Women's Empowerment Volunteer Programs Abroad

We really enjoyed working with the staff. They were very professional, friendly, helpful, fun, and informative. We loved our project! It taught us so many wonderful lessons of compassion, friendship, patience, and diversity. We definitely want to come again!

This program was very cool! we got to experience so much with all the other volunteers from night patrols, trash pickup and more! I loved all the people I met, and I feel like I made such great connections!☀️🪷🌊🌿🏄🤙

This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. They supported me 24/7, and whenever I struggled or faced a difficulty, they were 100% there to help. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way. The same goes for the other volunteers. Living and sharing spaces with them made the experience special and unforgettable, and I came away with countless memories and a lot of laughs. The accommodation was very different from what I'm used to in Western culture, and sharing space means giving up some privacy, but that was part of the charm and I wouldn't change it. The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others and making people feel seen and valued. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, far from home, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear faded far more quickly than I imagined. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.

I´ve spent a month at Panthera Sanctuary. I have the utmost respect for the Aldo and Cristobal. They´ve made me feel welcomed and safe from day 1. I had some reservations and fears of course before my arrival considering the remoteness of the location. But they made sure we were well informed and looked after at all times. The place is a paradise, I would recommend this program to everyone who wants to be a part of something bigger, who loves animals and nature or just for digital detox. Even though we´ve had no internet connection in the sanctuary, the guys from Maximo Nivel´s office sent us regular updates and checked-in on us. I thank the whole team for this once in a lifetime experience.

I had a wonderful two-week international volunteer experience with VIN. The organization is involved in many projects that help marginalized people, and I took part in a women’s empowerment project. I would absolutely recommend an experience like this to anyone! It was a pleasure to volunteer with VIN and its staff, who are all so welcoming and take great care of their volunteers and the communities they work with.

For two weeks, I took part in a volunteering placement with VIN as part of the Raising Peace Campaign project. I had the opportunity to get to know rural communities near Kathmandu; I met women and spoke to them about domestic violence and their rights. It was a wonderful, immersive and fulfilling experience. VIN supported me right from the start, even before I set off, by providing me with all the necessary information and assistance. Even during my time as a volunteer, they were always attentive, approachable and ready to help. It was truly wonderful to volunteer with VIN, an organisation that is deeply committed and active on the ground; I felt part of a great project and a shared vision.

From the beginning the whole process was seamless and very supportive. Airport pickup, transportation, accommodation, staff, food were first class. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I participated in a teaching program in Kandy, also turtle conservation. Both programs far exceeded my expectations and I left feeling that I had made a difference. Wonderful connections and friendships made with fellow volunteers from all over the world. Life changing in many ways.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

When was I planning for my next 40 years wanted to embark on a multicultural adventure that would bring me new sights, smells and experiences. After 2 weeks of consulting with other outfit programs decided to enroll in the Maximo volunteer, Spanish immersion, and mini adventure program. I had limited time to maximize my journey, and was a bit overwhelmed. After communicating with Travis and his onboarding team i was confident that i chose the right outfit for my personal journey. Their team made it very easy to customize my experience and answered all my questions with details and confirmations. I was very excited to embark on this adventure. This was my first solo international adventure and the Maximo team had the experience i wanted to work with. After landing in Cusco, i was taken care of by their travel team and taken straight to my guest house. after that i was invited to meet with Gabby (the big cheese) and got to see the international office while meeting the remainder of their team of 50. i was welcomed with open arms and introduced to Reese, the field manager who met with my for an hour to discuss the plan of action for the next two weeks. after that meeting i was excited to start my journey. I could go on and on about the client services and attention to detail that this team provided to me, and i am forever grateful to have been apart of a program that cares for its clients, community and the overall contribution to the world. My 2028 goal is to become TEFL certified and will be using MAXIMO NIVEL for that next adventure. ¨To realize ones destiny is a persons only obligation!¨

The pre-departure support given was very adequate and I felt very reassured despite me traveling by myself for the first time. Sign up was easy and I definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ. Staff were very helpful too.

I genuinely enjoyed my experience with the program. I felt safe, informed, and happy. I had all the information I needed to have a successful experience. My only wish is that I could have stayed longer. Thank you!

I did an animal care project in Portugal with IVHQ and I'm glad to say it was smooth from start to finish. The application was simple and the team always answered any questions I had about the placement itself or any issues I had with documents etc. Before I left there was a group call with my coordinator and other volunteers I'd be working with which made leaving home alone for the first time less daunting. At the placement I would feed the dogs, clean cages and have loads of cuddles and play time with them! The local team were very friendly and easy to approach as well. I had a great time and really felt like I actually made an impact. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone who would like to volunteer abroad

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I had a wonderful time during my women's empowerment volunteer stay in Jaipur! The girls were fantastic and the cultural exchange with them was truly special; plus, the staff was very kind and welcoming. My host family made sure I had everything I needed and made me feel right at home. On top of that, Jaipur is a gorgeous city full of vibrant colors and incredible history. I'm so grateful and satisfied with this experience as a solo traveler, and I will carry these precious memories in my heart forever. :))

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!

After only 2 weeks I decided I wanted to live and work in CR. So I think this says it all. I’m now going from volunteer to employee. Maximo / my host family and my volunteer project have now become friends.