Teaching Volunteer Programs

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure if going to Kenya for a social project was the right decision. But from the very first call with Tom, I felt an instant sense of trust and warmth. I was welcomed with open arms and felt part of something meaningful right away. The experience truly changed my life — whether it was hearing the touching stories of the children, working on the streets, or speaking in schools. Every moment was deeply moving, and I always felt safe, supported, and cared for. I can wholeheartedly recommend this journey.

I debated what experience to do when volunteering in Costa Rica and settled on Teaching English. I took a TEFL course, did the IVHQ prep work, and waited patiently for my volunteer dates. I volunteered for IVHQ previously in Fiji and had a fantastic experience. The Costa Rica was a very different experience as you may expect differences in a different country but also fantastic. I was partnered with a community center about 1 1/2 to 2 hours by bus outside of San Jose so ended up taking UBER, which was affordable. My class was a group of Intermediate English learners and by listening to their needs on the 1st day, changed my teaching plans from grammar to focus on speaking, reading comprehension, and vocabulary understanding. I had a great 2-weeks with the class, making an impact in a small community often overlooked, and hope to come back through another volunteer experience. The local team had great resources and support. My homestay was with an awesome family. I enjoyed the private room that had a kitchen and a place to stretch out in the mornings/evenings. I also enjoyed the Costa Rican cuisine that the matriarch of the family cooked daily.