International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Reviews 

IVHQ provided a very easy way of apply for volunteer programmes. Their programme options & locations are extensive which makes it easy to pick something that really fits with you. The support system is also very helpful. Their aim is to get you to a programme that needs fits you and they even take further steps to reassure you of any concerns you may have being in a new country or working as a volunteer. They try their best to work around the time difference for volunteers outside of Europe and are very diligent in their replies and assistance. I love that they give you an ample amount of information related to how to prepare for the country you are visiting and highlight on expectation-focused advice.

Okey. I learnted about new country, met new people and connected with them. It was my first experieces like a volunteer in abroud. So I had more funny time. Also I went to trips and I discovered new places. I learned how is it in another country works in medical program.

What an amazing experience I had with IVHQ in Quito, Ecuador. I helped teach English in a school for children from 5-12 for two weeks. The school, staff, and kids were amazing. The process for applying was simple and I had support from IVHQ all along the way. I look forward to another adventure!

I want to begin by expressing what an incredibly fulfilling and life-changing experience these past two weeks have been. I had the privilege of joining the childcare program in Arusha, Tanzania, and from start to finish, everything exceeded my expectations.

From the moment I registered and paid my program fees, the level of communication and support I received was outstanding. As this was both my first solo trip and my first volunteer experience, having clear guidance and reassurance was extremely important to me. Every question I had—no matter how small—was answered promptly and thoroughly, which gave me so much confidence leading up to my departure.

Despite the time difference, the team remained consistently responsive and helpful. I was provided with detailed, step-by-step instructions on everything from applying for my visa to preparing the necessary documents, along with a comprehensive program guide outlining essential items to bring, vaccination information, and what to expect at the volunteer house. Every detail was thoughtfully covered, leaving me feeling fully prepared.

As my trip approached, the Zoom call was another highlight—it addressed additional questions and helped me feel even more at ease. The level of organization and care put into every stage of the process truly set this experience apart.

This journey has impacted me in ways I cannot fully put into words. It has opened my eyes, filled my heart, and inspired me to continue volunteering as a meaningful part of my life. I am so grateful for this opportunity and excited to share my experience with others. I sincerely hope to continue participating in future programs and making a difference through this incredible organization.

From the very first enquiry I felt like I was looked after. I received all the information I needed, had prompt answers to any questions I may have asked and it was smooth and flawlessly executed.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experiences - amazing and unique. I grew as a person in confidence, independence and developed better communication skills. Will definitely consider going again.

It was an amazing experience! The organization was amazing.

It was amazing y grow as a person and I made really good friends and memories also I learn more English

Everything was very smooth and straight forward. They gave me all of the information I needed for my visa and all the contact information I would need once I arrived. Everything they said would happen, happened just as they said. Everyone was very welcoming, from the people who ran it to the village I was in. The location of service was great to assist. The team who took care of us in the house was very nice. They always checked in with is and even adjusted food as people requested. They all helped and control everything they could and supported us if there was anything they couldnt. It was an overall great experience and I cannot wait to do it again!

It was amazing! The program I did was so fun and fulfilling! And the staff at my house were so kindhearted and wanted to help with everything you asked/was wondering. It also felt very safe to be there, and it was always security around the house. The food was also so good! The staff there did a really good job with cleaning the house, making sure we had enough food etc. The transport there was also very good, 10/10!

Well organised, very helpful and experienced

My experience with IVHQ program was truly meaningful and life-changing. I felt welcomed by the community and learned so much through hands-on involvement, especially from the children, whose gratitude and respect left a lasting impression on me. The program was well-organized and supportive, making it easy to adapt and fully engage. Overall, it was a rewarding experience that helped me grow personally while making a positive impact.

Be aware of this travel agency. They only care about your money. They hide behind their T&C and the fact they are based in New Zealand. Their concern is to generate profit for their own selves. Dont fall for the reviews online, most likely some are just fake. Funny how these reviews are not sharing any specific details.

