International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) Reviews 

My volunteering experience focused on forest conservation in Madagascar was incredibly rewarding, far exceeding my expectations. On a practical level, actively contributing to the monitoring of endemic flora and fauna allowed me to see firsthand the vital importance of conservation in one of the world's most unique and fragile ecosystems. However, the real strength of the project was the synergy within the team: working side-by-side with the local community and volunteers from such diverse backgrounds turned the daily hard work into moments of profound connection and personal growth. It’s an experience that truly leaves a mark.

For my first international volunteering experience, I chose IVHQ, and I don't regret it for a second.

From the moment I applied, I felt well supported throughout the entire process. The preparation checklist and program guide were detailed, comprehensive, and incredibly helpful in making sure I was ready for my trip.

My Program Manager was always responsive, answered all of my questions promptly, and regularly checked in with me before and even during my time abroad. Knowing there was someone available to support me throughout the journey gave me a lot of confidence, especially as a first-time international volunteer.

Overall, IVHQ made the process straightforward and stress-free, allowing me to focus on making the most of an unforgettable experience. I would happily recommend them to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

My experience was enriching and enjoyable. I received support and felt welcomed throughout the program.

It’s my second experience with your company (IHVQ) and I have to say it was absolutely outstanding. At first, the administrative side seems overwhelming but it’s only to help us to be in good hands from A to Z. The trip went without a single problem. The organization was perfect and the whole team, included the hosts bent backward to please me. I had a few issues, first with my health, mostly the heat, and then to withdraw money . everybody pampered be so much that I felt guilty having so much attention. I never felt in danger in a country that still has a bad reputation.I learnt so much, people always had pertinent and precise answers to my questions. I also feel in love with the people in charge of my volunteer job. I saw a lot of kindness, selflessness, compassion and friendship. I know I can and will return to this country and this specific program. I feel I have a lot to learn from these wonderful people. If there a way other people can help the organization called JARUM.org, , located in Moravia, Colombia ,it will be wonderful because right now they are struggling financially. It’s a very noble cause to help adults and children in an area that is still struggling but came a long way. The whole story of JARUM is quite extraordinary.

***Responding to company's response to me. They assert that they tried to make "multiple concessions." This is a lie. The fact of the matter is, the company was unprepared, misleading, and never offered me any concession for the horrendous experience. I would not use this company again. Please seek out other options that actually care about putting their volunteers in hospitable premises.

**To those reading my review, I am putting my rebuttal to the company's response at the top of my message, since TrustPilot does not allow me to respond directly. At no time did the company try to genuinely address my concerns. Their response to my message is not true. As someone who was injured and produced hospital records to them to demonstrate my condition, I was misled about the conditions of the property. I was also promised a working desk to work remotely, only to provided a clothes dresser. There was also multiple humungous bugs in my room that I took a picture of that they claimed happened to just "fly in the room" in the moments the local team opened the door to let me in. The overall experience was unsafe and unacceptable.

Furthermore, this happened after I already had an awful experience in their Cambodia location, which included being provided with housing where unleashed dogs were outside. Funny, because their initial orientation listed rabid dogs as something to look out for as a safety concern! I should have never given this organization a second chance, but I was ultimately misled by their team about how the Laos housing was better.

I am out hundreds of dollars because of this awful experience, and have no reasonable means of recourse since they are based all the way in New Zealand. I would highly recommend not giving this organization your money.

**Original review below**

I had an extremely disappointing experience volunteering with IVHQ. The accommodations provided to volunteers were subpar and, at times, felt borderline unsafe. What made this especially frustrating was that there were clearly affordable and more suitable accommodations nearby. It gave the impression that cost-cutting and profit were prioritized over volunteer well-being and the quality of the overall program.

Before arriving, I specifically communicated that I needed reliable internet access and a functional workspace so I could continue working remotely outside of volunteer hours. Upon arrival, I found the accommodations to be bug-infested, with poor internet and no realistic working environment. Despite raising these concerns immediately, I was met with cold corporate responses that simply referred back to company policy rather than addressing the actual situation.

I also found the IVHQ representative to be detached, unhelpful, and lacking empathy throughout the process. The local team was similarly disappointing and did not genuinely take my concerns into account.

Ultimately, I chose not to stay at the accommodations and never even made it to the school placement because the situation felt so unsuitable. Despite this, IVHQ refused to refund any portion of my payment and provided what I felt were weak and dismissive explanations for doing so.

I would not use this organization again, nor would I recommend it to others. In my opinion, people interested in volunteering are often better off researching and contacting local schools or organizations directly. Many are genuinely eager for help, and doing so may avoid the unnecessary middleman experience that I encountered here.

I have done 3 programs with IVHQ already, Costa Rica, Fiji, and recently, Thailand, and this is only the beginning! From the initial application process to the post program check ins, IVHQ is supportive, encouraging, insightful, and knowledgeable. The entire process is well organized and orchestrated, and they are with us every step of the way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Already planning my next IVHQ adventure! Food for the soul!

I loved my experience in Bali Indonesia and booking through IVHQ! It was the best trip getting to meet people from all over the world and travel around Bali learning about the culture and trying so many new things. I worked on the Health Education project teaching students in local schools. It was so easy to book this two week trip and navigate the site to find a program that was right for me and connected to my major of dietetics/nutrition and find a location that I was excited about that had it all. I would definitely book through IVHQ again and I’m so excited to think about the next possible program I’ll go on or the new people I’ll meet in the future!

