Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ! Intern Abroad HQ. Explore our internship division, Pick a destination + project and apply for free, Meet your personal volunteer travel expert, Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account. Its my first time volunteering under IVHQ and i can say that it was the best memorable experience ive ever had with the crews and the rest of the volunteers from different parts of the world. I found out that the volunteers were being left along with the children, with no Khmer teaching staff or supervising staff. . My particular placement worked with young mothers enrolled in school (14yo-24yo) and their infants in need of day-care (1mo-1yo). She couldnt give me any. The program and all of my pre travel requirements were presented in an organized manner. Preparation and support are exemplary. So dont think twice, just go for it! - Rukhsar Asif, Tanzania. Given my background in law and experience in human rights outreach campaigns, I was looking for an internship that would give me the kind of work experience that I mistakenly thought I needed. IVHQ prides itself on being a values-led organization, and places four values above all others: Responsible, Innovative, Trusted, and Awesome. D. If a volunteers program duration is less than 2 months, the main tasks will involve applying English skills to assist at the NGO.. A few weeks of work by a few people eventually build a school. The IVHQ website offers a Working with NGOs program in Cambodia. Weve been empowering volunteers to make a difference since 2007 - and weve always been committed to making volunteering abroad more affordable and accessible to everyone. We're here to guide you through an unforgettable volunteer experience. Every moment I am well confident my safety and well being in foreign land are properly taken care of by local team. In construction, we left for our 30-minute walk to the site around 6:30 am and it was an enjoyable walk, as everybody waved and greeted us. The relatively exorbitant program fees we were paying to volunteer/intern in Cambodia could have paid the salary for several qualified Cambodian teachers or social workers. We were told to have an open mind because things never go according to plan in Cambodia. I slowly began to realise how problematic it is that these volunteers were taking potential jobs off locals. I am looking forward to my next trip, of course through IVHQ and I really like the fact that they have a variety of programs and locations. I was convinced I had done my due diligence. FIVE: You do not have the necessary qualifications or experience. Since my experience with IVHQ, I have done a lot of reflecting and research. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) During the project you will get the chance to see beautiful places in Sri lanka. Why? At International Volunteer HQ, we bring people of more than 96 nationalities together to create positive transformation through regenerative travel. Make a difference in 2023! If there were an emergency, the language barrier would be a serious issue. Volunteer work in Guatemala is based in Antigua and surrounding rural and coastal locations. Help children with arts and crafts at a local community center. Intern Abroad HQ. We eventually were called over to Rachna Satrei to meet the director, Maly. The United Nations is paying more attention to issues surrounding responsible tourism. Discover International Volunteer HQs spectacular Peru volunteer abroad program. A. IVHQ's partner organization in Cambodia cooperates with a network of over 40 local NGOs with volunteer placements available in the following fields: community development, human rights, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, gender issues, environmental issues, and education. Assist local professionals in a wide range of specialist departments in clinics within low income communities. The orphanage website had a section called Visit the Orphanage with visiting hours and requested items for visitors to bring as gifts. There is a minimum duration for the NGO program, it is considered an internship, there will be a variety of NGOs I could be sent to, I cannot find a bad word said about IVHQ online, and the program fee is so cheap that it could only be to cover our necessary costs! We deliver life-changing experiences and every member of the IVHQ team contributes to the long-term impact we facilitate. Explore our internship division, Pick a destination + project and apply for free, Meet your personal volunteer travel expert, Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account. Due to the lack of work I was given by the NGO, I had plenty of time to sit in the volunteer house and talk to the other volunteers about their placements. I should not have to explain how problematic this is. Why are we getting conflicting stories? Find out who youre likely to meet and which are the best progra Weve been empowering volunteers to make a difference since 2007. Our work as volunteers consisted in cleaning the floor with a mop that was bathed in water completely soiled, full of excrement, thick and not changed for several days. I found it interesting that IVHQ claimed to have a network of 40 local NGOs, yet three out of four NGO volunteers were placed in one NGO, which happened to be next-door to the CVF volunteer house. Volunteers rave about their experiences with IVHQ, leaving more than 3,500 verified reviews on IVHQs website, and hundreds of reviews on Volunteer Forever. My advice future volunteers: in the end, youll only regret the chances you didnt take! She supports all of our partners, and shares stories, trends, and advice for travelers who want to volunteer, intern, or teach abroad. I chose International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) because of the reviews from previous volunteers as well as their comprehensive website. