Affordable Teaching Programs with IVHQ

I have done the teaching project for two weeks and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I came without expectations and everything was so much better than what I could have imagined. The volunteer house in Ubud was just perfect, all the staff acted like family from the first minute. I came alone but I didn’t feel lonely because everyone is incredibly nice to you. Bali is such a magical place, you will feel a different energy. Regarding the program, it was the best one in my opinion. I had the opportunity of dealing directly with locals, the kids. They are such an inspiration because of the effort they put on learning. They will love you from the start and be thankful for the rest of their lives. I can’t describe the feeling of helping and learning at the same time with those pure souls.

Everything was amazing.

Teaching with IVHQ in South Africa... What an experience! To be completely honest it's hard to put into words the emotional, physical and mental impact it has had on me, but that is a good thing. If you are considering it, don't even think twice about it, just do it! You will not regret it! The children you will be working with make everything so worthwhile. Every minute of the day they will fill you with happiness, they become the sunshine to your rainy days. These kids are brought up in bitter and destroying environments but they have still found a way to love. Their hearts are greater than gold, and I couldn't be more grateful to have had such enthusiastic learners. Every morning I would walk into school and my children would clap for me and greet me, they would pray for me, they still do. I still contact majority of them and they beg me to come back... I promise, if you show love to them, they will give it back to you in an even greater form. I took for granted my entire education, and now I wish I could swap places with these little adults that deserve the world at their feet. They will continously ask for your support and appreciate your time. I opened up with them and shared my personal life, so they felt comfortable enough to share their personal lives too, and that was a major factor of falling in love with them... Try your best to get to know them, their stories and backgrounds will really open your eyes and make you appreciate the littlest things in life. IVHQ is linked with an organisation called Dreams to Reality (DTR). DTR manage everything whilst you are there; the programs, accommodation, food, volunteers and schedules. They are amazing at what they do and if you are keen on volunteering then this is your token as they will support you with everything. The days are shorter than expected although it provides time for other activities. This may include wine tours, safaris, going to the beach, shopping and much more. Everything is accessible from your accommodation. Honestly, you'll have the time of your life. There's a few schools and they are located in or nearby Muizenberg, Cape Town. Muizenberg is approximately 30 minutes drive from the International Airport. In Muizenberg there is a township close by called Capricorn, where majority of your children will come from that you are working with. The kids truly are the greatest, little, energetic things! I loved them from day one. You'll fall in love. You will be placed in one of 6 houses, all in Muizenberg. I was placed at 18 Hastings Road, which is the all girls house, and I absolutely loved it! The girls I was living with became family, we're even travelling altogether in the future. There's only one house that is all boys (22 Hastings Road) and 2 houses that are all girls (18 Hastings Road and Palmer Road). There is a house on Windemere Road and there are two mixed gender houses (one on Royal Road and one on Recreation Road). Recreation Road is majority of surf program as it is close by to the surf meeting room, as they walk to and from program. All other programs get dropped to and from their placement each day, by an arranged taxi driver of DTR. Also, the houses are within 5-15 minutes walk of each other, although you will figure it out pretty quick as Muizenberg is a small but beautiful area. You will volunteer 5 days a week and be picked up by Karl (the coolest bus driver ever) at 8:30ish am. He will also pick you up to go home. Teaching, Sports Development and Computer Teaching all get picked up together. Once you get home lunch will be there. Usually it's pretty bland food and there's a lot of carbs so some volunteers buy and make their own meals, as the supermarket is a 10 minute walk away. If you have dietary requirements be sure to tell IVHQ before arriving, and if you are vegetarian and do not eat fake meat tell them also, as that's what they provide unless they've been notified. Everyone tends to nap quickly after program as they are tiring days even when they are short. If you do not nap, you have the whole afternoon to do anything. Make sure you download Uber the app, because you will Uber most places as it's not super safe to walk anywhere by yourself... It just depends where you are going and what your plans are, although I recommend using Uber as it is cheap and reliable. Also, pack a few nice outfits as you'll need them a lot more than you think. Work out a budget because you will go out for dinner or do other activities like surfing or wine tours etc a lot of the time. If you're interested in a safari, you're best off doing it your first weekend with all the new volunteers because that's what majority of my group did and we became family within our first 5 days together! Muizenberg can also a semi-dangerous place. No one emphasises on the danger of it but just be sure not to flash accessories or anything whilst walking, and just use common sense. Nothing extreme will happen, and if you are smart about it then most likely nothing will happen at all. I did not have one bad experience. Though that sounds scary, it's an absolutely beautiful place and you sure will love your time there, just take the right safety precautions and stick in groups, and you'll be perfectly fine. Also, check with your bank that your card is compatible with the ATMs in South Africa as a lot of volunteers had trouble with withdrawing money or paying by card as their bank isn't compatible. 😊 I was there for 2 months and I'd happily call South Africa my home! The houses are basic obviously but they have a little bit of space to unpack your clothes in wardrobes and drawers, but you are able to store your own food and it really does become home. You are also able to try out different programs for a day with no extra cost unless it's surf. I tried childcare and absolutely adored all the children there. I definitely recommend it as you have an insight of both. The houses are safe but it's crucial you keep everything away from the windows and doors/gates locked at all times, just in case. Inside the houses we had no problems at all with volunteers being untrustworthy. 6-8 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get hold and touch of how everything is, although if you love being away from home and get attached you're probably best off extending, as I wish I stayed longer. You are able to extend whilst being there but you're not guaranteed a place as they book out quickly. No matter how long you're there for, time flies so damn quick!! So be sure to take so many photos, do as much as you can and make every single day worthwhile. You'll also make life long friends, I absolutely love the girls I lived with and would do anything for them. Once you arrive, you'll have orientation day on the first Monday of your program and meet everyone, they'll also tour you around Muizenberg and Central Cape Town. At that time they'll take you to a cheaper (but reliable) store to get a SIM card, so I advise not to buy one at the airport as they don't have as good of deals there and may not be compatible. Vodacom or Cell C is the best, I was with Cell C. Renea and Angelo will be your managers and they're really easy going/down to earth people so they will be there to support you in South Africa any time you need. They will give you their Whatsapp number, so I also recommend downloading Whatsapp if you do not have it, as it is the best way of keeping in contact. Also, I forgot to mention there are two laundry mats that you'll need to get your clothes washed at. They cost roughly 65Rand, but the price may vary. It will take 24 hours, so plan to drop it in a day or two ahead of when you need your clothes. They are both down town on Surfers Corner which is the main hangout area in Muizenberg in which you'll go. There's also accessible wifi on Surfers corner (5-10 minutes walk from the houses) which you are able to access if you buy a drink or anything. Have so much fun, because every single minute of each day I have been wishing I was back there.

