Volunteer Abroad for 2-4 Weeks

I spent my time in San Jose teaching English in a High School and Daycare centre. Both of these placements were extremely rewarding and a great way to experience the local culture. The project staff and staff at Maximo Nuvel have been excellent. I have found the programme extremely rewarding and will definitely do this again! A great way to see the world and give something back to local communities.

I participated in IVHQ's South Korea program in October 2026, including Culture Week and the Teaching volunteer project. While I genuinely enjoyed several things, I was disappointed with the overall organization, communication, and lack of guidance throughout the program. Before sharing my experience in South Korea, I want to mention that my interactions with IVHQ have been very positive. I originally planned to volunteer in Costa Rica in April 2026, but unfortunately had to cancel following the unexpected death of a coworker a week prior to my travel date. I work as a 911 dispatcher, and the circumstances surrounding her death were particularly difficult for me. Although I initially tried to continue with my travel plans, I ultimately couldn't go. IVHQ was incredibly kind and understanding throughout the process and credited me with most of what I had paid toward a future program. I genuinely appreciated how they handled the situation. South Korea was already somewhere I had been interested in visiting, so having that credit available was a big part of what motivated me to book this program. Unfortunately, while my interactions with IVHQ directly have been very positive, the organization and support provided during the South Korea program didn't meet my expectations. My biggest disappointment was Culture Week, which cost $660. Several activities advertised as included on IVHQ's website, such as Korean stamp carving, a calligraphy lesson, a War Memorial tour, a Blue House hike, and a visit to HiKR Ground, either didn't take place or weren't provided as advertised. For example, the calligraphy lesson was a brief children's activity in a museum hallway where we spent about five minutes writing our names with a brush and ink, with no real instruction. I understood before booking that the schedule could vary, and I had no issue with activities being moved to different days or times. However, I didn't expect the actual activities to differ so much, especially those explicitly listed as “included” on IVHQ's website. To make things more confusing, the itinerary advertised on IVHQ's website, the separate itinerary the local team sent on their Zoom in Seoul website before I arrived in Korea, and the activities we actually participated in were all different. Given the cost and the fact that Culture Week was advertised as an opportunity to experience and learn about Korean culture, I expected something more structured and educational for adult participants. Instead, much of the week felt like sightseeing, with limited explanations about the places we visited and some activities that seemed more appropriate for children. For reference, here's what we actually did during Culture Week: - Monday, October 5: A one-hour guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, approximately 20 minutes at the National Folk Museum, and about an hour of free time in Myeongdong. We were given meal vouchers to use at three restaurants within a few minutes' walk of the accommodation for lunch that day. - Tuesday, October 6: A Korean language lesson, lunch at a hot pot restaurant, a visit to Jingwansa Temple, and about 20 minutes at Eunpyeong Hanok Village to walk around and take pictures. - Wednesday, October 7: A stop at Jogyesa Temple, a walk through Bukchon Hanok Village, lunch at a traditional Korean buffet-style restaurant, and walks through Insadong and Ikseondong with little time to stop or explore. We also briefly stopped at a craft museum for a stamp scavenger hunt, which seemed to influence most of our walking route. We also participated in a kimchi cooking class, which was my favorite part of the day. - Thursday, October 8: Approximately an hour-long guided tour at the National Museum of Korea. There were so many people on the tour that we often couldn't see the exhibits the guide was discussing before the museum guide moved on. We then took a short walk around Hangang River Park, had a buffet lunch at Ashley on the river, and spent about an hour at the Hyundai Department Store. - Friday, October 9: Visit to Namsan Tower, lunch at Namdaemun Market, and a brief stop at the King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-Sin Museum specifically to complete what seemed to be children's craft activities, including writing our names with a brush and ink (which I think was supposed to be the “calligraphy lesson”), coloring a lucky bag, and making a keychain. We were seated alongside young children completing these activities, and the three adults in my tour group were the only participants without children. We weren’t given the option to explore the museum further. We finished with approximately five minutes on the rooftop of the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. We visited some interesting places, but our guides often provided little historical or cultural information, and sometimes couldn't answer questions about the locations. Some historical sites and museums were limited to very short visits, while we spent considerably longer in