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring stories, exclusive discounts, and program updates. But i can highly recommend that IVHQ is one of the best to volunteer with unforgettable experiences! I highly recommend going through them for your future international travels! :), For my first such volunteer trip, IVHQ were superb in providing all the information I'd need to prepare me for the trip of a lifetime! She told us that our daily task would be to teach English to some kids at a school her friend owned. I wish somebody had been this blunt to me. Something doesnt feel right here. Due to this huge number, we couldnt all fit in the CVF housing in Phnom Penh. As part of your fully-hosted experience, IVHQ organizes all the . However the Sports program was amazing, the school staff was very welcoming, especially the principal, and made me feel welcome. We told her a bit about ourselves and our backgrounds. The local staff was very caring and I felt safe in my accommodation. Help to teach English to local children and adults, equipping them with vital language skills that help them to find employment in the booming local tourism sector. Intern Abroad HQ. It was an orphanage-made exhibition and charity concert featuring the children singing and dancing for the public. A project designed for volunteers traveling in groups of 8 or more, involving outreach campaigns delivering basic healthcare in local communities. I did an IVHQ program in Nepal in 2014 and was not happy with the experience. It also put me at ease knowing for sure once I was there that the organisation is ethical and actually contributes to the sustainable development goals! Help to facilitate free English classes for children and adults, fostering better language skills and increased opportunities for your students. ONE: IVHQ is an umbrella organisation disconnected from what happens on the ground. I think I learned more from the kids than I ever could have taught them. The whole trip carries and injects positive energies to help and love people. Thank you IVHQ for helping make this trip phenomenal!. Verified 3 trips with IVHQ and plan more Would probably not choose any other company. That meant giving a private English lesson each day. Everyone was so welcoming and amazing to be with. Similarly, I found myself concerned for the other IVHQ volunteers in the childcare and teaching placements. Assist with seasonal tasks and help to implement sustainable practices. With over 300 projects across 50+ destinations, we offer the world's large. Assist centers, often in low income areas, with day-to-day operations, from helping with care and education to organizational assistance. As part of your fully-hosted experience, IVHQ organizes all the stressful stuff like airport pickup and accommodation. Local people are very hospitable and helpful. B. Where was the rest of the money going? NINE: Volunteering/interning abroad as a voluntourist does no favours for your CV. All there is are just unlimited flows of love and care to whoever need help. I have received information from IVHQ volunteers in other countries that IVHQs audit process consists of an IVHQ employee visiting the country, visiting one volunteer house, visiting a handful of placements and then drinking with the volunteers, all while making promotional videos for IVHQs social media accounts. Specialize in your area of interest: Our volunteer programs are open to those who want to gain experience in a specific area, such as Nurses, Dentists, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Paramedics, Nutritionists, Midwives and more. The Best Mission Trips For Nurses: Updated Completed List If New Zealand children are given a good quality education by qualified teachers, Cambodian children should be given the same. Teaching the children felt so rewarding and getting to explore and learn about another culture was eye-opening and magical. The volunteers told me their placements with children were completely unsupervised. What?! The country website (tourism) provides the rest. On the fourth day, Maly invited us to attend an NGO conference with her, which featured hundreds of very well-dressed NGO directors, alongside government officials, showing up in their large cars to listen to a panel talk and enjoy the several generous buffet meals throughout the day. Volunteers with relevant experience can assist in a range of medical fields. there is always something to do and to see. If so, why