I signed up to do slum teaching in India with IVHQ for only one week, but now that it is the end of my volunteering experience I regret I can not stay here longer. One week was definitely not long enough and I do not want to go home yet. I will definitely come back here again and try to stay at least for one month. I have had the best time of my life volunteering in Delhi during the slum teaching program. My experience has been nothing like what I expected and more than I could have asked for.

First of all, India is a very safe country. Before coming here I was very skeptical about travelling on my own as a female in India and I was scared I will not feel comfortable to explore the city of Delhi on my own. Once I got here I realized that India is a very safe country. People here are very nice and are willing to help you at anytime in case you get lost or need help ordering a taxi. Also, most of the natives speak English so it is very easy to travel on your own and make friends. I have stayed with Chadni and Mohit who are IVHQ staff members and I was so lucky to have them as my host family. They made me feel like I am at home. After first few days they became my family and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for me. Also, be aware that Indian food is absolutely amazing and you will gain weight here! I actually never liked Indian food because whenever I tried it while in Chicago it always burned my mouth but I totally chaged my mind once I got here. I even learned how to make some Indian dishes from my host family and I am excited to try them at home! And the best part of my stay in India was being able to interact and teach the kids from slums. The kids are so eager to learn and will pay so much attention to you that you will not want to leave at the end of each school day. They are also very grateful for what you are doing for them and never take your help for granted. I have learned that there is no financial resources for the kids to learn and get an education, yet they are making the best out of your time there and learn as much as possible. It has been the best feeling to know that during my short stay in India I have made a difference. Overall, this has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I recommend anyone to come here and do a slum teaching project in India!

In indian slums schools are somewhat crazy, you absolutely have to try that! It is very challenging entering in a school with 200 students and try to catch their attention. You will teach letters and colors to little children, as well as equations and geography to the older ones. You can take care of a couple of kids at a time as well as explaining or organizing competitions with the whole class. Kids' smiles will give you very long lasting emotions.
Staying with the host family will allow you being in contact with the real indian lifestyle, their food and traditions. Chandni
and Mohit always know how to make us laugh. I really recommend this experience!

I volunteered in South Africa for March and April 2016. It was such an amazing experience that allowed me to do exactly what I had set out to do: touch my toes in the teaching world. Being inexperienced in teaching, I was unsure how hands on the experience would be & I was just excited to be with the kids. The kids were, of course, amazing, but I ALSO had the opportunity to be hands on with teaching at the primary school. I had the honour of teaching multiple lessons from a set curriculum, and was able to create my own fun twist on things. The staff there was so accommodating as to what class and/or age group I wanted to teach, and gave ongoing support. I couldn't have asked for better leaders, or a better environment.

