Location
Multiple Locations +16
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Brazil
  • Belize
  • Cambodia
  • China
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Ecuador
  • Fiji
  • Ghana
  • South Africa
  • Greece
  • Guatemala
  • India
  • Indonesia
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Groups
Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)
Travel Type
Family Older Travelers

Pricing

What's Included
Accommodation Airport Transfers Meals Wifi
May 18, 2023
Jun 12, 2023
5 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs for over 40s, senior citizens and retirees.

For the past 5 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ, wherever you choose to go.

Our affordable projects start from $20/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from over 300 projects in 50+ destinations worldwide. You could be teaching English, working with children, supporting healthcare initiatives, helping out with conservation work or maybe construction projects - and the options don’t stop there!

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $20/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays.
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization.
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy.
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.75
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 4.75
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Default avatar
Barbara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ is Top Notch - Maximo Nivel in Costa Rica Likewise - Turtle Conservation Yes!

IVHQ has a really well designed website that allowed me to research and consider many projects all around the world. Once signed up, they provided detailed and specific project information, organizational support, preparation materials, and coordination with the local program (Maximo Nivel), making the process of planning and preparing for the trip relatively straightforward. They led me step-by-step in collecting all of the necessary paperwork, insurance, etc., and had a nearly seamless hand-off to the local coordinators. The local organization in Costa Rica, provided excellent support and service. I don't think a novice volunteer traveller could have had a better support system. I felt safe, supported, and well prepared. (And I loved the project I worked on - it was just as described.) I will definitely use them for future volunteer travel.

Date of experience: May 28, 2023

Pros
  • It was a real opportunity to provide manpower to a local program working on an important issue (sea turtle conservation)
  • I met a lot of friendly, engaged people (mostly young adults 18-25) from all around the world
  • I was able to step outside my comfort zone feeling safe and prepared
Cons
  • There were no real "cons" - I would only suggest that older volunteers be realistic about the physical demands of any project they sign up for. Mine required a lot of walking, lifting, carrying in hot, humid conditions.
26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Abby
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Special Needs Program Cambodia

I travelled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia in May 2019 for four weeks. I volunteered on the special needs project and was placed in a primary school outside the city. I volunteered in the special needs classroom there, where there was about 15 children ages 5-21 with a variety of cognitive and/or physical disabilities. There are not many opportunities for children (or adults) with disabilities to receive an education, so this classroom was very unique in that the teachers did everything they could to support the children and give them a place to learn and grow. I was fortunate enough to provide my knowledge and skills as a student in OT school to the children and staff members so they had a better idea on what activities and strategies to use for the children. This experience was so eye opening and allowed me to take a step back from my busy life and appreciate all that I have back in my home country. I cannot wait to volunteer through IVHQ again in the future as this experience was so life changing and amazing.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Keep an open mind and unplug from other things happening in your life. Truly live in the moment and remember that you are there to make as much of a positive impact as you can.
51 people found this review helpful.
Aritra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in Cambodia

I had a fantastic experience during my time in Cambodia! This was my first time volunteering so I didn't know what to expect, but by the end of it I was extremely satisfied.
I was in the teaching program, and it was a very fulfilling undertaking, with my only regret being that I wasn't there longer. The kids, the resident teachers, the staff, my fellow volunteers; everyone was amazing!
IVHQ did a great job organising everything, and all went smoothly. Definitely recommend!

56 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Thank you for your feedback Aritra, it's awesome to hear you had such a good time on your program. Our local team is very grateful for the help you were able to give during your time on the program We would love to see you volunteer with us again in the future. Sam - IVHQ Program Manager.

Default avatar
Rola
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An unforgettable experience volunteering in Cambodia with IVHQ!

I had an unforgettable experience volunteering in Cambodia with IVHQ! I worked at a school with children. The children are so full of warmth, so dynamic, and so loving. Their eagerness to learn made teaching them an invaluable experience that I can honestly say was the best thing I have ever done! With three classes that I saw every day, I can only say how keen these children are to learn English and how much curiosity they have about the world. Spending some time abroad and experiencing how people live in a different country is an impressive and very enriching experience. I was moved by how happy and friendly people can be when they have so little. After meeting new people, getting accustomed to their lifestyle, and learning through experience, I can definitely say this trip contributed to my world education and understanding of another culture, challenged my personal limits, and developed new friendships. IVHQ made it incredibly simple for me to sign up for my program and I am hoping to take another volunteer trip soon.
Thank you IVHQ for this memorable experience. I will definitely volunteer with you again.

What would you improve about this program?
To me, it is perfect. IVHQ webiste is incredibly helpful and the support staff are amazing and very helpful.
54 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Rola, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. It sounds like you learnt a lot from your time in Cambodia and it's wonderful to hear what impact you had on your placement and the children. Challenging personal limits can be a difficult but highly rewarding experience and we would love to see you one one of our other programs in the future. Sam - IVHQ Program Manager.

Questions & Answers

Hi Emilia! All IVHQ programs are open to volunteers of all ages but there are programs specifically for over 30s and families. IVHQ also has recommendations for volunteer work abroad for over 60s that can be found here: