Volunteer in Mexico

This program is affordable and approachable. The people and the location is safe, and the orientation helped to make me feel like an insider in a new country.

As someone who is not fluent in Spanish, this trip forced me to get out of my comfort zone and find new ways to communicate with the locals and children I volunteered with.

Don't think twice about volunteering to help those in need. The biggest reward is the satisfaction we give each individual through our stay and support. They will remember you and really value your assistance throughout the journey.

I appreciated having access to the online guide because I referred to it a lot to ensure I had every document ready to go. I had a really good time with everyone there, it was hard to leave the placement but the whole experience re-boosted my motivation to pursue my career in special education and expand it to speech therapy. If you like travelling, getting to know new people, learning a new language or culture, and helping people, you're going to love it. Just go with an open mind!

When it came to seeking guidance and having help with preparation, IVHQ was always available as the volunteers are welcome to ask questions and seek more information if needed. They would answer phone calls and help me with any questions I had. The local team was very welcoming! As my first time volunteering and my first solo trip, they made me feel safe and supported. They would explain in detail how the program would go.

By far, the best moment was when one of the kids gave me a painting they made to keep and take home. Another favorite moment was going to explore on the weekends and going to Cenotes (a deep sinkhole in limestone with a pool at the bottom). I loved learning about the culture and seeing kids who are getting help with physical therapy and being given access to healthcare providers. Some families would travel two hours to get to the facility I was volunteering with. Those families were truly inspiring. You only live once! To go abroad and volunteer it is a worldly experience that you can't just read about it, you have to live it.

I learned the importance of working patiently and really focusing on good quality, and hard work and I learned to be much more independent. My favorite thing was getting to work every single day in the bus and being received by everyone at my placement, they where all so kind. If you're hesitant, I would say to do it! there is minimal risk associated with volunteering abroad, especially with IVHQ and even if you are afraid like I was, you will meet great people and make an impact on the world. this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!