Rainforest and Coastal Conservation in Zanzibar

I feel that I learned and experienced so much more from this trip than I ever would have if I had just visited Zanzibar as a tourist. By working in the local community, you get to help make a small difference with the work they do and learn how they live their lives. It has changed how I look at my own lifestyle and has shown me how privileged we really are. If someone is hesitant about going, I can understand that, I was scared before I left too. But once you have an open mind about what you will experience, then you will adapt more easily to the new culture. Everyone in the local team and community there is so kind and helpful, and meeting the other volunteers you get to make lifelong friends!

The team at IVHQ was really helpful with all the preparation I needed in advance of my program. I became a much more sociable person developing my character at the same time feeling good about myself helping the locals and embracing the culture.

For people who are hesitant I would tell them not to be at all because there were so many people similar to me that also traveled alone. In fact I would much more recommend travelling alone then in a group allowing you to build more valuable connections and friendships.

I feel that this program offered many new experiences, as well as extended the experience I already had in some areas. Traveling alone, meeting new people, learning how everything works around you, and getting to the point of enjoying it is something that everyone can benefit from every time. I know I will continue to seek out opportunities like this to continue growing, but this particular program offered me so much. I am extremely grateful.

I think for someone considering joining a program like this, remember that it will offer everything it claims on the website description, as well as everything that comes with traveling to a new place. You WILL meet new amazing people, and you WILL get to know the area and people around you to the extent of feeling like home. There will always be benefits of doing a program like this so if you’re considering it even a little bit, push yourself to sign up; you won’t regret it :)

IVHQ gave me such an amazing set of resources pre-departure to educate volunteers on what to expect at the program. This whole experience was amazing, you learn so much and meet so many amazing new people. My advice would be to dive in and be confident, speak to everyone and ask many questions!

This program is so rewarding in so many ways. I met wonderful people, immersed myself in the culture , worked hard yet still had fun and relaxed, ate more than I should and laughed. This was a stunning experience that I would recommend to any traveler of any age. Humbling and fulfilling in the best way.

I received very helpful and clear preparation resources from IVHQ as well as friendly responses via email and over the phone. Experiencing the local way of life and the culture had the biggest impact on me during my volunteering trip. The way in which everything is utilised, including tree leaves for houses, food, and other purposes, as well as worn-down or broken items that were repaired or repurposed, which others would typically throw them out. Preparation and research may be needed, but in the end you will have gained a lot of diverse knowledge and a good experience out of volunteering abroad. One of the best parts about it is meeting others from different countries and their backgrounds.