Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs Abroad

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 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!

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.

We really enjoyed working with the staff. They were very professional, friendly, helpful, fun, and informative. We loved our project! It taught us so many wonderful lessons of compassion, friendship, patience, and diversity. We definitely want to come again!

This program was very cool! we got to experience so much with all the other volunteers from night patrols, trash pickup and more! I loved all the people I met, and I feel like I made such great connections!☀️🪷🌊🌿🏄🤙

Overall, turtle conservation was a great experience. I got to see many, many turtles throughout the Aribada. Though, much of the day was boring due to a lack of work and activities to do during the day.

This experience changed me in ways I never expected. From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be life-changing, but looking back, I can say it was the best experience of my life, and I'm only 22. The local team was truly incredible. They supported me 24/7, and whenever I struggled or faced a difficulty, they were 100% there to help. I couldn't have asked for better people to work with, and I'm so glad to have met them and built real friendships along the way. The same goes for the other volunteers. Living and sharing spaces with them made the experience special and unforgettable, and I came away with countless memories and a lot of laughs. The accommodation was very different from what I'm used to in Western culture, and sharing space means giving up some privacy, but that was part of the charm and I wouldn't change it. The children and the locals touched my heart so deeply that, after my volunteering hours ended, I decided to sponsor some of the children I spent time with from a distance. This experience opened my eyes to how much exists beyond my own borders, both the beautiful and the difficult. The people I met taught me how to smile, how to truly live, and above all, how to be grateful for what I have. Thanks to them, I now know what I want to devote my life to: helping others and making people feel seen and valued. Before leaving, I was nervous about being in a foreign country, far from home, surrounded by people I didn't know, and I worried about whether I would be able to adjust. But that fear faded far more quickly than I imagined. The people I once considered strangers became an essential part of my journey and, most importantly, became my friends.

I´ve spent a month at Panthera Sanctuary. I have the utmost respect for the Aldo and Cristobal. They´ve made me feel welcomed and safe from day 1. I had some reservations and fears of course before my arrival considering the remoteness of the location. But they made sure we were well informed and looked after at all times. The place is a paradise, I would recommend this program to everyone who wants to be a part of something bigger, who loves animals and nature or just for digital detox. Even though we´ve had no internet connection in the sanctuary, the guys from Maximo Nivel´s office sent us regular updates and checked-in on us. I thank the whole team for this once in a lifetime experience.

My boyfriend and I visited LUMO Wildlife conservancy in Kenya and it was amazing! Each day was different! All of the were activities were engaging and the people were so welcoming and accommodating! 10/10 would recommend! Particularly if you are on a Gap year or finishing university! Such an eye opening experience! Thank you everyone! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

From the beginning the whole process was seamless and very supportive. Airport pickup, transportation, accommodation, staff, food were first class. They couldn’t have been more helpful. I participated in a teaching program in Kandy, also turtle conservation. Both programs far exceeded my expectations and I left feeling that I had made a difference. Wonderful connections and friendships made with fellow volunteers from all over the world. Life changing in many ways.

Participating in the volunteer program for the sea turtle conservation program in Costa Rica with MÁXIMO NIVEL was an absolutely amazing experience. To be completely honest, you definitely need an adaptable mindset. You will be immersing yourself in authentic local contexts, adjusting to a different lifestyle, and stepping out of your comfort zone every single day.However, getting hands-on with marine conservation and taking part in night beach patrols, protecting nesting sites in the hatchery, collecting vital scientific data, and releasing hatchlings into the ocean makes every challenge completely worth it. That being said, Máximo Nivel's organization was fantastic from day one. The local team is incredibly professional, supportive, and always available to assist with anything you need—from orientation to daily project management. You feel safe, well-guided, and genuinely valued throughout the entire journey.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

I will never forget the last time I walked away from the school, knowing that the children who had become such a big part of my days would no longer be there waiting for me during the breaks. In such a short time, their hugs, their laughter, their little hands reaching for mine had become something I had started to take for granted. And suddenly, I had to say goodbye. I went to Zanzibar thinking I was going to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I didn’t expect to become so emotionally attached to a place, to a community and, most of all, to the people I met there. I volunteered with Zanzibar Learning 4 Life in Stone Town, mainly supporting the organization with administrative and organizational tasks and working closely with the founder. I also helped with communication, marketing and fundraising. It was a different kind of volunteering from what I had imagined, and I loved discovering the work that happens behind the scenes of a local organization. But the moments that will stay with me forever happened outside of my actual role. During my breaks, I was always surrounded by children. Someone would come to hold my hand, someone would ask me to play, someone would sit next to me just because they wanted to be close. Sometimes we didn’t even need words. Their smiles and affection said everything. I arrived thinking I would be the one making a difference, but I slowly realized how much they were changing me instead. They taught me to appreciate the simplest things, to be present and to find happiness in moments that cost absolutely nothing. I also tried to completely immerse myself in the local culture. I left behind, as much as I could, my usual routines, expectations and way of doing things. I wanted to experience Zanzibar rather than simply observe it. I listened, adapted, made mistakes, learned and allowed myself to see everyday life from a different perspective. That openness changed the experience for me. Looking back, I don’t think the most important thing I brought home was something I learned how to do. It was something I learned how to feel. I came home with photographs, stories and memories, but also with faces I can still picture, hugs I can still remember and a piece of Zanzibar that I know will always stay with me. I went there for a few weeks. Somehow, it feels like a part of me is still there.

once you travel to a place you never been you start to see how different people live, peoples cultura and you get to meet people and their experiences in life. eye open ending experience for sure and that’s why i’m coming back again.

