing another IVHQ volunteer assignment in another part of the the world soon!

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

It was a life changing experience! Definitely do it! Soooo worth it. The accommodation was safe and clean. Always delicious food and rice every meal. My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was definitely working with the locals and having fun while working. The biggest impact my volunteering trip had on me was the locals thanking us for our work.

I had a time of my life i just want live the real life, compartir my time in this moment with real people. See other culture, expand my mind, compartir saberes, be a friend and connect with people a través the universal awareness.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 24, 2019

Hi Rebeca,<br/>Thank-you so much for this enthusiastic review of our programs. We completely agree that volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with people and travel around the world doing humanitarian work.<br/>Thanks again for being a part of what we do here at Love Volunteers.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Tirana is a safe, interesting city with lots of places to visit and eat. The people are very respectful and friendly and transportation in the city is excellent. Albania is country full of history, with a variety of museums to visit, from history to art. There are a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can eat and relax. The people are very relaxed and polite. Altin was very friendly and kindly provided airport pickup and departure. He also recommended places to visit. Maria is a lovely lady who cares deeply for animals and there is some really crucial work being done at the shelter such as sterilisation, rehabilitation and adoptions. There are too many animals at the shelter and not enough people to ensure all the dogs for example have enough environmental enrichment and exercise but of course I understand this is difficult and differs from country to country and hopefully will begin to change as the attitude improves toward animal welfare in Albania. TIPS: Make sure you go out into the city and sample traditional Albanian food, visit the attractions such as the museums. As for the project don't be afraid to suggest doing certain things, such as taking the dogs in the clinic outside for exercise as well as interacting and spending time with as many of the dogs as you can. Maria is very open and will listen to suggestions. Cleaning the shelter takes up a lot of time, however there are staff employed at the shelter which gives volunteers time for this crucial interaction.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewMarch 28, 2019

Dear Rhys,<br/>Thank-you for this amazing review of our Animal Welfare program in Tirana, Albania. Your care for animals is so apparent in this account and your contribution on the program was highly valued by the local team.<br/>Reading reviews such as yours provides future volunteers an invaluable insight into volunteering and the crucial role that they can play in areas where help is so desperately needed.<br/>How amazing to be involved in such a rewarding project whilst staying in a city as historical and beautiful as Tirana! Great tips btw!<br/>Thanks again for your contribution to the program for being an amazing Love Volunteer!<br/>From all of us at The Team @ Love Volunteers

It was a rewarding experience to work in Bamenda. It is not easy but worth it. Having worked in a few other charitable places, I found it much harder to work here. But the people still benefit from your help. Cameroon is a poor country when seen from a volunteer's point of view. I have traveled in many parts of the world, including Africa, Latin America and Asia but I was very sad to see the state of Cameroon in the 21st century. People are extremely lovely, especially the ones in English speaking part of Cameroon! It might have something to do with the fact that I don't speak French! Although there was a conflict going on in Bamenda at the time, it does not affect you as far as you stay away from the no-go regions. Be prepared for a little corruption (I had to pay a small bribe at the airport for bringing in my own local anaesthetic cartridges). There are no fast food chains or anything similar in Bamenda. I found one local restaurant in Douala which had similar standards as a standard western outlet. Otherwise most other eateries are not the cleanest. Home cooked food at my homestay was good. The project I worked on was well managed and organised. I had some help from the Cameroonian counterparts, but not a lot till I arrived there. Once I arrived and people realized how serious I was about helping and then things went smoothly. My host cooked some lovely meals for me every day. The meals are simple but delicious. don't expect sweets/ puddings everyday. Usually you will eat only twice a day. The homestay is very safe. The toilet and bathroom is basic but acceptable. Your host will have a means of transport (motor bike) and he will take you around anywhere you need to go. My host was extremely helpful and went out of his way to help me in achieving my goals. TIPS: 1) Don't be put off by the news. Your in-country organisers will take good care of you and make sure you are safe. 2) Be prepared for serious poverty, especially when it comes to resources, such as medical consumables, stationary etc. If possible, bring your own supplies. 3) The town of Bamenda has very few roads and thus it gets very dusty. Take wet wipes with you! 4) some of the standards of cross infection in the hospitals might not be up to scratch. Put your foot down and demand better standards (you might have to carry a few consumables yourself, such as gloves, masks and hand sprays).

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 30, 2019

Dear Sagar,<br/><br/>We can't thank-you enough for your contribution as a qualified dentist on the medical program in Cameroon. As you yourself know well it's a challenge getting things done in Africa and it's a testament to your commitment that you were able to achieve so much during your time in Bamenda.<br/><br/>This review is hugely valuable in letting potential volunteers know about the difficulties and the rewards of volunteering in Cameroon and we appreciate the time you have taken to share your experiences and your continued support of upcoming volunteers.<br/><br/>Thanks again and we wish you all the very best for your dental career and hope to have you join us again in the future if you are able.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

