With over 25 years of service our programs cater to a variety of gap year students, travellers, corporate professionals, groups, retirees and disaster relief parties.  Our programs cater to a multitude of needs, budgets and experiences.      

IVI's Mission

Our mission is to provide life purpose and fulfillment to anyone with a stirring in their hearts to experience the real world far away from tourist beaches and resorts. 

 

Why Chose IVI?

  • IVI is a non-profit organization -  We do not believe in excessive business expansion and market domination. We're a small group of passionate volunteers who care about doing what's right to help those in the world who are less fortunate.   No multi-national parent corporations....  
     
  • 25 Years of Experience -   IVI are pioneers in Volunteerism and have an extensive network of inspirational opportunities abroad and a proven track record.  Since 1989, we have actively managed volunteer projects all over the world and have a large network of partner organizations and local home stay volunteer hosts.   We're experienced volunteers who understand what it's like to arrive in a foreign country with a back pack and a desire to help.
     
  • Affordability - Why spend thousands on volunteering?  It shouldn't cost that much!    On average, our program cost is approx $175 p/week including accommodation, all meals, airport transfers, local transport and 24/7 in country volunteer support.  The long term relationships we've built over the years allow us to manage costs on a shoestring, without sacrificing quality.  Just see what our past volunteers say here.   IVI offer affordable, safe, unique and high quality inspirational volunteer travel experiences. 
     
  • Local Expertise - Our model is built upon outsourced long term partnerships with local ground operators.  Our partners have well established programs and all the in depth knowledge of the local needs and challenges to ensure the right mix of projects which add real value to the local communities.  
     
  • Supporting Local Communities - All our projects support the local communities we work with.  By booking through IVI, you are helping to boost the local economy of the community you have chosen to visit employing regional staff and encouraging local business and sustainability.  
     
  • Flexibility - IVI recognize that our volunteers want to have fun and experience the local culture far away from the standard tourist beaches and resorts.  Many of our programs are designed in 1 week allotments which allow volunteers to mix and match placements to supplement to a their standard travel packages.   We also offer plenty of long term placements with reduced costs for the more hard-core volunteer types. 
     
  • Quality - IVI staff inspect and experience the programs first hand.  The quality of the programs we offer is an essential pre-requisite.  We will not send volunteers to a placement that has low quality accommodation or unsafe conditions.  It is of course necessary to understand that in visiting a developing country, the standards will likely be very different to your home and as such volunteer expectations must be managed carefully.  We work with each volunteer to ensure the details are thoroughly understood prior to departure!
     
  • 24/7 Program Support -  We're with you the whole way; before, during and after your volunteer experience.   We provide an individualized approach with a dedicated volunteer coordinator assigned to each individual volunteer. Whilst on tour, our local ground operators are there to assist you at any opportunity and will generally go out of there way to ensure your comfort and safety.  We provide an information pack detailing everything you need to know about your destination.
     
  • Work Experience - We have loads of specialty programs designed for participants with specialized skills wishing to gain valuable experience in a particular field.  From diabetes and nutrition programs in Fiji, medical hospital programs in Cambodia, to monkey rehabilitation programs in Thailand volunteering is an incredibly effective means of attracting future job opportunities! 
     
  • Comrades - Many of our volunteers build life long friendships through the fellow volunteers and local hosts.  In many cases, you'll be volunteering with 10 to 15 fellow volunteers from various backgrounds cultures and belief systems all working together for the good of less fortunate people.  The experience shared builds intense bonds which can last a life time.
     
  • Fun! - No-one expects volunteers to work tireless hours day in day out.   We understand that volunteers want to experience the local way of life, give back and enjoy themselves while they're doing it!   Weekends are always free for you to do as you please.  Our partner organizations will help you organize excursions and tours at local prices.   You won't get this type of option travelling as a tourist in the standard tourist hostels and hotels....
     
  • Genuine Needs - Whether you opt for a short or long term experience, our programs allow you to actually make a real difference.  We want every volunteer to leave with the satisfaction that their time and money spent was dearly needed and appreciated by the local people.  That's why we actively engage our partner organizations to ensure the projects are up to date and valid at all times.