Feedback stories from International Volunteer HQ
Absolutely fantastic. My mother, as a 21st present bought me the trip, and IVHQ was more than happy to talk to her about the details. She's a little nervous doing business over the internet, so the service here was what gave my Mum the confidence in the company. I went to three projects in Pokhara and Chitwan. Teaching is a lot of fun, and presents a different set of challenges to orphanage work. I had everything I needed, and the local staff were most helpful in making me and the other volunteers comfortable. They even did checkups, and often called to ensure the placement was proceeding well. So many experiences to draw from! Probably my time at the first orphanage in Pokhara. After dinner, we would organise the kids and get them all to brush their teeth. After this, it would be bed time, probably my favourite time of the day. Why? Well, we'd tuck all the kids in and then they'd all reach out for hugs. It was a simple but profound moment, which made me realise how much kids need love. All in all, I've had a tremendously wonderful time in Nepal. Thank you IVHQ! It's been a blast.
John McIntyre, Australian, 22 years old, volunteered in an orphanage in Nepal for 12 weeks
My overall experience was unbelievable ... I can't even explain it to my friends and family when they ask me about it, because it is hard to explain what I had experienced and all the emotions that went along with it. The people I met and things I had the chance to see and do were simply unreal. Working one on one with kids, teaching English, playing games, etc. was such a life changing experience. I have never felt so appreciated and welcomed into a community before. Seeing the children's face light up when we would walk in everyday to our volunteer placement was priceless... it was really tough leaving. All I can say is that this trip has already had an impact on my daily life, and who knows what kinds of impact it will have on my future. I will take this experience, and the friendships and memories of this trip with me forever; not many people have the ability to say that. The “Home-Base” facility was more than adequate, very clean, well located, etc. --- in short better than anticipated. And the food---there are not enough adjectives to describe how good the food was and the great job done by the cooks. I wanted to fit as much of an experience as possible into one week, and IVHQ definitely came through for me. It felt like a month's worth of activities packed into one week that passed by in what seemed like hours. It was phenomenal. Thank you for helping the wonderful Colombian people!
Liliam Glover, British, aged 54 yrs old, working in an orphanage in Colombia, May 2011
I cant express how much I enjoyed my trip, I cant even put into words the expericence I had, I am struggling to even explain it to my family. All I can really say is it is the best thing I have ever done and I suggest everyone does some sort of voluntter work before they die, I have learnt so much and will 100% be going back. I will be recomending IVHQ very highly to everyone as well as the local staff and the pink programme in Ghana. The local staff were very good and assisted us whenever we needed them. We were promised 24/7 care and support which is what we got if we needed it! I was perfecly happy with everything and I achieved everything I wanted to! The experience was 110% woth it. If I had a single favourite moment I would question why?, instead I have too many to count. I think the fees were fair, it is the best thing I've ever done and I would without any hesitation highly reccomend everyone to do it.
With all my thanks and much appreciation!
Zac Hannis, British, 19 yrs old, worked on the Sports Teaching Programme in Ghana, February 2011
IVHQ were extremely helpful and were very quick in responding to my questions!! The information booklet was very, very helpful!! It prepared me excellently and I knew exactly what to bring and how to prepare myself. Hearing other peoples experiences of organizations they went through IVHQ sounded by far the best. The local staff and projects were amazing!! My project was perfect. I would recommend this to anyone and do it over and over again! I loved staying in a home stay!! That was definitely what made the experience so enjoyable!! And the food was so good!! I went to some of the childrens homes and saw their livid conditions. The family had absolutely no food. They ate once a day at a soup kitchen and when it rained it was almost better to just be outside. My community had donated some money to me so on the last day we brought the family groceries and clothes and toothbrushes. The smiles on the 8 children and single moms face and the tears running down their cheeks will be unforgettable!
IVHQ has the best price I have ever seen for volunteering.
I Loved, loved, loved it!!
Cheryl Schamber, Canadian, 20 yrs old, did Childcare Work in Costa Rica, April 2011
Click here for more information on International Volunteer HQ opportunities