Water Project Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 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.

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. ❤️

My trip to Nicaragua with Give volunteers that I took in June 2026 was a wonderful and life changing experience. All four of our guides were so great and they truly cared about making a genuine connection with me and the other volunteers. We all had so much fun together because the itinerary was never bland and neither were the people I met. One minute we would be helping the local people and environment of Jiquilillo and the next we’d be surfing the waves of the pacific. I made connections with so many locals that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Everyone in this community welcomed us with open arms and endless kindness, they showed it through the food they fed us, stories they told, and the bracelets they made for us. If you are looking for a fulfilling travel experience where you’ll meet all sorts of new friends, I recommend taking the leap and join give volunteers in Nicaragua.

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.

I went to Tanzania, Africa. By far my favorite trip I’ve ever taken in my life. I feel as I have a whole new family and a second home. The guides and locals were so welcoming and friendly. The others on the trip were in the same boat as me so I was very comfortable and happy. I will for sure be taking another trip with GIVE volunteers. 100/10 experience, if you think you wanna do it, don’t think, just go for it!

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

it was an amazing experience, I had a great time and made many new meaningful connections that I never would have been able to make anywhere else. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience as it is truly eye opening and will change your life.

The whole city of Cusco along with the Volunteer Abroad doing construction was an experience I will never forget, and one that changed how I view everyday life. Looking at the lived experiences of individuals in Cusco and Peru as a whole really changed my perspective. Overall, doing construction, living in Cusco, and experiencing the culture was unforgettable.

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 went on a trip with GIVE in 2023 to Tanzania. I want to preface with the fact that all of the staff and people who work for GIVE were very kind and accommodating. I will also say that I had a very good time on the trip. It’s super well organized and the activities they plan for you are great. However, if you’re looking for a chance to properly experience a culture and to volunteer, there are better ways to do so which cost a fraction of what GIVE requires you pay. It may take a bit of research online, but there are definitely programs out there that will house you and allow you to stay for various durations. AIESEC is an example of a student run association which has chapters worldwide which is focused on global exchanges and leadership. If you’re interested in religion, you could even look into ministries abroad. My Swiss cousin has volunteered numerous times in countries like Uganda and Tanzania where she goes to care for children for practically FREE. This isn’t a coincidence. I think that in the US, we are very easy targets for companies like GIVE because we don’t question international trips when they cost a small fortune. With how much we already pay for our college tuitions, who better to convince to shell out money for glorified two week vacations abroad to get a glimpse of other cultures than young naive Americans with cash to burn? I spent at least $5,000 for my two week trip, including airfare. When you compare how much accommodation and food cost in Tanzania (seriously, Google it), it’s clear that most of the money probably went into paying GIVE’s staff, the excursions themselves, and funding their school project. You pay to participate and for GIVE sorting out the logistics, voilà. You get to pat yourself on the back after two hours of work then go snorkeling with dolphins. If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, then absolutely go for it! I would say it’s much more about sustainable tourism than anything else! But to call it a true volunteering experience, I’m not sure I would venture so far as to say that. Personally, I feel like that’s more of a marketing ploy to reel in young Americans (and occasionally people from other places) looking to get out of their comfort zones, who are tired of their usual vacations to Cancun, Mexico where they drink margaritas on a cruise ship deck while slathering on skin tan lotion. It feels more altruistic to be called a “volunteer” than a “sustainable tourist”. Better for marketing and for convincing parents and relatives to help pay for the trip. So, would I recommend GIVE Volunteers? That depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. All in all, I considered it to be a very cool vacation with fun excursions. We went on a safari, snorkeling with dolphins, on walking tours, to a spice farm etc. I had a lot of fun. However, I’d recommend you look at different options for authentic volunteering experiences for much less money (most of these destinations GIVE offers are very inexpensive in general, $3,000+ USD is a substantial sum for locals).

Volunteering with Anointed Vessels Christian School was a truly rewarding experience. As a journalist, I had the opportunity to mentor and train the school's media team on effective storytelling, photography, videography, interviewing, and content creation. It was encouraging to see their passion for sharing the inspiring stories of the children and the impact the school is making in the community. Beyond the media training, I was touched by the dedication of the staff and the joy of the students. The school provides quality education, care, and hope to orphaned and vulnerable children on Mfangano Island. I appreciated being able to contribute my professional skills to strengthen their communication efforts so that more people around the world can learn about their mission. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian School to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity where their skills can make a lasting difference. The experience was inspiring, welcoming, and deeply fulfilling

Volunteering at Anointed Vessels Christian School was one of the most meaningful experiences have had. During my visit, our team had the privilege of washing the students' feet, mentoring them, donating school shoes, and sharing meal together. These moments allowed us to connect with the children on a personal level and demonstrate Christ's love through practical service. I was inspired by the dedication of the school' leadership who work tirelessly to provide quality education, nutritious meals, and hope to orphaned children on Mfangano Island. The children were joyful, respectful, eager to learn despite many challenges they face. This experience reminded me that even simple acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. I highly recommend Anointed Vessels Christian Schoolto anyone looking for a genuine volunteer opportunity where they can make a real difference while learning about the local community and culture.

Absolutely amazing! The local guides were so knowledgable and made the experience extremely unique and one that will stay with me forever. The entire trip I felt so safe, was well fed and learned lots about the culture and how I can apply different lessons to my life that I learned in Zanzibar.

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!

Coming from the busy city of London, this was a fantastic experience to open my mind, get to know a festinating culture while being able to reach out to people in need and support this honest, small charity led by Ivan. I have been able to learn a lot about the food, the way of living and about the people in Uganda thanks to BID. I was able to learn how to make bricks for the organization, plant vegetables for food supply and visit villages where vulnerable people are helped and women are empowered thanks to BID Uganda.