IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO’s in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  We combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES

All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you’re sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We’ll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

SAFE & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS

Volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you’ll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you’ll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you’re equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!

Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 33 years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It’s fun!   You’re meeting new people, you’re seeing new sights, and you’re expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You’re experiencing something real and life changing in many ways…  

As a charitable non profit organisation with over 33 years of service, our mantra is to ‘serve and not be served’ while volunteering in developing countries.  This can be a complex issue as we have typically been raised in a completely different set of values and beliefs.  We therefore have some core principles which include;

OPEN MIND – OPEN HEART

Growing up in the ‘western world’ our way of living, our values and belief systems may be vastly different to those from other cultures.  As ambassadors from our country, it is our duty to ensure we are humble and open to alternative views and ways of thinking.  It is so important that volunteers respect the values and local cultural belief systems and go out of their way to integrate into their way of life instead of trying to impose their belief systems. 

CHILD PROTECTION

Many of our projects involve interaction and service to children.   IVI therefore have a fundamental duty of care in this regard.  We oppose all forms of abuse including issues of neglect, discrimination, manipulation, emotional, physical and sexual and utilize the experience of our in-country management teams to police and oversee the necessary measures to ensure child protection on all programs

WORK EXPERIENCE FOR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteering is an effective way to gain credible in field experience for career progression.   IVI offer a range of standard and specialized programs in childcare, teaching, medicine, nutrition, public health, construction, conservation, agriculture and more!   We provide a certificate of completion for all programs and are happy to provide references where requested.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

When you volunteer with IVI you are supporting jobs in developing communities which is helping individuals and families.  Many of the destinations we support are small towns and villages which do not receive a significant number of tourists.  Our programs provide an increase in of trade in the region providing opportunity for transport drivers, project coordinators, cooks, cleaning staff, private taxis, small independent shops, local restaurants etc. 

IVI programs are funded by volunteers and as such the communities involved are not burdened financially for hosting volunteers.  This is incredibly important to ensure that we are leaving a lasting positive impact in the communities we work in.

EDUCATION & CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The vast majority of projects are centered around community schools.  Helping to improve written and spoken English has a direct benefit on the employment opportunities in the communities we work with.  Through the exchanging of culture and ideas, we are helping to broaden peoples understanding which in turn provides new opportunity.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Volunteers are encouraged to practice constraint when consuming water and energy while travelling abroad.   We help enforce this prior to departure through the welcome pack and also during placement within the operational guides provided during orientation.