Are you looking to lead or send your students on a safe and affordable service learning program abroad? For more than 15 years, International Volunteer HQ and our internships division, Intern Abroad HQ, have been partnering with universities around the world to increase accessibility to international education opportunities. Choose from:
Customizable group programs with flexible start dates
The quality and reputation of our international internships and volunteer programs has led us to be awarded the Top Volunteer Abroad Provider for the last five years by Go Overseas, the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization for 2022 by GoAbroad, and the Top Rated Intern Abroad Organization in 2022 and 2021 by GoAbroad.
Our recent awards
If you’re seeking a hassle-free way to provide your students with a life-changing experience, get in touch to schedule a call with our Campus Partnerships Team today!
What makes our volunteer and internship opportunities unique?
We help students gain relevant international experience with academic credit, while building their cross-cultural intelligence and give back to causes they care about. Our 15+ years of experience, affordable program fees and guaranteed placements allow us to support and offer volunteer and internship programs to individuals or student groups on an international scale.
International Education Week Resources
Contact us for resources regarding keynote speakers, webinars, events, and other activities on your campus.
Get in touch with our Campus TeamHow we work for you
Every year, hundreds of faculty members trust IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ to deliver their programs around the world. Our tailored approach starts with understanding the needs of the faculty member by providing detailed estimates and custom itineraries. Plus, our low cost fees and flexible payment schedules make volunteering or interning abroad highly accessible for students.
From the moment you make an inquiry with IVHQ, our dedicated Group Support team will work with you to help your planning, including:
- Understanding your budget constraints
- Finding a destination and placement best suited to your group’s preferences, skills, and objectives
- Arranging any custom accommodation requirements
- Developing weekly schedules (volunteering or interning, accommodation, meals, trips, etc.)
- Organizing local transportation
- Booking tours
We’ve facilitated more than 1,000 trips for student groups with a wide range of special interests and skills, ranging in size from 8 group members up to 100.
We are happy to customize a site visit for your faculty and staff planning programming for your students at any of our destinations. Please email or schedule a call with us to set up your custom familiarization trip with us today.
Every university affiliating with IVHQ or Intern Abroad HQ is eligible to award students scholarships driven by their own vision for diversity, equity and inclusion.
For institutions who partner with us, we offer our Affiliates the choice between one of the following reward options that best serves the university and students:
1) Affiliate Scholarship Program, or
2) IVHQ Ambassador Program
Please note, we are only able to offer our Affiliates one of these programs, not both together.
For more information, please contact the Campus Team.
Our volunteer fees at a glance…
| Destination | Price for 1 week (incl. accommodation) | Price for 4 weeks (incl. accommodation) | Price for 12 weeks (incl. accommodation) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South America (5 destinations) | From AU$392 (AU$56/day) | From AU$1272 (AU$45/day) | From AU$3047 (AU$36/day) |
| Central America (2 destinations) | From AU$345 (AU$48/day) | From AU$1532 (AU$55/day) | From AU$3669 (AU$44/day) |
| Africa (9 destinations) | From AU$392 (AU$56/day) | From AU$1194 (AU$44/day) | From AU$3331 (AU$40/day) |
| Europe (7 destinations) | From AU$565 (AU$80/day) | From AU$1508 (AU$55/day) | From AU$3771 (AU$45/day) |
| Asia (10 destinations) | From AU$392 (AU$56/day) | From AU$1005 (AU$36/day) | From AU$2545 (AU$31/day) |
| The Caribbean (3 destinations) | From AU$620 (AU$88/day) | From AU$2003 (AU$72/day) | From AU$6176 (AU$73/day) |
| North America (2 destinations) | From AU$502 (AU$72/day) | From AU$1382 (AU$50/day) | From AU$3473 (AU$42/day) |
| The Pacific (3 destinations) | From AU$667 (AU$95/day) | From AU$1580 (AU$56/day) | From AU$3798 (AU$45/day) |
| The Middle East (1 destination) | From AU$1013 (AU$144/day) | From AU$2616 (AU$94/day) | From AU$6891 (AU$83/day) |
*All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
Looking for international internships for your students? Explore your options here.
Every year, hundreds of faculty members trust IVHQ to deliver their volunteer programs around the world. Our tailored approach to meeting faculty needs allows us to deliver the safest programs, backed by a schedule that enables tangible learning outcomes and full immersion in a new culture, enhancing global perspective.
Check out IVHQ’s Faculty-led Group Alumni here and read the reviews they’ve left.
