Testimonials
My project exceeded my every expectation—this was without a doubt the single greatest experience of my life!
I was ‘over-appreciated’ in many ways! My host family made me feel so at home from the moment I got there. I feel like they were constantly putting me FIRST. I was there hoping to meet THEIR needs and yet all they could concern themselves with was my level of comfort. I was overwhelmed by their kindness... The accommodation was excellent—VERY VERY CLEAN—(they sweep the dirt driveway every day and the sink is so clean you can see your reflection in it!). I left my sneakers outside one night and found them outside my bedroom door the next morning perfectly cleaned and polished. The food was delish and again they are very sanitary in their preparations and clean up. I can’t say enough about the host family—never in my life have I met such wonderful welcoming people!
More people need to have this kind of experience in life!! Thanks for EVERYTHING!
Janet PatryNationality: USA
Age: 32
Host country: Kenya
Programme: Teaching
Date: October - One month
Yes, the booklet was helpful. I would REALLY emphasize that your clothes might get dirty when volunteering. I really didn't know how dirty. On the first day, a little girl spilled her drink on me. On the second day, we played soccer after it rained and it was muddy!
DEFINITELY encourage volunteers to have some basic understanding of the Spanish language. The program information was detailed and I liked the cost breakdown.
Nationality: American
Age: 34
Host country: Costa Rica
Programme: Childcare Work
Date: March 2010 - 1 week
It is going very well. I love Kathmandu and the staff are very kind and helpful. I came to the orphange yesterday and it is very nice. I am staying in Kathmandu, but I think that I will go to Pokhara sometime. But I absolutely love the orphanage work and the kids are great.
Peter VillumsenNationality: Danish
Age: 21
Host country: Nepal
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: March 2010 - 4 months
The accommodation was very nice and exceeded my expectation. I have so many wonderful memories that I couldn't pick one. From having a water balloon fight with the kids, to dancing with them, to just having a child fall asleep in my lap.
Holly LosignoreNationality: Canadian
Age: 25
Host country: Ghana
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: February 2010 - 3 weeks
The place here is just wonderful.
This morning we met our first turtle which laid 95 eggs!
Many others were spotted and we think that soon there will be a new "arribada".
The family were I'm staying is enjoyable and they appreciate very much talking with me even though my spanish is not so good.
Altogether I like the setting very much.
Regards
Giovanni
Nationality: Australian
Age: 62
Host country: Costa Rica
Programme: Turtle Conservation
Date: March 2010 - 8 weeks
The program exceeded our expectations. Although we didn't have any real threats or safety issues, the potential is always there and when you are responsible for 14 teenagers, this was something we needed to review and ask ourselves if the risk was worth the reward. The reward was huge in terms of how we all grew as individuals and as a team from Carpenter High School. Risk and Reward is always a tough call. Reading the government tourist alerts were a concern for our parents because it didn't sound very safe for our students, but once there, because we were in such good hands, I think it lessened the risk...Many of our students are talking about going back to Kenya when they are out of school.
Brian Gislason - Carpenter High School GroupNationality: Canadian
Age: 52
Host country: Kenya
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: February 2010 - 2 Weeks
I also found this the local staff to be very helpful and relaxed in their approach, this attitude helped me to come to grips with the Nepali way prior to leaving and the staff were really helpful and friendly in answering questions just being around,
Douglas NicholsNationality: Australian
Age: 23
Host country: Nepal
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: December 2009 - 6 weeks
I was very well prepared for the trip and the adventure , so thank you for the help and the info provided. It has taken me some 40 yrs to do something that i've always been interested in and I am already planning my next stop ......PERU.So the emails and general communications will continue.
Harry lewisNationality: Canadian
Age: 66
Host country: Costa Rica
Programme: Construction and Renovation
Date: January 2010 - 4 weeks
Was absolutely awesome! Our high school students grew tremendously as people and were able to give of themselves at a level many would not think possible before the trip.
- Brian Gislason
Our time in Kenya was indescribable. It far exceeded my expectations. The students gained a great deal from the trip as it was a challenging time for them, but also very enjoyable at the same time. The connections we made we great and some of the students are already talking about going back.
The local staff were awesome. They are incredible people with huge hearts. They are doing fabulous and we can't say enough great things about all of the staff there. They run a great program.
Just wanted you to know everything went extremely well! Thanks again for all the organizing you did on our behalf!
- Andrea Halstead
Carpenter High School GroupNationality: Canadian
Age: 17
Host country: Kenya
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: February 2010 - 2 Weeks
I have sent a lot of emails before because I felt a bit nervous, not having any idea about Nepal. But IVHQ sent every response with sincerity. I appreciate for it.
Kwak seo heeNationality: South Korea
Age: 24
Host country: Nepal
Programme: Teaching English
Date: January 2010 - 4 weeks