were they eating our food and why would the CVF director lie to us? International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) is the trusted volunteer organization, providing safe, quality and extremely affordable volunteering placementsin countries all over the world. Overall an amazing experience and would totally recommend it. I now work as a lawyer, prosecuting serious crime in Auckland, New Zealand. ; There may also be requirements of relevant professional and . The most blatant issue was that I could not speak Khmer. The reviews were well written and provided insight into the program. Our multi-layered support network and flexible booking policy means you can volunteer abroad with confidence. I looked up another IVHQ childcare placement (which are really orphanages filled mostly with children who have one or more living parent, but IVHQ calls them childcare placements to avoid associations with these dodgy orphanages), called the Home of Joy Orphanage. Weekends were for sightseeing, usually gone for 2 days (at our expense). Become a UN Volunteer This included a pre-departure webinar ( was EVERYTHING!) We save all feedbacks and sort them in alphabetical order in the document. Check out the widget below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for Peru, based on your country of residence. You connect with both fellow international travellers, but the rich local community, too. We were then made to sign a volunteer rules document, which featured statements such as I will have an open mind and not have high expectations and I will not complain about anything which, with my legal background, I was reluctant to sign my name to. We were also asked for details of our travel history and experience. If these volunteers were given permission to publicise these photos, IVHQ should stringently review its photography of children policy. From enquiring about programmes to still now weeks after finishing the programme, the support Ive had from IVHQ and the hosts in Tanzania has been amazing. Looking for cheap volunteer abroad programs in 2023 & 2024? We offer the worlds #1 rated and largest range of volunteer programs with 300+ projects across 50+ destinations - from teaching and working with children to medical missions, conservation and wildlife volunteering. They provided me with everything I needed! A great project for those wanting to be involved in all aspects of childcare. Explore volunteer & intern gap year program opportunities. Help in a wide range of volunteer projects over Christmas and New Year. The unique thing about the International Volunteer HQ's (IVHQ) medical abroad program, is they allow volunteers of all skill sets to join their teams all around the world. I felt comfortable expressing any concerns as I knew the team will be there to make the experience as smooth as possible. My accommodation was wonderful and I felt safe the whole time. It was amazing seeing locals smile when we help to construct and renovate schools . The tide is turning and new waves of activism are seeing more people informed of the harms of voluntourism. During the orientation, we were taught about Khmer culture. Work with Big Brothers Big Sisters and spend time with a little each week. I was in Quito, Ecuador teaching for their Music Project for nine weeks. RELATED: An honest look at IVHQ in Kenya and why volunteers should avoid them. Two of them were also placed at Rachna Satrei, and one was placed at a community development NGO outside of Siem Reap. Before volunteering with IVHQ please read my experience working with them in Cambodia. I had a genuinely meaningful, fulfilling, and enjoyable time on my first IVHQ trip. The IVHQ Code of Conduct clearly stated that photography and videography of children is only permitted with permission from the placement staff and photos/videos should not be taken in any way intended to belittle or degrade any placement participant. The in-country partner, Cambodia Volunteer Foundation (CVF), was suddenly in control of everything. Explore our internship division, Make a difference in 2023! These children are not circus performers, theyre vulnerable and at-risk children. Is it so that orphanage directors, tour-guides and large voluntourism companies can profit from this separation? Everything I wanted to know about the program was right there and very organized. See the world & make a difference! you really don't want to miss out on this! SIX: You are taking jobs and resources away from Cambodians who need them more than you do. This was my first time traveling abroad, and I felt super safe with the help of the staff and other volunteers. The poster on the orphanage website which advertised the charity concert was taken down after I complained to IVHQ. As a corporate worker for years, this volunteering has woke me up to realize the 3 essentials to achieve harmony and peace in humanity. It was not until I got to Cambodia and was given my placement that I realised the shortcomings of what I had to offer. I have made new best friends that I know I will keep for a lifetime. Im sure it will be fine. I would definitely go again and maybe try a different program. It concerned me that