Volunteer Programs in Asia

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.

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

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 had a wonderful two-week international volunteer experience with VIN. The organization is involved in many projects that help marginalized people, and I took part in a women’s empowerment project. I would absolutely recommend an experience like this to anyone! It was a pleasure to volunteer with VIN and its staff, who are all so welcoming and take great care of their volunteers and the communities they work with.

For two weeks, I took part in a volunteering placement with VIN as part of the Raising Peace Campaign project. I had the opportunity to get to know rural communities near Kathmandu; I met women and spoke to them about domestic violence and their rights. It was a wonderful, immersive and fulfilling experience. VIN supported me right from the start, even before I set off, by providing me with all the necessary information and assistance. Even during my time as a volunteer, they were always attentive, approachable and ready to help. It was truly wonderful to volunteer with VIN, an organisation that is deeply committed and active on the ground; I felt part of a great project and a shared vision.

My three weeks with Stepping Stones China have been an extraordinarily rewarding first experience in China. With 22 years of teaching experience, including extensive work with 8 to 12-year-olds, I was truly delighted to put my expertise at the service of Stepping Stones. From the very beginning, the welcome from the entire team was exceptional. The staff’s guidance, support, and dedication created a warm, collaborative environment that made the mission a success. Working alongside my colleague Lisa, a psychologist and social-emotional development specialist, was a highlight. Together, our joint efforts helped the children feel comfortable, build confidence, and make tangible progress toward more natural, interactive English communication. Seeing the children's enthusiasm and growth over the weeks was deeply fulfilling. Given how positive this experience has been, I would love to join the team again next summer, subject to how the economic and geopolitical situation evolves. A huge thank you to the whole team for their outstanding work! "Jiayou!"

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.

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.

During my stay in Xiamen, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to teach English. Most students were excellent: they were eager to learn, took notes carefully, and were willing to practice English conversation. Their enthusiasm made teaching a rewarding experience. At the same time, some students seemed too young for the class or were not there by their own choice. A few appeared to have joined mainly to pass the time, or because their parents wanted a place where their children would be supervised. While I understand the parents’ perspective, this can make it difficult to maintain a focused and effective English-learning environment. I would recommend two improvements. First, the admission process should screen students more carefully so that classes are made up primarily of students who genuinely want to learn English. Second, teachers should be allowed to take appropriate disciplinary action against unruly behavior, with clear support from the school. This would help protect the learning experience of motivated students and allow teachers to teach more effectively. Overall, my experience was positive, and I hope these suggestions help strengthen the program in the

I did an animal care project in Portugal with IVHQ and I'm glad to say it was smooth from start to finish. The application was simple and the team always answered any questions I had about the placement itself or any issues I had with documents etc. Before I left there was a group call with my coordinator and other volunteers I'd be working with which made leaving home alone for the first time less daunting. At the placement I would feed the dogs, clean cages and have loads of cuddles and play time with them! The local team were very friendly and easy to approach as well. I had a great time and really felt like I actually made an impact. I would recommend IVHQ to anyone who would like to volunteer abroad

The process of becoming a volunteer for Stepping Stones is very straightforward and convenient. I had no prior teaching experience and taught two classes of about 40 children together with another Stepping Stones volunteer near Quanzhou, Fujian. Great amenities and lovely local coordinators. Volunteering through Stepping Stones is a great way to make an impact for children in rural China

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I was humbled by the grace, kindness, strength and joy I received from the young woman of the WEP. Their determination to become skilled and more of themselves, was truly inspirational to me! So we danced, laughed and learnt from each other. They embraced the creative, and educational and empowerment activities and enriched it with their life experience. I returned home with wonderful memories and a warmth in my heart - Thank you❤️ Many thanks to Pradeep and Mr. Thotiram who made the daily trip to the project fun and adventurous🤩

I did medical volunteering program in Jaipur. The experience was great. The house had a great location, the family was very kind, food was great. In the hospital I had the oportunity to listen to the different cases as well as try some practical things. The only obstacle was language, but doctor tried to explain everything to me. On the weekend I also had the oportunity to go sightseeing, we visited Amber Fort and other famous places in Jaipur. All in all the stay was pleasant and I had a really great time.

I had a wonderful time during my women's empowerment volunteer stay in Jaipur! The girls were fantastic and the cultural exchange with them was truly special; plus, the staff was very kind and welcoming. My host family made sure I had everything I needed and made me feel right at home. On top of that, Jaipur is a gorgeous city full of vibrant colors and incredible history. I'm so grateful and satisfied with this experience as a solo traveler, and I will carry these precious memories in my heart forever. :))

My time volunteer teaching in Zambia was unbelievably fantastic. I met such lovely fellow volunteers, staff at my volunteer house, teachers and of course kids at my school. The program was really well organised from pre departure to arrival home with plenty of time for sight seeing. I felt so safe in Zambia and received a warm welcome. I felt relaxed at all times and really did not want to come back. I plan to do it all again next year and hopefully catch up with the children a year on in their studies. I'm missing everyone in Zambia!

I wanted it before it started. And I want more after it finished. The experience is priceless and soul touching. Regardless of lacking comfort, the gains are more satisfying than anything other pleasures. I had the time to devote myself into a life meaning-seeking journey and to enjoy the feedback of it. The place ,the people , the doings during the period uncovered the unseen and hidden side of myself and bring this to the light gives me tremendous amount of pride and peace. I will continue doing this.