Teaching Volunteer Programs

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.

In 2017, I got a chance to travel outside my country, Uganda. First of all, I was so excited to travel. I love travelling and I was travelling by bus from my rural district of Hoima then, through Kampala to Arusha of Tanzania. I had been selected with other 29 Ugandans to attend a youth leadership training. While there, I met many other young people from East Africa and we discussed many issues including challenges and how we could position ourselves as young people to reduce on the challenges young people face. Besides that, I had to maximize my interaction with many young people from Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda. I learnt lessons. Good lessons such as better communication, positioning myself for different opportunities. I learnt how to "stand out of the crowd" always. Most importantly, I learnt how to respect different people with cultures different from mine. I equally, tasted different kinds of dishes. Yes, I love eating sweet food and the food I tasted during my all trip was the best. All in all, This was my best of the best ever experiences.

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 experience as a School Teaching Assistant with Future For Africa has been a valuable and rewarding opportunity to develop my teaching, communication, and classroom management skills. I enjoyed supporting teachers, assisting learners with their educational activities, and creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. This experience has strengthened my patience, teamwork, and commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals. I am grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge gained.

Had an amazing time in Guatemala with Maximo Nivel. Everything ran very smoothly. The staff were nice and the facilities were great. Events were organised every week to help volunteers get to know each other as well.

It was a great summer and I liked organizing activities and chilling with other people and having a pause from real life for a summer. I would recommend this to anyone that would like to have a fun summer in nature.

It brought me so much joy to soend time with the kids. It felt like we built a geniuine connection right away and i miss them very much. I am very thankful, that i was welcomed dearly by everyone. They made me feel like i belonged there and were always so hapoy to see me. I loves the walk to the waterfall and the hike on our last day. The view from up there was incredible and i loved being sorrounded by all those lovely people. I also enjoyed our trip to the lake. We danced and sang, it made me feel so nostalgic and it got me to really think about the future, and where and how i wanna spend my gap year after i graduate. I loved the whole experience and defenitly wanna come back.

What surprised me most was how straightforward the placement process through ICN was and how much opportunity it opened up to gain experience in the international camp industry. Going from securing a placement to becoming a camp director showed me just how much you can learn, develop and progress when you put yourself out there. I would tell a friend that working at a camp is an incredibly rewarding experience, giving you the chance to build leadership skills, meet people from all over the world and take on real responsibility. If you're willing to work hard, learn from others and step outside your comfort zone, it can open doors you might never have expected.

So much fun and so many adventures, life-lessons and challenges packed into 6 months. Go with a good attitude, practice good work ethic, don't take things personally and prepare for challenges like less sleep. You'll have a great time, go on so many adventures, meet good people, maybe find romance and learn a lot of life skills inc. finding your inner kid as well as raising kids. Looking back I'm really thankful for my experience there and can only advise you to do it too.

started at camp as a camper in 2012. Since then I went through the Junior, Senior, Leadership, and CIT programs before becoming a teamer and finally transitioning to being a coach in the High Ropes course. Camp Adventure has enabled me to expand my skillset, spend time outdoors, and lead activities that I loved participating in as a kid, all while gaining international friends that I will keep for life. If you want to gain practical experience in outdoor pedagogy while having fun doing it, Camp Adventure is the place for you! I don't plan on ever leaving.

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!☀️🪷🌊🌿🏄🤙

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.

IVHQ is an amazing volunteer community. The team is super helpful and supportive from start to finish. The volunteer locations and the home stays are great for immersing yourself in the culture and environment. I’ve done 2 trips. One in Guatemala and one in Ecuador and have plans to do many with. 5 star experience! I hope this review inspires someone!

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.