Jess Chadwick has volunteered abroad with IVHQ almost every year for the past decade. Now preparing for her ninth volunteer trip, Jess sits down with IVHQ to share what volunteer travel is really like behind the social media highlights.
This conversation is designed for anyone considering volunteer travel and wanting to hear honest, first-hand experiences before taking the leap. Jess talks openly about starting out as a first-time volunteer, managing nerves as a solo female traveler, what daily life on a placement actually feels like, and why volunteer travel continues to be such a meaningful part of her life.
Watch the IVHQ Podcast with Jess Chadwick
Real stories from eight volunteer trips abroad
In this IVHQ podcast episode, Jess shares her volunteer travel journey from her very first placement to the lessons she has learned after nearly nine trips abroad. The conversation covers what it feels like to arrive in a new country alone, how volunteering helps you build instant community, and the realities of balancing meaningful work with travel and exploration.
Jess also answers common questions about safety, confidence, and who volunteer travel is really for, offering reassurance and practical advice for first-time volunteers.
Who is Jess Chadwick?
Volunteer traveller and long-term IVHQ alumni
Jess Chadwick is a long-term IVHQ volunteer traveller who is about to embark on her ninth volunteer trip abroad. Over the years, she has volunteered across multiple destinations, meeting people from all over the world and gaining first-hand insight into what makes volunteer travel such a transformative experience.
Her story reflects the reality of volunteer travel beyond the highlights, including challenges, growth, and the confidence that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone repeatedly.
What volunteer travel is really like
Day-to-day life, community, and expectations
Jess breaks down what a typical weekday looks like on a volunteer placement, how much free time volunteers really have, and how easy it is to make friends when travelling solo. She shares what surprised her most on her first trip and what she wishes she had known before starting.
This section helps demystify volunteer travel for anyone unsure what to expect or worried they are not experienced enough.
Solo female travel and safety
Practical advice from real experience
One of the most valuable parts of this podcast is Jess’s honest discussion about solo female travel. She shares the fears she had before her first trip, the habits she now uses to feel safe, and how having local support through IVHQ changed her experience.
This section is designed to reassure both future volunteers and their families with realistic, experience-based guidance.
Best Places to Volunteer as a Solo Female
Thinking about volunteering abroad
Advice for first-time volunteers
For anyone feeling excited but nervous, Jess offers clear advice on choosing a destination, planning ahead, budgeting, and packing. She explains who volunteer travel is best suited for and why you do not need prior experience to get started.
This section supports viewers who are close to taking the next step but need reassurance from someone who has been there.
How Does Volunteering Work With IVHQ?
FAQs About Medical Volunteering in Ghana
Volunteer travel combines meaningful volunteer work with the opportunity to live and travel abroad, allowing participants to contribute to local projects while experiencing a new culture.
Jess explains that having structured local support and a placement through IVHQ played a major role in helping her feel safe, especially as a solo female traveler.
No prior experience is required for many volunteer programs. Jess shares how most volunteers learn on the ground with guidance from local teams.
Volunteer travel attracts people of many ages and backgrounds. Jess discusses meeting volunteers at very different life stages on her trips.
Jess describes how volunteering creates instant community through shared accommodation, project work, and group activities.
Volunteer placements can range from one week to several months, depending on the destination and project.
Yes, this episode is specifically designed to help first-time volunteer travelers understand what to expect and feel more confident about starting.