This was my second time volunteering for IVHQ. IVHQ makes the volunteer experience seamless. If you are new to volunteering like I am, IVHQ makes it easier. They have local contacts who will make sure you are safe. My host family in Jordan was amazing. It was my first time in that region and I was so nervous before my arrival. From the local pickup, to the host family, and the locals themselves—they all made my experience very pleasant and educational. If you are having second thoughts about volunteering, just do it!

I had a great experience with IVHQ. Their support team was amazing from the beginning very helpful, patient, and always quick to respond to my messages. Even when I needed to double-check every small detail, they were understanding and made sure I felt confident and prepared. I also really appreciated that I could call them whenever I needed clearer answers or extra reassurance.
Another thing that stood out to me was the quality of the local team they work with. IVHQ connected me with amazing locals who were welcoming, professional, and truly made the experience meaningful. It felt like they carefully choose the right people and organizations to make sure volunteers are supported and can have a real impact.
Overall, IVHQ made the whole process smooth, clear, and trustworthy. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a well-organized volunteer experience with great support and reliable local partners.

I was 17 when I was researching for a volunteer trip. After looking through different options, I’m so happy I went with IVHQ. They allowed me to have a safe, structured trip for my age. They organised a group call a few weeks before my trip which reassured me that travelling isn’t scary with the right people and the right experience. All the information they provided for me left me with no questions or worries. Thank you for this opportunity.

My experience with IVHQ was absolutely amazing! From the beginning, IVHQ was incredibly structured, organized, and prepared me well both before and during my trip, which made traveling solo feel much less intimidating.

The absolute highlight of my experience was my homestay in Cusco, Peru with Yuri at Cool and Cozy Guest House. Yuri was incredibly accommodating, attentive, and welcoming from the moment I arrived. The homestay was clean, comfortable, and shared with around 10 other volunteers, which made the experience even more special because I was able to meet amazing people from around the world. Yuri had a station where we could purchase water and snacks, always had coffee and tea available, and the meals were absolutely delicious (including dessert!).

One of my favorite parts of the entire trip was Yuri’s pets, especially Osito, the loving German Shepherd! Yes, he would actually escort us to our destinations, especially at night, to make sure we got there safely, and sometimes even walk us back home! That made me feel incredibly safe as a solo traveler. Pepita, the other dog, and Clementina the cat were also so sweet and loving. I already miss Osito so much and I cried when I had to say goodbye to him :( I also already miss everyone in my homestay. Some people were from the US, Australia, the UK, Ireland, Italy, etc! It was an experience of a lifetime to be able to stay in Yuri's place :)

I also really enjoyed my English teaching program through Maximo Nivel. I felt like I made a difference helping Spanish-speaking learners practice English using visuals, body language, and encouragement. The program was only a short walk away, and on the first day, staff showed us how to take the bus and get around, which was very helpful. My only note is that the teaching program was about 3 hours per day, so if you are looking for longer volunteer hours, childcare may be a better fit.

Cusco itself felt very safe, and I loved exploring the city and taking trips to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. Overall, IVHQ, Yuri, and Maximo Nivel made this such a memorable and meaningful experience. My only regret is that I only stayed one week. I would absolutely recommend staying at least 2–3 weeks!

IVHQ were well organised and made sure that I fully informed of what to do and expect in preparation for the volunteer work while I was in the Philippines.

My IVHQ experience was wonderful. I was volunteering in Medellin helping with childcare and teaching English. IVHQ arranged everything for me and continually supported me with program guides and checklists on how to prepare for the trip, information about my support people in and out of Colombia, information about my volunteer projects, information about my host family and living accommodations, information about travel destinations and much more. Anytime I had questions, they immediately responded answering my questions. Once in country, they checked in with me to make sure everything was going well. I think volunteer travel is one of the best things you can do in life and IVHQ makes it easy to do. They are organized, efficient, helpful and friendly.

Met some lifelong friends and really felt like I was able to make an impact on the people I worked with.

The children were so eager to learn and made you feel welcome. The staff helped whenever you needed them if the students couldn’t understand, and they listened to how you spoke/ taught the students and used it in future lessons, which meant a lot.

“I volunteered at a school in Thika, Kenya for two weeks, where I worked directly with students and teachers in a classroom setting. I helped support lessons, assisted students with their work, and contributed to creating a positive learning environment. Through this experience, I developed strong communication and leadership skills, especially in working with children from a different cultural background. It also taught me patience, adaptability, and how to take initiative in unfamiliar situations. Overall, it was a meaningful experience that strengthened my ability to connect with others and make an impact.”

Very organized and professional

I loved it there!
The crew, the people, the house, everything was amazing!

I learned about the beautiful city of Antigua and the education system in Guatemala. We felt fully engaged in the school classroom, and yet we had energy for organized trips/activities in the afternoons.

My third trip with IVHQ. I was able to get all of the information needed so I wasn't going to get blindsided by something important. They maintain communication right until your placement, and then check in to see how you're managing. I'm very happy with IVHQ.