What made the experience great was the people involved who provided a warm, safe and fun environment in which to do the volunteer work. The compound I stayed at was clean and comfortable. The food provided was wholesome and nutritious. Prepared with care.

My biggest advice would be to not to expect anything. If you go alone, you learn so much about others and yourself at the same time. For me, it was first time proper solo travelling, first time travelling that far, new people, a new country etc. It was a wild ride to navigate all these new things but in the end it was totally worth it! Best thing I’ve ever done! I would totally recommend this and wish I could go back soon.

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.

As seasoned travelers and retirees, this was our 17th volunteer program, 14 of which have been with IVHQ. As we tell anyone that asks, we feel IVHQ does an EXCELLENT job communicating both up front and during the application, pre and during the volunteer process, vetting their diverse projects in over 50 countries. Their local team partners work seamlessly, so that the experience is smoothe. We have just finished our first Eco-Agriculture project, where we picked coffee, worked in the gardens, mushroom farm and saw the impact of our efforts first-hand. Working side by side younger volunteers is always rewarding as we mutually share experiences and travel highlights. Oh, and although there is an application fee in addition to modest room and board costs, we feel these are reasonable and provide great value in exchange for volunteering, meeting diverse people, and experiencing the local culture, while providing balance to what otherwise, would "just" be traveling. Anyone can do this! The structure is there, you simply need to be flexible, embrace the opportunity and give it a try.

My volunteer experience with IVHQ in Manuel Antonio was fabulous. As a young retireree, my goal is to travel with a purpose and this experience was what I hoped for. I felt that IVHQ prepared me well to go to a developing country and the warm and respectful welcome of the Costaricains exceeded my expectations. Pura Vida!

IVHQ was very easy to work with, from start to finish. As a senior woman traveling alone, I felt well taken care of. They picked me up from the airport, and transported me to my homestay. I stayed with a lovely family, and I felt very safe and welcomed in their home. I was shown how to get to my job at a school teaching English, and they checked on me several times throughout the week. Their office was centrally located in downtown, open 7 days a week, and was a meeting point for other volunteers. After two weeks, I was picked up from my homestay and taken to the airport. I never felt more taken care of in all my life! Thank you IVHQ!!

IVHQ is a great program to choose if you're interested in volunteering abroad. They were helpful when helping me prepare for the program, and their introduction before volunteering was very informative. The staff was super helpful and nice. I could see myself using this program again

I’m writing this because I wish I’d known how IVHQ handles emergencies before I booked my gap year. In February 2025, I was supposed to travel to Tigman, Palawan. That weekend turned into a total nightmare—the worst flooding the island had seen in 50 years.

A State of Calamity was declared, over 5,000 people were being evacuated, and emergency services were so overwhelmed they literally couldn't cope. The staff at my hotel in Puerto Princesa were adamant: "Do not travel. It is not safe." But when I messaged IVHQ’s local team, they told me it was "still okay to come."

I decided to trust the locals and my own gut rather than IVHQ’s advice, and I’m so glad I did. That same night, a van on the exact road I was supposed to be on was swept away at a bridge and five people died, including two kids.

What really upset me was the CEO’s response afterward. He actually justified their advice by saying that four other volunteers they encouraged to travel "made it" to the site. To me, that is so scary. Just because four people got lucky and didn't get swept away doesn't mean the road was safe. It feels like they’re using "survivorship bias" to ignore the fact that they told two 19-year-olds to drive into a fatal disaster zone.

The financial side was just as bad:

They refused a full refund and kept a $200 "admin fee." It feels so wrong that they’re profiting from a fee for a trip where they gave me life-threatening advice.

They offered credit one year and then to extend it to 2 but as a student I can’t afford to travel to make a second attempt at volunteering.

IVHQ says they "went above and beyond," but it honestly felt like they cared more about keeping my $200 than my actual safety. If you’re a young traveler, please trust the locals and your own instincts, because IVHQ might not have your back in a real crisis.