Our tailored approach starts with understanding the needs of your faculty by providing detailed estimates and itineraries that allow you to move forward with confidence in your planning. Our affordable fees and flexible payment schedules mean programs are attainable for students and we can work with you on package options.
From the moment you make an inquiry with IVHQ, our Volunteer Groups Team offer you full support in your volunteer planning, including:
- Putting together weekly schedules (volunteering, accommodation and meals)
- Booking flights and insurance
- Organizing transport
- Booking tours
Students seeking academic credit for their volunteer or internship experience may utilize IVHQ/Intern Abroad HQ’s School of Record with the University of Montana to help facilitate credit transfer. This School of Record provides oversight of the academic process and experience, including review of syllabi, evaluating course offerings, and ensuring academic quality.
Students enroll in an equivalent course at the School of Record, complete coursework and assignments as outlined in the course syllabus, and will be issued a transcript by the School of Record. This transcript will be provided to the student’s home university. Students are encouraged to discuss their academic needs and obtain course approval prior to enrolling in the School of Record program. IVHQ/Intern Abroad HQ’s School of Record is the University of Montana.
We are trusted by hundreds of universities worldwide
Every year we facilitate international internships and volunteer trips for thousands of high school, college, and university students. These are some of the organizations whose students we have hosted:
See more institutions we’ve worked with
Flexibility
We offer year round start dates and variable durations. Students can select their start date from almost any week throughout the calendar year, helping to fit around any student’s busy schedule. With our quick turnaround times, students can apply and be on the ground within 60 days, enabling them to secure last minute placements if they have already missed other application windows. We also know that plans can change, so we offer students the flexibility to change their start date, destination and program for free, even after paying their deposit.
Get in touch with our campus team
We’re Certified as a B Corporation & Zero Carbon Organization
As a certified B Corporation since 2015, our impact on volunteers, local communities, and the planet is regularly audited and held to the highest ethical, social, and environmental standards. Our business operations have been certified as 100% carbon neutral since 2019 and we were the first international volunteer and internships provider to declare a Climate Emergency. Our approach creates enhanced awareness of the need for sustainable travel and responsible community engagement.
Learn more about our B Corp commitments
We get 5 star reviews from faculty, students, and staff
I chose IVHQ because of their approach to Responsible Volunteer Travel, the level of support I received, and the affordability of their fees. All of my students had access to information ahead of time and the local team were EXCELLENT on the ground. As a faculty leader, I was completely satisfied and I very much feel that our project was suitable for our group, with all of us growing and learning exponentially from the experience. Michelle Osmond,
Faculty Leader for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Group from Algonquin College, Canada
Volunteered in Guatemala
As a group it was very easy to navigate IVHQ’s information to find the best fit for us. The on-site staff in Guatemala provided a unique volunteer experience for our group by setting up medical campaigns in different communities. We were able to gain multiple perspectives on Guatemalan healthcare system, which was one of the major goals of our trip. I was in contact with the IVHQ Groups Manager throughout to plan a group service trip, and they went above and beyond in every way possible. Extremely helpful and on top of things - I would definitely volunteer again with IVHQ. Erik Thomas,
University of Michigan
HEAL (Health Engineered for All Lives) Group Leader
Volunteered in Guatemala
Thank you so much from the Missouri State University Group! We can’t wait to start planning our next trip (and I might have to plan one on my own in the near future!). Our week in Costa Rica was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone! It was so beautiful being out in the mountain and and helping the families on the coffee farm. I loved working with IVHQ, I would love to work for a company that is as organized as you all were. Thank you for being patient and always answering our questions. IVHQ was always there to answer our questions, even if they were silly or something we missed from the booklet. We had a great time! Amanda Gabbard,
Missouri State University Group Leader
Volunteered in Costa Rica
Over the past 3 years, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar has worked with IVHQ to arrange annual group programs. Our students find their own preferred overseas locations and propose these to us for review. So far, our student groups have volunteered in South Africa, Morocco and Thailand. I have found IVHQ’s service to be superb. We typically have a few unique situations that aren’t necessarily covered on their website. However, in having a dedicated Groups Manager, any additional information we require is provided in a timely manner. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar,
Volunteered in South Africa, Morocco & Thailand
Read more reviews from universities
Our volunteer and internship programs work towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Are you looking for service learning options that support your university’s commitment to the SDGs? Each of our internships and volunteer programs are designed to work towards one or more of these goals, giving students the opportunity to supplement their studies, while participating in efforts which address vital social and environmental issues.