shopping areas. We also had to pay for our own transportation each day, which I hadn't expected given the $660 cost. Unlike the volunteer program page, which specifically states that volunteers are responsible for their own transportation, the Culture Week description made no mention of this additional expense. Since many attractions were free or inexpensive, I struggled to see how the experience justified the cost, even with accommodation included. That being said, I really enjoyed the Korean language lesson, the guided tour at Gyeongbokgung Palace, visiting several temples and markets, and participating in a kimchi cooking class. The week definitely had some worthwhile experiences. I experienced similar organizational issues during the volunteering portion of my trip. I had signed up for the Teaching project, hoping to gain practical experience working with children. However, I received no placement-specific orientation or meaningful guidance about what I would be teaching, the English proficiency of the particular students I'd be working with, or what was expected of me. On my first day, I was given materials to make vocabulary flashcards and then taken to a location where I was essentially left to figure out how to work with the children. Thankfully, another volunteer who had already been there showed me what she had been doing. I have a TEFL certification but limited practical teaching experience, so I had hoped to learn from a local teacher or coordinator while contributing to the project. I wasn't expecting someone to do everything for me, but I would have appreciated some basic direction about the students and their learning goals. What made the lack of guidance particularly disappointing was that IVHQ's website specifically stated that volunteers would work closely with teaching staff and receive support from local teachers. The program guide also described preparing classes with a local coordinator. IVHQ even advertises the program as suitable for people without teaching experience. I understand that volunteering requires flexibility and initiative, but I think there's a difference between expecting volunteers to take initiative and leaving them to figure out how a teaching placement operates without basic direction. Based on how the program was advertised, I expected at least some opportunity to collaborate with or learn from experienced staff. I also spent a day volunteering at a dog shelter, which I enjoyed. It was a nice surprise to learn that we could try other programs while we were there, although there was similarly little direction about what volunteers should be doing. Unfortunately, I became ill during the week and later had to return home early due to a family emergency, so my volunteering experience was shorter than originally planned. Because of that, I can't speak to what the remainder of the teaching experience would have been like. I do want to emphasize that everyone I interacted with on the local team was polite and friendly. I never felt unwelcome or uncomfortable, and my criticisms are about how the program was organized and the level of communication and guidance provided, rather than how I was treated personally. If you're looking for a highly informative, well-organized cultural experience with knowledgeable guides and opportunities to really learn about the places you're visiting, I honestly think you could put together a more personalized and cost-effective itinerary on your own. Many of the places we visited were free or inexpensive, and I would have preferred spending more time at the locations that interested me rather than rushing through some of them to go shopping. Similarly, if you're looking for a structured volunteer placement with clear expectations, guidance, and opportunities to learn from experienced staff, this particular program might not be the best fit. Based on my experience in South Korea, I wouldn't personally choose to volunteer with IVHQ again. However, I recognize that different countries, local teams, and volunteer projects may operate very differently, and I wouldn't necessarily discourage someone from considering IVHQ altogether. For anyone interested in volunteering with IVHQ, I'd strongly recommend asking detailed questions about the specific placement, the activities actually included, daily schedules, additional expenses, accommodation arrangements, and the level of support provided before booking. One other thing I'd mention for LGBTQIA+ travelers to South Korea, particularly those who are trans or nonbinary, is the accommodation situation. I'm nonbinary and have a male gender marker on my identification, but I appear more feminine. I stayed in a private room at the temple, but the bathrooms were shared and separated by gender. Although the individual toilet and shower stalls were private, I sometimes felt uncomfortable using the men's facilities. I knew before traveling that attitudes toward LGBTQIA+ identities might be different from what I'm used to, so I wasn't necessarily expecting the accommodations to account for my particular situation. I also want to emphasize that nobody at the temple ever made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. However, looking back, I wish I'd booked a private hotel room with my own bathroom, especially since I believe the cost would have been similar. It's just something I'd encourage other trans and nonbinary travelers to consider when choosing their accommodation.

