Testimonials
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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
The program is amazing. Such wonderful people here in Cambodia who have a very humbling and sincere nature. The placement is very fun and the children at the orphanage are extremely well mannered, fun and interested in learning English. We have also had the opportunity to visit rural villages who receive sponsorship through our orphanage, and that was a very hard day to see such poverty!
The host family are wonderful, very interesting people. We have learnt a little Khmer so that we can communicate with the mother as she speaks no English. Her children and nephews stay at the house with us also and they are also kind and funny people who speak English, so it has been food getting to know them :) the food that Lorn (the mother) cools is amazing, and she makes breakfast, lunch and dinner and we all sit together.
It has been a wonderful experience so far with no hiccups, and I am already looking on your website for future volunteer opportunities elsewhere.
Leah WilliamsNationality: Australian
Age: 22
Host country: Cambodia
Programme: Orphanage/Childcare
Date: January 2012 - 2 weeks
I was very satisfied with the accommodation. The area in which we stayed was safe, the food provided was ample, and the house itself was VERY clean. I was impressed with the level of service and attention the host provided for our accommodations.
He arranged a private tour for me to the Terra-cotta warriors, which was certainly my favorite part of the “tourist” half of the program. As for the volunteer part, I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the actual tutoring. IVHQ and the local staff provided tremendous service – transparent, professional, and courteous.
Nationality: American
Age: 22
Host country: China
Programme: Teaching English
Date: January 2012 - 3 weeks
Just an email to say that my placement is going great. I am really enjoying my time here in India. I am finding the program very rewarding and I adore working with the kids. I have found my host and his family to be very welcoming and I love their food. It has been an exceptional few weeks and I am sad that it is coming to an end.
Paul HoranNationality: Irish
Age: 23
Host country: India
Programme: Orphanage Work
Date: November 2011 - 3 weeks
Orientation was awesome. It was so good taking us to S-21, I think we all needed to see it early on to actually understand Cambodia.
My favourite moment was one day instead of teaching, Dina and I organised a facepainting day! I felt like i left the school different to how i found it, which is very rewarding!
The program is such good quality for the fees. I have already recommended this program to others.
Nationality: Australian
Age: 21
Host country: Cambodia
Programme: Orphanage/Childcare
Date: November 2011 - 3 weeks
Overall, I had an amazing time in China. Everyone was so kind, and David does a wonderful job at taking care of us all.
Yes, and much more! David really went out of his way to help organise things for all the volunteers, including help organise tours, a Christmas dinner and tons of other activities for the volunteers. He also went out of his way to help me when I was ill.
My favorite moments were spending time with other volunteers sightseeing, shopping, doing karaoke etc. I also really enjoyed getting to know the teachers at the kindergarten.
Thank you!
Jacob GilmourNationality: Australian
Age: 19
Host country: China
Programme: Teaching English
Date: December 2011 - 3 weeks
I felt so prepared going into this experience, largely because of the prompt and helpful emails I received from your team. They were always detailed and it never took longer than 24 hours to get a response.
The staff in country were very helpful, our host came and visited us on site which was brilliant - we knew he was available over the phone but the fact that he traveled to Faridabad make such a difference in reassuring us that there would always be someone there in a crisis. I stayed with an incredible family, made us feel so at home, could not have been nicer.
I cannot fault IVHQ - the staff were incredible in keeping us informed- the regular emails were great and I really felt like I could trust everyone. Thank you so much, I will never forget my time in India and will be recommending your organisation to many.
Nationality: New Zealander
Age: 21
Host country: India
Programme: Street Children Work
Date: January 2012 - 2 weeks
I feel that every day me and the children experienced moments that will forever be remembered. My project was more then I expected, it was truly amazing. I love the way Edward runs the program, he works hard and all of the staff are really special, they made this the best time of my life. IVHQ was very quick to answer any questions which I appreciated.
Brooke MeunierNationality: Canadian
Age: 18
Host country: Ghana
Programme: Sports Teaching
Date: September 2011 - 12 weeks
I am having an amazing time !! Couldn't be better!! I love my family, my orphanage, and everyone I live and work with!! Everyone is so nice and its becoming one of the best experiences I've ever had.
Kara ZimmerNationality: American
Age: 18
Host country: Guatemala
Programme: Orphanage/Childcare Projects
Date: January 2011 - 12 weeks
IVHQ were very, very helpful! The quick responses to questions and concerns made for a very easy and comfortable preparation.
The local staff do an incredible job with placement and taking care of us while they are there. He was constantly in touch, asking us if we were happy with everything, asking us if we need anything.. I couldn't have felt more at home.
The program was exactly what I wanted to do. There were so many kids at this particular orphanage that it made it so much fun! I went to Uganda to share the love in my heart and give a helping hand where I could.. these kids welcomed that with open arms. They loved having volunteers around.
Jim and Joshua from Wakiso were constantly thanking us and letting us know how much they appreciate volunteers. When we first got there, they told us about everything that has been done as a result of volunteers. It definitely made me feel like I had a great opportunity to make a difference and leave something behind for these kids.
Accommodation was great! I like the volunteer housing and I liked that it was right on the project site. We always had delicious meals and living standards were more than acceptable. It felt like home in no time!
My favorite and most heartbreaking moment was leaving the orphanage to go to the airport. By the end of the trip I had formed very strong bonds with 2 of the boys there. As I was saying goodbye to everyone, I saved them for last. One of the boys was tearing up, as I had expected him to because of his nature. The other one was more happy go lucky and never down. He buried his head into my chest and wouldn't look up. I got down on my knee to give him a hug and look at his face. His eyes were full of tears and they were streaming down his face. Although this was a very heart wrenching moment for me to have to leave, it was a beautiful moment. Especially being out of character for this one, at that moment, I really believed that I had made a difference in the lives of these children. They are used to volunteers coming and going, but to see such emotion because of me leaving really made me feel appreciated and let me know that I have left the love I intended.
Thank you so much for allowing affordable volunteer options!! I will be looking into more programs for the future.
Alyssa MillerNationality: American
Age: 21
Host country: Uganda
Programme: Orphanage work
Date: December 2011 - 3 weeks