Volunteer in Tanzania

Since I arrived, my whole perspective has changed and I have not stopped extending my weeks in Arusha. At the end of the day, I believe that volunteers learn more than children, but going with the children, doing woman's outreach, connecting with all the local people, learning about a whole new culture, starting with the people to the music here, is an experience that I will not stop recommending because you meet many people who are looking for the same thing as you, it is like having another house where you can Always return but above all return to continue making a change, since I did see a difference with the children I taught.

I loved every minute of my time volunteering. I learned so much about a new culture and gained so much confidence. I had never done anything like this before and never travelled on my own which I was nervous about but you make friends and meet people so easily and everyone is so kind and helpful. I could recommend IVHQ and all their staff enough. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Obviously it was quite exciting and a bit scary at the beginning, but my Program Manager and the IVHQ team made everything very clear and the checklist was also very clear to prepare for my trip.

My accommodation (hotel) offered a nice environment and it was great to meet young people from all around the world. The staff of the hotel were very friendly and I felt safe the whole time. The meals in the hotel were all really good too. Even with the limited resources available there was always enough and good food. The food on the social night was amazing! Sometimes we went out for dinner to have some variety, and it was really nice to have the flexibility to do this.

It was a lovely experience and the most beautiful trip I did in my life! The combination of getting to know and be immersed in a complete different culture, never feeling like a real tourist, and helping in a local hospital while improving my medical knowledge, made this the best trip ever.

It has left me with many practical skills I can use for the rest of my life! Not only is the volunteering very rewarding, but experiencing Tanzania was a gift on its own.

Everything with IVHQ worked very smoothly and was very easy to organise.

This program was one of the best experiences of my life. Tanzania is a wonderful country and the people are incredible. My placement at a primary school was amazing. I was here for four weeks and I honestly could have stayed longer. My heart is so full from my time here.

The local team in Tanzania was absolutely fantastic. Everything was very easy to organise and they were always able to help with any issues. The food was good. After being there for four weeks it does get a bit repetitive but I understand why. The accommodation was probably better than I expected. It was very comfortable and clean and the mamas were all amazing. They looked after us very well.

I have gained a love for Tanzania and a deep appreciation for their culture and what they go through in this country. It has made me think so much more about what I could be doing to help others and my heart has never been fuller. To anyone hesitant I would say don’t be because you will not regret it. It might just be the best thing you’ve ever done like it has been for me.

The local team were incredibly welcoming and from the moment I arrived they were sure to let me know that they were always available should I need anything.

I loved sharing a house with 30 other girls, it was an amazing experience and I have made so many friends for life. Being in such a close space to these people forces you to make real connections and bonds that will last forever.

I hope I have impacted the children and teachers from my daycare in the same positive, loving way that they have impacted me.

From this program I have gained so much! From friendships to experiences and amazing stories to tell for the rest of my life. It has made me realise how big this world is and how much there is to explore.