most of the placements volunteers were assigned to were Christian orphanages, funded by Christian churches overseas. RELATED:Why I don't Recommend Volunteering with Frontier in Fiji. International Volunteer HQ All rights reserved. First, I'd like to thank, Hi Everyone, I'd already paid what in hindsight was a ridiculous amount. Contribute your language skills as a lead or assistant teacher in schools and language institutes in the outskirts of Lima, where native English speakers arent often available for students to learn from. B. Project Search Tool My Wishlist Apply now Where can I go? And of course there are the volunteers and their golden hearts, whom have travelled from different parts of planet, just to offer their helping hands from single week to several months. The first day I arrived at my placement I was nervous, but the girls laced their fingers into mine and in a heartbeat I knew it would be heart-achingly sad when I had to say goodbye.. Ok, that may be four, but seriously, its a great opportunity yo not only give back, but enjoy the rich culture that country has to offer. From high schoolers who aspire to be nurses to college students and professionals, IVHQ brings medical transformation to their 15 sites each and every year. I immediately noticed extremely young looking Cambodian women walking in and out of a door behind the reception, upstairs. Their school was only a 5-minute walk. This was not what I signed up for. Accommodation in local homestays or a dormitory-style volunteer house in Antigua, Exciting add-ons available, including volcano treks, coffee plantation tours, adventure activities and multi-day tours. IVHQ volunteers on orientation in Colombia. All programs are trademark of their respective companies. The website provides all the information that you need about your program. Unbelievably, we had only been in Siem Reap for two days and were invited by an IVHQ volunteer to come and watch a performance put on by the children at their orphanage placement. There are several ways to get in contact with us. As a certified B Corporation, were committed to using business as a force for good. My eight-week NGO internship was cut to just one week. Get ready to volunteer abroad, well support you every step of the way! I removed all mentions of volunteering or interning in Cambodia, both from my experiences in 2013 and 2014. International Volunteer HQ All rights reserved. Visit www.volunteerhq.org for more information. Did I tell you the real reason I went was to give back during my birthday?! View our 2023 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Volunteer at an Elephant Sanctuary to Make a Difference, Travel Photography Internships and Volunteer Opportunities Abroad, Volunteer Abroad for Womens Empowerment & Girls Education, Take Inspiration from Jimmy Carter: Be a Building Volunteer for Those in Need, Best Shark Conservation Volunteering Abroad Programs: Volunteer in Australia, Belize, South Africa & Beyond, 2023 2024 Best Volunteer Abroad Programs, Organizations, & Projects, Volunteer, Teach, Intern in Europe: Over 30 projects in 13 countries, Big Cat Conservation: Work with Cheetahs, Tigers, Lions & Leopards, NGO Volunteer Opportunities Abroad: Gain International Work Experience, Best Solo Vacations for Lone Travelers: Volunteer Vacations for Singles, What is a Hostel? The IVHQ website has a list of guidelines for selecting responsible childcare providers to partner with. There were between 50 and 100 volunteers starting on the same day as me. 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. Volunteering abroad with IVHQ enables you to make meaningful contributions to community projects in the areas of education, healthcare, construction, childcare, community development, conservation, social enterprise, volunteering with animals, wildlife and more. What can I do? Overall, I developed a deep connection with the country and community, while also diversifying my interactions and experiences with a unique, cosmopolitan group of travellers staying in the hostel. with all the kids, playing and learning. Apply For Free Key information Fully hosted experience from $385 Volunteer from 1 - 24 weeks Ages 16+ and families Based in the colorful city of Antigua Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals Impact driven projects run by locals B Corporation certified organization Coffee tours & other add-on adventures Volunteer abroad How come there were several spare rooms in the volunteer house, yet all of the volunteers had to share bedrooms? Whether you're a medical student, nursing student, pre-med or qualified professional, there are a diverse range of medical programs to suit volunteers at every stage and across many speciality fields. My posts in both Facebook groups were deleted and I was blocked from both groups. Another CVF worker said the girls had come to visit Angkor Wat and just needed a lift home. Afternoons and evenings were spent reading, playing games, interacting with the children. IVHQ hosts volunteers of all backgrounds, nationalities and ages. A video on the official IVHQ YouTube channel featured Our Home as a potential placement for prospective volunteers.