I spent 16 days volunteering and traveling solo for the first time in my life with IVHQ at the beginning of February. I worked on the surf outreach and early childhood education programs in Cape Town, South Africa, and it was truly the best experience of my entire life. I have always had a deep passion for volunteering to improve the lives of children and animals in my local community, but it was time to extend my efforts beyond the United States. This decision turned out to be the best one I have ever made. I fell deeply in love with the people and culture of South Africa, and I formed friendships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. If you are considering volunteering through IVHQ - do it. I felt extremely supported during my entire trip, especially being a single girl in my twenties traveling alone. The local staff at our volunteer house were incredible and so kind + my rep that helped me plan my trip was also super helpful and answered all of my questions so that I was fully prepared to take on this journey! I can’t wait for my next volunteer trip!

support from the online coordinator was great, always replied to emails soon and with helpful answers; and the local team was so friendly and kind and really made it feel like home! this was my first time volunteering so i was fairly unsure of what to expect but i enjoyed it so much and would definitely go through IVHQ again! i initially joined to do childcare, my first week i helped out at a kid’s camp but due to that camp ending the local team were really helpful and quickly found me another placement to volunteer at to what would suit me. meeting new people in the homestay was great and you quickly become friends with them for the trip or to also keep in contact after. i loved being able to have free time to choose what to do and where to go and being able to visit amazing places and immerse myself in a new culture despite not speaking Spanish much or well!