I’d like to start off by expressing my utmost gratitude to African Conservation Experience (ACE) and the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for allowing me the opportunity to work with such amazing creatures and people and for giving me encouragement to pursue a career in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation. I’ve yet to see a more driving force in the never-ending battle of environmental conservation. The level of compassion and effort they put into the welfare of the wildlife under their care left me awe-struck, to say the least. It’s no secret that environmentalism is an important cause that’s seldom prioritised in this world. Until you’ve put boots on the ground, it’s impossible to fully comprehend just how deeply rooted these issues lie and how much effort it takes to make short and long-term progress. During my time at Moholoholo, I was blessed to get elbow-deep in the dirty work of wildlife care and maintenance; everything from food prep to cleaning to enrichment required such a calculated approach to maximise the quality of life for those to be released and those who remain inhabitants at the sanctuary. I was able to see the full circle of life take place during my time there, seeing neonatal care, health maintenance of adult inhabitants, successful rehabilitation and release, and even the process and aftercare of the wildlife who passed on after succumbing to injuries too severe. I received an education like no other, learning about how all aspects of the local ecosystem interact with each other, and how we can help preserve and heal the areas that are in decline. Also, I was able to get an understanding of how the sociopolitical climates of the area affect everything from individual animals down to the quality of the soil that they tread upon. The people I met at ACE and Moholoholo are some of the most professional, wise, and compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with. I am so grateful to have worked with them, and I’m incredibly excited to return in the future!

When was I planning for my next 40 years wanted to embark on a multicultural adventure that would bring me new sights, smells and experiences. After 2 weeks of consulting with other outfit programs decided to enroll in the Maximo volunteer, Spanish immersion, and mini adventure program. I had limited time to maximize my journey, and was a bit overwhelmed. After communicating with Travis and his onboarding team i was confident that i chose the right outfit for my personal journey. Their team made it very easy to customize my experience and answered all my questions with details and confirmations. I was very excited to embark on this adventure. This was my first solo international adventure and the Maximo team had the experience i wanted to work with. After landing in Cusco, i was taken care of by their travel team and taken straight to my guest house. after that i was invited to meet with Gabby (the big cheese) and got to see the international office while meeting the remainder of their team of 50. i was welcomed with open arms and introduced to Reese, the field manager who met with my for an hour to discuss the plan of action for the next two weeks. after that meeting i was excited to start my journey. I could go on and on about the client services and attention to detail that this team provided to me, and i am forever grateful to have been apart of a program that cares for its clients, community and the overall contribution to the world. My 2028 goal is to become TEFL certified and will be using MAXIMO NIVEL for that next adventure. ¨To realize ones destiny is a persons only obligation!¨

The pre-departure support given was very adequate and I felt very reassured despite me traveling by myself for the first time. Sign up was easy and I definitely recommend volunteering with IVHQ. Staff were very helpful too.

I volunteered at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for two weeks in July, and it was an experience I will never forget. I never knew conservation opportunities like this existed until a former staff member referred me during my stay in South Africa the previous year. Initially, choosing which project I wanted to do seemed difficult, as they all approach conservation slightly differently, and I was restricted to two weeks. African Conservation Experience (ACE) provided detailed information and advice based on what I wanted from the experience, and any questions or concerns I had were answered. This all led to me picking Moholoholo, which was definitely the right choice for me, so I am very grateful for the discussions we had about this. As my first time travelling solo, ACE made this a very relaxed and stress-free process. We were met at the airport by two members of the South African ACE team, who helped volunteers get anything they needed from the airport, such as SIM cards. They gave us a free meal upon arrival and also made sure we made it to the next part of our travels, whether that was another flight or a car journey. This was very helpful and saved a lot of time! My experience at Moholoholo was very eye-opening to the efforts that go into conservation. From tending to the animals permanently in the sanctuary daily (due to a variety of reasons, meaning they were unable to be released) to learning about and helping animals that were being rehabilitated to eventually be released in the wild, each scenario was different and very interesting. Hearing the stories of the individual animals and the history of the rehab showcased the dedication this place has to wildlife conservation, and it was great to be a part of that. The staff at the centre were also really kind and welcoming. During my time on the project, ACE also contacted me to check how I was getting on whilst there and if I had any problems, which was really appreciated. ACE overall made this experience very easy and stress-free, and I will be using them again. I can’t wait to be back soon!