Every year thousands of people choose to volunteer abroad with IVHQ as a Peace Corps alternative. Here’s why:
For those who can’t commit to 2 years with the Peace Corps, IVHQ offers affordable, safe and responsible volunteer travel opportunities for 1-24 weeks in over 50 destinations, including Costa Rica, Bali, South Africa, Kenya, Italy and Fiji.
Established in 2007, IVHQ has grown to become the world’s leading volunteer travel organisation, offering a variety of projects for volunteer travellers, including Teaching, Childcare, Community Development, Medical, Construction and Renovation, Turtle Conservation and Wildlife Conservation.
With volunteer program fees starting from US$20 (approximately AU$32) per day including accommodation, you will not find a more affordable and trustworthy Peace Corps alternative.
I feel that getting involved with volunteering and living with the family gives you a more profound insight into the culture and way of life. This gave me time to really adapt and experience life there in a more unique way to a regular tourist. It has inspired me to take part in projects like this on my next adventure! The accommodation felt safe, comfortable and homely. My favourite part of volunteering abroad in Ecuador was meeting great people, volunteers and staff, playing with the kids and practising Spanish! Kristina Downie, 23 (Volunteer in Ecuador)
I recently returned from a great trip to Sri Lanka. It was everything I dreamed it would be. I was extremely lucky with my home stay and lived in the jungle next to the longest river in Sri Lanka. The family were extremely welcoming and took good care of me. The food was fantastic and the family did everything possible to keep us well fed. I chose to help in a disabled childcare centre and because I am a therapist I was able to do physiotherapy with the babies and small children. I was so happy with the project I stayed the entire 3 weeks. All in all I had a wonderful, and sometimes challenging experience. As a mature volunteer I felt prepared for whatever experiences life brought up and I was well prepared and well travelled. I would recommend this type of trip to anyone who wants to travel alone. Ruth Cartwright, 62 (Volunteer in Sri Lanka)
The students really showed their appreciation for the work we were doing. I feel like through my teaching the students also learned a great deal about my culture/lifestyle and that of the other volunteers. I feel this was particularly empowering for the girls as there is still considerable gender inequality in Nepal. I have found my experience to be both very rewarding and at times, difficult. I feel I have developed an incredible appreciate for the education and lifestyle I have at home. I also have a lot of admiration for the Nepali children who attend school six days a week in adverse conditions. I feel this experience helped to improve my humility also. Geoffrey Rouse, 25 (Volunteer in Nepal)