This was such a great place to volunteer, the people, the sunsets, the history and fun. The experience was absolutely fantastic, ivhq made this an easy, safe and affordable experience. I'm so pleased I hot to do this.

I truly had the best summer of my life because if this trip! It was so fun and everybody was so nice and welcoming! I met some really close friends that I still talk to today even months later. TFT made this all possible and I’m eternally grateful that I choose them for this trip!

This summer, I went to this program and the Vietnam Service and Adventure, and it was the most memorable trip I've ever been on! Not only did we help make mushroom bags for a local school, but we also helped make treats for elephants! At the school, we got to interact with the children there and made lasting connections. I also liked this trip because it had a good balance between service and adventure. We went to many places such as the beach in Koh Phi Phi and many caves and hot springs. This trip also made me make life long friends with the best people ever, and we still talk to this day! I really recommend going on this trip!

The Voluntours program is small but they do a great job of networking to provide a balanced experience, including two hours of Spanish class per day, involvement with local educational programs in school and prison environments, and even an animal shelter (though I didn’t get to that one). They gave us great recommendations for things they didn’t provide directly: the nearby salsa class was great!

What a place! I couldn’t recommend more. If I had the time, I would stay here for months and will definitely be coming back without a doubt, already trying to plan when I can return. The most heartwarming ethical untoursity volunteering you can do. The foundations are Colombian founded and really support the children and adults in the country I fell in love with both Bucaramanga, the people and the foundations.

Thanks to the CHE Association, I was able to participate in a week of volunteering where I literally worked on open construction sites. All their projects aim to create and/or reclaim spaces for the community and those most in need. I mixed concrete by hand, knocked down walls with a mallet, painted the facade of a homeless shelter. But above all, I experienced wonderful moments of sharing and bonding with people who, in that moment, were all committed to helping create something beautiful! I meet amazing people who made me feel welcomed

I spent one month at the Nyamukino site with two of my colleagues and the rangers, conducting rapid assessments and documenting species. It was an exciting and unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for nature and conservation. One of the most memorable parts of my experience was conducting transect walks with my colleagues, identifying and documenting different species. The unarmed rangers were incredibly knowledgeable about the local environment, and their rich indigenous knowledge made our fieldwork even more rewarding. Their passion and commitment to conservation were truly inspiring. The experience also gave me the opportunity to encounter bird species I had previously known only from books and theory, including the Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. These moments brought my classroom knowledge to life and strengthened my passion for biodiversity conservation. The evening patrols with the unarmed rangers were special, allowing me to appreciate the aesthetic value of nature while gaining a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting it. My sincere gratitude goes to the management of Environmental Defenders for their remarkable work, continued efforts in environmental restoration, and commitment to raising environmental awareness. I am grateful to have been part of this experience, and the memories and lessons I gained at Nyamukino will remain with me for a long time

It was incredibly an enriching experience to gain hands-on experience in conservation work from the field activities especially in the reserves that protect important landscape and biodiversity. The staffs where supportive and easy to work for time I was there...Though interms of technicality as far as conservation work is concerned, it was lacking and would love if technical qualified personnels who are knowledgeable about conservation and has understanding of biodiversity of local area to be stationed in the reserves where the field work are done to offer guidance and help in technical aspects. The pre departure communication is excellent but it's quite different once at the site and I think this could be improved by having weekly reports assignments and reports and should be followed closely.. The health can be improved in especially in the reserves where atleast a medical personnel assigned during periods of field works to provide emergency services incase of accidents..