The experience was good. I felt that we enhanced the program they are already running, especially for younger volunteers. Sr Lanka is a beautiful country. The people are friendly and welcoming. The staff were organised and easy to speak with. They are well suited to the position. TIPS: Have some ideas, songs and activities organised for the age group. If you can take some English picture books as they have very few and this would enhance the children’s learning.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Hi Karen,<br/>Thanks so much to you and your daughter for the wonderful contribution you both made on our Education Support program in Badulla, Sri Lanka. You absolutely enhanced the lives of the children, both through your teaching and the thrill that having you with them brought to their daily lives.<br/>Thanks also for taking the time to provide this feedback and advice to future volunteers - much appreciated!<br/>All the very best to you both. The Team @ Love Volunteers

It was my first-time volunteering abroad and by myself. I have already been involved in several humanitarian projects, but this was a brand-new experience. Volunteering in a developing country, 10 000 km from my home taught me a lot of new things. Helping people in need while I am myself losing my bearings in a new environment made me more mature and allowed me to discover myself more. Working with children also taught me to be patient. South Africa is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes and places to see. Local people were very nice. I was also struck by the inequalities in South Africa and the water shortage situation there at the time. TIPS: Rent a car if you have a driver's licence. Bring warm clothes during winter. Stay open minded and be patient.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Dear Noëmie,<br/>Volunteering abroad is a challenging and rewarding experience and you have summed up the combination wonderfully in your review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed your time in beautiful Cape Town and want to thank-you for your time and effort on the Social Welfare program that tackles the inequalities you mention in this diverse city.<br/>We wish you all the best for your future travels and hope to have you join us again.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers<br/>

My general impression is that I loved the volunteer program. South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. It is rich in culture, food, and wildlife. I am very content with my project and staff. Everyone was generous and willing to teach. The staff really made my volunteering experience enjoyable. My tips for the other volunteers is to come with an open mind and to be open to new experiences.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewJanuary 28, 2019

Hi Jazmin,<br/>We couldn't have put it better ourselves: an open mind and flexible attitude is absolutely what make a great volunteer! Thanks for your commitment to the Medical Internship program in Cape Town, South Africa and for taking the time to share your experience.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers<br/>

Fantastic first impression of volunteering. Personally rewarding and I was left with a real impression that we had made a difference by being there, both at the school and with the handicapped children - who were utterly delighted to see us each day. Amongst the 10 volunteers onsite we had a real connection that also made it incredibly enjoyable both at the school and back at the house. This will not always be the case, but for me, this was another highlight! See my comments below, but I would highly recommend Love Volunteers for facilitating this incredible experience. Badulla was a super-friendly place, aided by the fact that there were no other tourists, and wherever we went people smiled, honked their Tuk Tuk horns etc. I will never forget these smiles In the more touristy places, however, this was not the same, but the people remained very friendly. Another good example is that the public buses were very friendly as few tourists use them. I suppose this is the ""progress"" you get from tourism and so we were probably utterly spoilt in Badulla. That said, the people were super friendly if you consider the conditions in which many of them live, and for this reason it does make them pretty exceptional as a nation. I would whole-heartedly recommend Srti Lanka to friends and family :-) Shivanthi, the volunteer coordinator in Badulla, was the sweetest person you could ever imagine meeting - there was not an irritated or nasty bone in her body and she was so incredibly helpful, hospitable and just plain nice. This was not commercially-driven, it was just her nature. TIPS: Be open in your new environment and feel free to immerse yourself and try things you never realized you knew you could do! Always carry a smile with you into each day and above all enjoy the experience as your enjoyment is felt by those around you

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewFebruary 04, 2019

Dear Chris,<br/>We really appreciate you taking the time to share this wonderful review of the education program in Sri Lanka. It's extremely helpful to potential volunteers to hear advice and feedback from volunteers like yourself.<br/>Thank-you for your dedication to the children and your polite and friendly nature to everyone you met. I'm not surprised that there was such great camaraderie between the volunteers on-site with you.<br/>We hope to have you join us again in the future - until then we wish you well in all you do.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers

Volunteering was a highly satisfying and challenging experience. Everyone I worked with was warm and welcoming. My only regret was that I missed two days of construction work and that there was no way for me to makeup the time I missed working on the house, which leaves me with a feeling of unfinished business. The environment is clean to an almost shocking degree. The people are extremely kind and welcoming. Rwanda is the most community-oriented and forward-thinking country I've ever been to. The project was appropriately challenging and satisfying to complete. All the staff were extremely receptive and supportive. No complaints. TIPS: - When working with wet mud, wear the tightest gloves available, as wearing looser gloves causes mud to buildup on them and makes your job more difficult than it needs to be - Learn to say "Good morning," "Good evening," "Thank you," "Sorry," "May I help you?," "You're welcome," "Yes" and "No" in Kinyarwanda before arriving, as these are basically all the things you've ever need to say or understand - Drink lots of water - Visit Akagera National Park! - The project center has wifi, but it only works well early in the morning, so do all internet-related things in the morning.

Love Volunteers responded to this reviewFebruary 04, 2019

Hi Mateo,<br/>Fantastic to see your commitment to the house-building construction program in Rwanda! Please don't worry about missing a few days as your input on the other days was significant. The local staff really can't achieve what they do without the aid of dedicated volunteers like yourself.<br/>Thanks so much for sharing your tips which will assist further volunteers on this program - and hopefully encourage others.<br/>The Team @ Love Volunteers