We have comprehensive safety & risk management policies
All IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ programs adhere to comprehensive risk management and health & safety requirements. All of our placements and accommodation have been vetted by our local teams and are regularly audited. We also give faculty the opportunity to visit our volunteer programs as part of university requirements and familiarization trips.
Read our Risk Management Policy
We champion diversity, accessibility, and inclusion
IVHQ and Intern Abroad HQ’s low cost fees, flexible programs, and commitment to diversity enables students of all backgrounds to volunteer or intern abroad. We’re proud to have helped students of 100+ different nationalities, including those from minority and LGBTQ+ communities, to gain experience overseas in just the last 12 months. All of our teams adhere to a strict Non-Discrimination Policy.
See how we deliver on diversity
We organize everything including accommodation
Our Program Fees cover the cost of your students’ accommodation and meals during their internship or volunteering trip, which ensures these have been sourced and vetted by us. We arrange everything and can attend campus events upon request to talk to your students first-hand.
Here’s what’s included:
- Accommodation
- Meals*
- Airport pick-up*
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Experiential Learning Curriculum Outcomes
- Pre-departure support from your Program or Internship Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and checklists
- Access to our preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons, tours and activities
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service or International Reference Letter
* Meal and airport pick-up inclusions vary by program
We follow responsible travel practices
We think it’s important to consider what it means to travel responsibly and to identify the potential ethical issues that can arise when taking a volunteer trip or internship abroad. That’s why we have clear codes of conduct for working with children and vulnerable adults, animal welfare, selecting care facility placements, making donations, and cultural exchange.
Learn more about our responsible practices
Our volunteer and internship programs maximize learning outcomes for students
Whether your students are looking to explore a career field or diversify their studies, our programs facilitate important personal and professional development. We give students the opportunity to:
- Travel abroad affordably and safely
- Fully immerse themselves in a new culture and build cultural competencies
- Explore a career field and get experience without any commitment
- Fulfill service learning hours and gain course credit
The medical mission trip organized through IVHQ was absolutely amazing. Having the chance to go to India and provide healthcare to communities in need was an eye-opening and fulfilling experience. We were able to provide blood glucose and blood pressure screenings and triage general ailments. Learning about the culture and seeing the health disparities firsthand gives you a greater appreciation of just how valuable volunteering efforts across the world can be. Lalita Prasad-Reddy,
Chicago State University,
Medical Campaign in India
Our university brought some students to volunteer in Kenya and little did I know that I would be getting so much out of this trip. I have learned so much from this experience and believe it has transformed me into a better version of myself. It has opened my perspective and view on the world. Overall this trip exceeded all my expectations and I cannot thank the IVHQ team enough for the great memories and everlasting happy memories. Mariam Naiser,
American University of Kuwait Group Member,
Childcare volunteer in Kenya
This 2 week trip changed my life. I learned so much about myself, love, life, and the world around me. It opened my eyes in ways I could have never foreseen. We were able to effectively screen 1296 adults and children for malaria and then properly treat every single positive result. If that is not incredible I don’t know what is! The local team worked tirelessly to ensure we had everything we needed. All of the food was wonderful and I enjoyed our accommodation as well. I can’t praise IVHQ enough! Hannah Koch,
Group Member from Roanoke College,
Medical volunteer in Ghana
Our Group traveled to the IVHQ program in Zambia. We went to a location that needed our help and we were able to give it our all. We learned a lot and our efforts were appreciated by everyone. I have become more confident in myself and my abilities, and more sensitive and respectful of other cultures. I have also improved my communication skills as a whole. My favorite moments were being able to do construction work and interact with a wide range of people, from students, to organizers, to construction workers. I highly recommend this program. Basmah Azmi,
Northwestern University in Qatar Group Member,
Volunteer in Zambia
This was my first volunteering experience, and I absolutely loved it! It has taught me so much about life and showed me that there is so much more out there. It made me grow as a person and it made me think about my future a lot. In these kinds of experiences, you get to really know yourself. I recommend IVHQ to anyone; they are helpful, you can trust them 100% and they are there for a good cause. If you are unsure about whether to go; my answer would be: DO IT! It will be the BEST experience of your life! Giving always feels good. Stacy Mercier,
Université de Moncton Group Member,
Returning Mondial Solidarite Group,
Volunteer in Guatemala
Want to see reviews from students who did internships with us? Check them out here.
We know that having resources available on campus is the best way to reach students. Please feel free to download and print the resources below to share with students in office or electronically.
Find us on
Get in touch with our Campus Team
Fill out the quick form below to get customized program recommendations for your students, or email us at campus@volunteerhq.org.