My experience was positive, informative, and worthwhile. I appreciated the opportunity to learn new things, improve my understanding, and gain valuable knowledge that I can apply in the future. The process was generally smooth, and the experience helped me appreciate the importance of continuous learning and improvement. Overall, I am satisfied with the experience and would recommend it to others who may benefit from a similar oppo

The internship provided valuable practical experience in biodiversity surveys, habitat assessment, plant identification and wildlife observation at Got Arana and Nyamukino reserves. It strengthened my fieldwork skills and improved my understanding of biodiversity conservation and environmental management. The living arrangements provided an opportunity to adapt to the field environment and develop flexibility. Although adjusting to a different routine presented some challenges, the experience contributed positively to my personal development. The internship helped me appreciate the importance of cooperation between conservation organisations and local communities. It highlighted the role of community participation in promoting environmental awareness and protecting natural resources. Safety was an important consideration during field activities, particularly in remote wildlife habitats. Access to healthcare was also a concern because medical facilities could be far from some field locations. The experience emphasized the importance of timely access to medical assistance. Security was available through the rangers. Overall, my internship at Environmental Defenders was a rewarding learning experience that enhanced my practical skills, personal development and appreciation of conservation work. It provided valuable exposure to field research and the realities of environmental management.

There is a difference between studying conservation in a classroom and experiencing it with your own hands. For me, this experience at the reserve was truly a first time for everything, and I enjoyed every bit of it. From collecting, drying, and handling seeds to working in seedbeds, learning about seed banking, and participating in tree planting and restoration, I got to experience the practical side of conservation that I had previously studied in theory. I began to appreciate the work, patience, and care that go into growing indigenous trees and restoring degraded landscapes. Wildlife monitoring was equally exciting, especially following the black-and-white colobus monkeys. Seeing animals interact in their natural habitats was fascinating and reminded me why protecting ecosystems matters. Beyond the conservation activities, living in nature was an experience I will always cherish. Waking up to the sound of birds, breathing fresh air, and being surrounded by nature brought me a kind of happiness that is difficult to describe. Every day offered something new to observe, learn, and appreciate.And for me who likes taking pictures of nature,this was it for me.My phone was filled with pictures of beautiful scenery. This experience reminded me that conservation is not just something we study,it is something we experience, practise, and commit ourselves to. I came away with new practical skills, beautiful memories, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Sometimes, you may know something in theory, but nothing compares to doing it for the first time. And for me, this was a season of firsts, growth, discovery and joy.

I've been a traveling Emergency Nurse for 6 years and it has been a goal of mine to volunteer in Africa for a while now. I looked at several companies that offer volunteering services but MediTrip by far exceeded all the other options. MediTrip was more than patient and helpful answering all my questions from day one. They were super helpful with the application process. They placed me in excellent housing where I got my own bedroom and bathroom with a staff member in the house for assistance at all times. They helped me with the orientation process at the hospital as well. I got to come volunteer during the daytime and saw other ways of doing medical procedures than they are done in the United States. It truly help broaden my mind with emergency medicine when materials aren't available. I would 100% recommend MediTrip not just in Tanzania but anywhere they operate their services.

I had the best experience volunteering with IVHQ. It gave me the opportunity to gain more confidence and a new perspective about so many things. I met the most amazing group of people, and I would recommend this program to anyone considering it. I participated in the healthcare program, which was such a great learning opportunity. I loved getting to immerse myself in a new culture while also giving back to the local community.

I travelled to Kisumu alone, a new country, a new culture and language not knowing what to expect, but it was the best experience. Each day was so different, and I quickly became accustomed to the laid back “Kenyan time”. When people hear about the trip the first thing they ask is “What was your favourite part?”, and I never know how to answer. It was the people, the lessons and the laughs shared that made the experience so special. We spent lots of time in the children’s remand home. In a time of such uncertainty in these young people’s lives seeing how eager they were to broaden their knowledge was honestly eye-opening. Getting to spend every evening chatting, playing lego, listening to music or being taught Kiswahili by the children are the little moments I will never forget.