Naples is a vibrant city rich in history, attractions, culture and food. The IVHQ teaching program is situated in the heart of Naples and the majority of schools are within walking distance from your accommodation. The IVHQ in-country support (INN) are always there ready to assist in whatever problems the volunteers might encounter. The teachers in the local schools are very friendly although their grasp of English is very limited. The students' understanding of English varies but generally the younger the student, the less English spoken. But you can get around with simple greetings in both English and Italian. Body language helps if you are stuck in translation and sometimes drawing on a piece of paper might be the only option! The students I taught (Grades 1-5) were so enthusiastic about learning and it only takes a short time before the children warm up to you and start telling you stories about their favourite football team - Forza Napoli of course!! Living the life of a Napolitano is a life-changing experience and something that I would not hesitate in doing again. Some people might be put off by the hustle and bustle of this densely populated city but my advice is just to immerse yourself in the situation and embrace it! Carpe Momentum.

You know when you make an impulsive decision to go to a certain restaurant right and peel your car off the road, or buy something at the grocery store right at check-out? That's sort of how I decided to go to Madagascar and volunteer with IVHQ for 3 months.

My time in Madagascar wasn't all sunshine and beaches. When I first arrived, I was struck by how incredibly far I was away from everything familiar: my family, my culture (even if I resented parts of it), my friends especially. I left for Madagascar with a backpack full of clothes and a small, cheap flip phone that stopped working almost as soon as I got there, and seeing as how the volunteer placement was on an island, it didn't take long before I began to feel truly stranded.

There were many other Westerners there with me, lots of Canadians and Americans and English and Australians, but it wasn't helping. I couldn't connect with people, I began to feel panicked, and started making plans for how I would get home early with only $350 in the bank. It got to a point where I couldn't even be around other people. I felt like I was going insane.

When I decided I couldn't bare it anymore, told the local program coordinator, Elizabeth Beauchamp. I went down to the main house where she lived, found her, and began very awkwardly to tell her that I was feeling depressed and that I needed to take some time to be on my own, away from camp. After telling her this, during my first week there, her immediate response was "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry. Take all the time you need. Will you continue to stay here on camp? Let us know if there is anything we can do to help." I managed to get a "thanks" out before I ran away with tears streaming from my eyes.

Usually I would have avoided this situation by leaving on my own terms, without telling anyone where I was going or what was going on, just get in my car and go. But when on an island, away from cars and home and friends, sometimes we are forced to face the facts of our lives, and tell others what our experience is. I went to Madagascar and became very depressed. That was my experience. And you know? It didn't stop after a week, or two weeks even. I was depressed like this for a month and a half, half my time in the country. For a while, I was hard on myself, telling myself that this wasn't the experience I expected, I should be making friends and having fun times. But I just couldn't. I had some internal struggle that was saying "hey, remember me? Pay attention to me. There are no more distractions. Turn and face me."

So that's what I did. I faced it. I took a hike on my own almost everyday, was gone for 4 or 5 or 6 hours at a time, being on my own in the forest. When I was feeling panicked around other people, I got up and left, went for a swim or just sat on the beach in silence. It was difficult, being on my own was just as hard sometimes as being around others. Once I got my phone working, I began calling family. I cried a lot, and sometimes even felt guilty that this was my experience traveling abroad. But I faced it.

And as I faced it, it got easier and easier, and one day I realized I was riding motorbikes with a group of incredibly beautiful girls, wondering what had happened before that could make me so sad. And the next day I was dancing in a club with a group of malagasy guys, socializing and smiling. and a week later I was snorkeling around the island, running into turtles the size of a cow, and feeding lemurs that were sitting on my shoulder, and teaching english and doing research in the forest and scuba diving and doing laundry in a river and learning Malagasy and getting very close to some very attractive women... and going to the club and dancing a lot and feeling more relaxed and talking more than I had in a long time and swinging in hammocks with giggling friends and hanging out with other people and I WAS FINALLY HAVING THE EXPERIENCE THAT I DREAMED ABOUT!!!

It took time though. To get to a point of comfortability. It took me 6 weeks. Others adjusted in a day. Everyone is different, and if I have any wisdom gained in my time in Madagascar, it would be exactly that. Everybody has their own experience. It doesn't do to compare your experience to other's, like I did at first. Your entire life will influence how you feel when you are traveling on your own, be it comfortable or uncomfortable, happy or unhappy, it doesn't matter. Do your best to embrace the experience you are having, because once I started to face myself how I was in the moment, I had the trip of a lifetime.

Having traveled to other third world countries before, I was pleasantly surprised to get a completely different experience here. Working in a field that is not the same as my profession, in an environment that was physically challenging, with people from all over the world allowed me to grow in ways I never could have imagined ahead of time.

If you decide to be a volunteer, be ready to work hard, maybe harder than you have ever worked before. And be prepared to take initiatives. Nobody is going to tell you exactly what to do each day. You need to be creative and able to think outside of the proverbial box in order to come up with interesting ways to teach kids without the use of modern conveniences - and by that I'm not thinking about computers. You won't have an easy way to make copies, you will likely be without power, and thus without the internet for researching things to teach, for hours every day. But you would have to work very hard not to grow and come away a changed person.

Add to that the bonds you will make with the people from all over the world with whom you are living in the volunteer house and you will have many new friends whom you will miss greatly when they and/or you leave.