This was my very first volunteer experience. IVHQ made me feel safe and prepared from the very start of my process all the way until I got home. IVHQ provided all of the training guides, video chats, and was very easy to get in touch with if you had any questions or concerns.
The local team was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we arrived, they greeted us like family and did everything they could to make sure the needs of every single volunteer was met. It didn't matter if there was 5 or 500 people. They truly valued every single person.
I thought the food was very good. We did tend to repeat meals from week to week, but cooking for that many people does put a bit of a limit on what you can cook. The accommodations were exactly how they were described. Yes it was cold, but the staff made sure you had hot water bottles and plenty of blankets.
I was at the project for four weeks. I was able to travel around to a couple of the other projects as well. It makes you feel good that no matter where you go, you are always making a difference somewhere and learning how to keep making a difference. I felt like just the knowledge alone changed how I viewed the world and what I should be doing to keep up with my part.
There was so much to learn and gain from this experience. You learn not only about the culture, but about yourself as well. The friends you will meet will become your besties almost instantly. I could not recommend this program enough.