My stay with Reef Buddy was simply lovely! Gary, Raquell, Tom and Romel made me feel like part of a family, inviting me to dinners and activities throughout my stay. The training, supervision and attention to detail in conservation were outstanding, and I felt a real sense of accomplishment gaining hands-on experience building coral structures. Tom and Romel especially improved my diving tenfold. I went from being an Open Water diver with just five dives to an Advanced diver with 70 dives. Their support

I had the time of my life and made so many new connections and friendships that I will cherish for life!! The volunteer opportunities were incredible! It was so cool being able to help out the local community and get to learn more about the way of living there.

From when I first started the trip everyone was so helpful I got off and on flights easily and we made it to maui from then on the community was great the staff and friends I made along the way I have to say In my group of people we never got into fights and we did all the excursions together no matter the groups even if one of my closets friends were in them and when I had trouble with my roomate in california the counslers were so nice and they helped me get my own room and fixed my problemes resulting in one of the best trips of my life

Six weeks that changed my life — and a journey that continues When I first contacted Medi Trip about volunteering in Tanzania, I had no idea that I was about to embark on a journey that would change my life forever. From my very first conversation with Pearl, the founder and director, I felt something special. There was genuine warmth, openness, professionalism, and, above all, a sincere passion for making a difference. I felt confident that I had made the right choice. The preparation was excellent. All the information I received beforehand was accurate, clear, and complete. Arriving in a country and culture so different from your own can be overwhelming, but Medi Trip made the entire experience feel welcoming and well organised. The accommodation was comfortable, the Tanzanian staff were wonderful, and there was always someone available for guidance, questions, or support. But what makes Medi Trip truly special to me goes far beyond the practical arrangements. I originally came to Tanzania for six weeks of volunteering. Today, I am on my seventh trip, and what started as a volunteer experience has grown into something I could never have imagined. Those first six weeks opened my eyes, touched my heart, and ultimately changed the direction of my life. Through the experiences, people, and communities I encountered, I discovered a passion and purpose that I hadn't known existed within me. Over time, I have grown from being a volunteer into someone actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting vulnerable women, girls, and children in Tanzania. And throughout that entire journey, Medi Trip has remained by my side. That is something I value enormously. My official volunteering placement may have ended a long time ago, but the relationship never did. Pearl and her team continue to follow my work, offer guidance, provide assistance when needed, and genuinely care about what I am trying to achieve. Even now, during my extended stays in Tanzania, I am still welcomed into the Medi Trip hostel, where I feel very much at home. I have never felt that I was simply another volunteer passing through their programme. I have always felt seen, supported, encouraged, and valued as a person. What I particularly admire about Pearl is her vision of what meaningful volunteering and philanthropy should be. It is not simply about arriving somewhere with good intentions and wanting to help. It is about listening, learning, respecting local knowledge, building relationships, and understanding that sustainable change comes from working alongside communities rather than deciding what they need. That philosophy has deeply influenced the way I approach my own work today. Of course, volunteering in a different country comes with challenges. You encounter unfamiliar situations, cultural differences, and realities that can be difficult to understand. But those experiences are also part of what makes volunteering so valuable. Having an organisation behind you that understands these complexities and is willing to guide and support you makes an enormous difference. I can only speak from my own experience, but after seven trips and years of continued involvement, I feel I have come to know Medi Trip not just as a volunteer, but also through the relationships and work that have developed since. And I can say wholeheartedly that my trust in Pearl and her team has only grown stronger. I arrived in Tanzania hoping to contribute something meaningful during six weeks of volunteering. I never expected to find a new direction in life, a community that feels like family, and a purpose that continues to inspire me every single day. Six weeks changed my life. And under the wing of Medi Trip, I found my calling. For that, I will always be grateful. Thank you, Pearl, Emmanuel, and the entire Medi Trip family, for opening a door that I never knew would lead to so much. I cannot recommend Medi Trip highly enough to anyone who is willing to approach volunteering with an open mind, an open heart, and a genuine desire to learn as much as they hope to give.