IVPs provide opportunities for people of different nationalities, ages, abilities, social, cultural and religious backgrounds to live, work and co-operate together. I VPs do not replace work that would otherwise be undertaken by paid labour, or utilise volunteers as a form of cheap labour. The vast majority of tasks completed by international volunteers would simply not be achieved without them. There is a programme of work which is suitable for volunteers with no particular qualifications and experience. Volunteers come from all around the world seeking an experience of the country they visit but also the cultural exchange that comes when an international group live together.
Volunteers have contact with the host and local community.
Social activities are part of the project for the volunteers.