Being able to travel abroad while also helping in local communities makes volunteering abroad such an amazing experience. There are so many volunteer companies to volunteer abroad with. The volunteer program I have volunteered with twice is IVHQ. For anyone planning to volunteer abroad here are tips you need to know before volunteering with IVHQ.
Tip #1: Look into Booking Your Own Flights
If you volunteer with IVHQ they will mention a flight company that they work with that they recommend, saying it’s a great deal. It might be less of a hassle and research for you but if you are looking for the best deal book your own flights. I recommend looking into Google Flights of Skyscanner to find affordable flights to your destination.
Tip #2: Look into the Type of Criminal Background/Record Check You Need
When it comes to criminal background checks I’m not sure about other countries but IVHQ only requires a basic criminal background check. So when I went to get my criminal background check, in Canada, to volunteer with IVHQ they tried to make me pay but the basic one I needed was free so we just had to clarify the type we needed and we got it for free.
If you are wondering where to get a criminal background/record check go to your nearest police station with your ID (two pieces usually) and they should be able to give you a record check.
Tip #3: Look into Introduction Week
For some of IVHQ’s destinations, they provide an Introduction Week at an additional cost, where you get to take language lessons, cooking classes, and other amazing excursions. I highly recommend looking into them because you get to do so many fun activities with fellow volunteers that start the same week as you, while also learning about the culture and getting to know your destination more.
Introduction Week in Fiji:
- Grocery shop at local market and cooking class
- Language Lessons
- Visit natural pools
- Visit island off the mainland
Introduction Week in Bali:
- Language Lessons
- Visit local market
- Visit Ubud Monkey Forest
- Watch a Balinese Fire Dance
- Visit local’s house and learn how to do Batik painting
- Go to the Holy Water Temple
- Visit Coffee Planation
- Go on a walk around the rice fields
Tip #4: Do Not Worry About Not Meeting People
I know not meeting people while you travel can be a stress for a lot of solo travellers. Do not worry, when you volunteer you are with a group of like-minded people for the majority of your day so it’s really easy to make connections.
If you are concerned about not having a lot of volunteers starting at the same time as you, you can reach out to your IVHQ coordinator and they can most likely tell you how many people are planning on starting the same week as you. There are also some Facebook groups for people volunteering that you can contact.
Tip #5: Use Your Weekends to Explore
You volunteer from Monday to Friday so you have your weekends off to use them how you would like. I recommend exploring as much as you can around your destination. It’s also a great way to get closer to other volunteers by planning a weekend trip or day trip with them. It’s great to hear what other volunteers have done on their weekends that have been there longer, they usually have some great recommendations. I would also recommend asking the local team to help give tips on where to visit and they can also be really helpful for finding rides.
If you are looking for the top activities in your destination check out TripAdvisor. They have some great recommendations for things to do all over the world.
Hope this was helpful for anyone planning a volunteer trip abroad with IVHQ. I know it can be scary sometime to try something new but take the leap, I promise you will not regret it!
