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Visit International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)'s website to learn more about their programs abroad

Overview

Overview

IVHQ offers the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer programs in more than 50 destinations. Programs are available in Africa, Asia, South America, Central America, North America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the Pacific where IVHQ has supported over 140,000 people to volunteer abroad since 2007.

Currently, IVHQ has programs in Bali, Costa Rica, South Africa, Greece, Fiji, Nepal, Peru, Jamaica, Madagascar, Spain, Cambodia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Italy, Tanzania, Cambodia, Victoria Falls, India, Vietnam, Portugal, New Zealand, Laos, Belgium, Morocco, Romania, Brazil, China, Ghana, Colombia, Zambia, Uganda, Ecuador, Argentina, Jordan, USA, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Mexico and Thailand.

IVHQ has the largest range of affordable volunteer programs with over 320 individual programs, ranging from 1 week to 24 weeks. Visit www.volunteerhq.org for more information.

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Types
  • Volunteer Abroad
  • Intern Abroad
  • Teach Abroad
Activities
  • Conservation
  • Arts & Culture
  • Homeless & Housing
  • Advocacy & Human Rights
  • Environment
  • Intern Abroad
  • Sports & Recreation
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Experiential Learning
  • Construction & Community Development
  • Animals
  • Ecotourism
  • Teach English
  • Health & Medicine
  • Study Abroad
  • Community Development
  • Internship
  • Children & Youth
  • Alternative Break
  • Human Rights
  • Education & Literacy
  • Work Abroad
  • Education
  • Children & Youth Development
  • Wildlife & Environmental Conservation
+20 more
Countries
  • Brazil
  • Romania/Moldova
  • Eastern Europe
  • Oceania
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Laos
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • China
  • Fiji
  • Colombia
  • Greece
  • Kenya
  • Uganda
  • Zimbabwe
  • Zambia
  • Italy
  • Sri Lanka
  • Spain
+15 more

Editorial

By Sarah Vandenberg

Director of Partnerships

Sarah has worked in the volunteer travel industry since 2004. She supports all of our partners, and shares stories, trends, and advice for travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad.

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is a leader in volunteer travel, working in 50 countries worldwide, and placing travelers on projects that contribute meaningfully to the community they are visiting.

An awesome organization

Launched in 2007, IVHQ connects knowledgeable and skilled travelers with responsible, high-quality projects that heighten global awareness and cultural understanding.

IVHQ prides itself on being a values-led organization, and places four values above all others: Responsible, Innovative, Trusted, and Awesome.

IVHQ equates “awesome” with being ambitious, tenacious, and youthful – the goal is to use size and scale to have a significant global impact, and to be flexible to adapt and respond to volunteer and community needs.

Marine conservation with IVHQ

More than volunteering

IVHQ offers more than volunteer placements abroad! This organization also provides services like fundraising advice, scholarships, service activity ideas, online TEFL courses, customized flight itineraries, a carbon footprint calculator, volunteer travel insurance, and even an online store.

Some of IVHQ’s achievements include:

  • Helped volunteers to contribute more than 860,000 hours of support to community programs abroad
  • Enabled volunteers to spend more than 410,000 hours supporting education and literacy projects
  • Invested over $11 million in communities abroad through IVHQ program fees
  • Grew its overall volunteer numbers to more than 140,000 since 2007
  • Reduced its carbon emissions by 15%

Teaching abroad with IVHQ

A trusted provider

Volunteers rave about their experiences with IVHQ, leaving more than 3,500 verified reviews on IVHQ’s website, and hundreds of reviews on Volunteer Forever.

From solo volunteers to families to students, the consensus is that IVHQ is organized and makes travel fun. Read on to see what volunteers have to say about this amazing organization!

IVHQ volunteers in Spain

1137 Participant reviews

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Hajar Lassal

19 Jul 2025

I want to volunteer because I love this hobby and especially in Spain I love this country very much and I hope to visit it.

Eja

9 Jul 2025

Contrary to what many might believe, IVHQ does not operate as a humanitarian or charitable organization but functions primarily as a revenue-generating business. To those who genuinely wish to volunteer and contribute to a humanitarian cause, I urge you to reconsider choosing IVHQ. It’s important to understand the difference between volunteering for a charity and participating in a commercial enterprise. I, too, fell into this misunderstanding. The reality is that you are often placed in challenging living conditions, which can create a sense of guilt and pressure to donate money locally. Meanwhile, the upfront fees you pay largely benefit the organization itself. IVHQ explicitly refers to itself as a “social enterprise,” not a charity. In fact, they reported revenue of $15 million as of May 2025. This distinction matters because it means your contributions primarily support the organization’s operations and staff—not the communities or children you expect to help. My purpose in sharing this is to warn others who sincerely want to make a positive impact through volunteering. Please take the time—just 10 minutes—to research this organization thoroughly before committing. While IVHQ markets itself as providing a “volunteer experience,” it is not a charity; its primary goal is profit generation. If your goal is to support genuine charitable work, I strongly encourage seeking alternative organizations with clear charitable status and transparent use of funds. This is something I deeply regret not investigating earlier.

Guemir Habib

10 Jun 2025

Bachelor's degree in psychology and two years of study in the field of autism Ready to volunteer with the possibility of studying and developing my skills in the field of autism

Adam Abouhamid

7 Aug 2024

Dear Friends, In a world that often feels divided, there's a powerful way to unite, heal, and bring positive change: volunteer work. When you volunteer, you don't just give your time; you share your passion, skills, and heart with those in need. The impact of your actions can ripple out, transforming lives, communities, and even yourself. Imagine the joy of a child who receives tutoring and begins to excel in school because of your dedication. Picture the relief on the faces of families who receive meals and support during tough times, knowing someone cares. Visualize a cleaner, greener environment because of your commitment to conservation and sustainability efforts. These are just a few examples of how your efforts can create lasting, meaningful change. Volunteering is more than just an act of kindness; it’s a journey of growth. You'll gain new perspectives, learn invaluable skills, and connect with diverse groups of people who share your commitment to making the world a better place. It's an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and discover the incredible difference you can make. So, let's come together and be the change we wish to see. Whether it's dedicating an hour a week or a few days a month, your contribution matters. Reach out to local organizations, join community initiatives, or even start your own project. Every act of service counts, and together, we can build a brighter, more compassionate future. Remember, the world needs your light. Volunteer today and inspire others to do the same. With heartfelt gratitude and hope ADAM ABOUHAMID

Baddou Mohamed

5 Apr 2024

I am interested in volunteer work to help persons in difficult situations and discover obroad societies. For this aim I am ready to travel everyware. Thank you very much.

IDBENADDI MUSTAPHA

7 Feb 2024

EVS is a program for young people between 18 and 30 years old. The program covers all the costs and provide you an unbelievable experience which allows you to improve your soft skills. Take a look of this video and discover VolunTube project, and EVS dedicated to Videomaking and Communication. You can be the next to leave. Discover our website WorkCamps to find interesting opportunities not linked to EVS.

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