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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An amazing experience with Involvement Volunteers International 🐢💙

I recently volunteered in Nusa Penida with Involvement Volunteers International on their turtle conservation project, and it was honestly an incredible experience.
From the moment we arrived, the team were so welcoming, professional, organised and passionate about what they do. It was clear that they genuinely care about the turtles, the local community and making a real difference through conservation.
Being able to get hands-on experience and contribute to turtle conservation while learning about the challenges facing these beautiful animals was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much, met wonderful people and came away with an even greater appreciation for marine life and the importance of protecting it.
The whole experience from beginning to end was extremely well organised and supported, while still feeling authentic and meaningful.
I couldn’t recommend Involvement Volunteers International highly enough. If you love wildlife, the ocean or conservation and are considering volunteering overseas, I would absolutely recommend this project. It’s an experience I’ll remember for a very long time, and I would happily do it all again! 🐢🌊❤️

This past July, I went to Arusha, Tanzania to complete the advertised Medical Outreach program. Upon arrival, I was the only woman, only volunteer, only one who spoke English, and only foreigner. The program "director" Gerald was very off-putting and kept asking me for money. The day prior to my flight, he requested ~1.2k USD from me to volunteer. Huge red flag. He also refused to give me the address of my accommodation prior to my arrival which made my visa approval more difficult. Once I processed everything and deemed the location unsafe, corrupt, and strictly money seeking, I chose to not complete this said "volunteer experience". Once I notified Gerald of this, and said I would not give him this additional sum of money, he began threatening my visa. He told me he was in contact with the government officials and health officials & said I "owed money" to these people. I am still unsure as to what, seeing that I was going to volunteer. Incredibly unsettling and unsafe experience. DO NOT do this program due to these severe safety concerns. There is so much more, I could write a book listing all of my concerns and the conditions. Especially unsafe for solo women.

I shared all of my concerns with IVI and still there has been no action. I have not received a refund, and the program remains on their website despite them telling me it was "suspended".

It was an amazing experience! The staff was lovely and were always there to help you. I made so many new friends which I am very grateful for. Everything was well organised and I really recommend doing this program.

The Lemur Experience at Nosy Be Madagascar was a life altering week. The setting offered more that just watching crocodile feeding, washing big turtles and small turtles, and learning to care for and engage with lemurs. I spent our work days with locals who work at the sanctuary and local volunteers, laughing and talking while we worked. Our group work spent our time sharing life stories across generations, focused more on dreams than heart break, a true gem of the volunteer experience.
At our long 2 hour lunch breaks, students and I engaged in helping them improve their English, including hands-on social media skills in English.
I spent a few days exploring the local community, the local markets, shops, beach, and cafes for a real feel for the area.
The experience included housing in a safe villa with two houses, local meals prepared by Rodrick, and daily transportation through the local area back and forth to the center. I had a room with 2 bunk beds, mosquito net, hot water shower and shared bathroom, wifi, and access to refrigerator.
The work tasks were easy to complete. Program guide John oriented me to the work and I was able to do what I was comfortable with, which was everything! Pavith oversaw the program, joined me for evening meal, answered all my questions, and was always available.