Alternative Spring Break Trips

Alternative Spring Break Trips

Are you looking for a safe, affordable and meaningful alternative spring break opportunity abroad? Would you like to spend your spring break helping underprivileged people in the community for an opportunity to change the world? IFRE offers you the best programs for a chance to do things differently to have a positive impact in the world.

This is a unique service-learning experience in which students engage in direct service to a community, while being immersed in the culture and customs of that community. In this program, volunteers explore the culture and history of the area, participate in orientation programs, build leadership skills, and develop strong bonds with other team members.

IFRE’s programs are impactful and trusted by over 22,000 past volunteers. As a registered non-profit IFRE is affordable with professional field volunteer support and diverse opportunities for cultural immersion. In addition they have over 200 programs in 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. Working with IFRE completely transforms your life and allows you to pursue your passion while helping poor communities.

If you and your group are planning to do it differently by taking alternative spring break trips to change lives of communities, animals and for environmental conservation then, you have the best chance in life. Contact us today for a rewarding and fulfilling experience that will also appear on your resume for your career endeavors and change your life forever.

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Table of Contents

Benefits of Alternative Spring Break Trips

So if you are keen to do something active, useful and worthwhile during your spring break, signing up on a volunteer abroad program ticks all of those boxes. But what exactly are the benefits, or paybacks, of choosing to take an alternative spring break volunteer program?

Opportunity to choose a career path

Although teaching English in rural Uganda or helping orphans in Guatemala are worlds away from similar roles in your home country these projects do provide a glimpse into the world of education and childcare.

So if you want to check out a possible future career in these, or animal welfare, health or most other fields volunteering abroad is a good path to follow.

Fulfill you dreams to change the world

 Of all the things you have already, or will go on to achieve in your life, there’s nothing as rewarding as knowing your work, time and commitment changed other people’s lives for the better. Those alternate spring break trip memories are precious beyond words.

Learn new skills and way of life

Most of us live in a fairly small bubble, something which spring break alternative trips really challenge. This could be the one chance in your life to see firsthand how people live in other cultures, and to appreciate the things they value which you may not pay much attention to in your regular life.

Share your passion and skills

Being kind, patient and tolerant, a fluent English speaker, or physically strong and able to build things; whatever skills you bring to the table there’s a alternative spring break service trip project where your skills are the most valuable asset imaginable.

Get travel experience abroad

Volunteering abroad on a meaningful and organized project immerses you in the local culture, an experience a regular tourist could never even imagine. This adds a satisfying edge to the travel and sightseeing you get to do while in a foreign country.

IFRE’s Top Alternative Spring Break Programs

Costa Rica

Volunteer With Turtles in Costa Rica

Millions of sea turtles nest on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica, including endangered Hawksbill, Green and Leatherback species. Your group will join a team of scientists and conservationists intent on protecting these animals and their habitat from poachers and pollution while volunteering with turtles in Costa Rica.

Get involved in projects on either the Pacific or Caribbean coasts. When you join spring break service trips, you’ll collect data, patrol nesting sites, and feed and care for sick and injured turtles. Helping ensure the future of these magnificent animals will make your spring break and experience you’ll talk about for years to come.

Working With Underprivileged Children (San Jose, Cortes)

For children who’ve been orphaned, abused, abandoned or born to addicts, kindness and positive role models mean everything. You can make a difference volunteering with children in Costa Rica just a few hours a day. In addition to teaching basic English, you and your group will organize fun activities for the children–art, games, singing and the like. After just one week, you may find it difficult to leave Costa Rica and these beautiful children.

Work On A Coffee Farm

Grow your interest in sustainable farming with an unforgettable experience on a coffee farm in Costa Rica, where a local cooperative is helping farmers reduce or eliminate their use of conventional chemicals. You and your group will work side-by-side with local farmers to learn the practices, teach new alternatives, and of course, pick and enjoy some of the best coffee on earth while volunteering at alternative spring break coffee farm program.

School/Orphanage Construction (San Jose)

Behind the nicely-turned-out tourist spots, thousands of Costa Rica’s children and families struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Orphanages and homes are in desperate need of repair, while others still need to be built. You and your group can make a difference joining this project, even if you have no experience in construction. All that’s required is a strong desire to help.

Wildlife & Sea Turtle Conservation Project (Reserva Playa)

Costa Rica is alive with rainforests, rushing rivers, spectacular beaches, and mountains that scrape the sky and are cloaked in clouds. It is also home to a colorful and dizzying array of plants and animals. Although the government and many people in Costa Rica work hard to protect the natural world, the country is still recovering from decades of previous deforestation.

Wildlife struggles to hold on in the rainforests, getting electrocuted by power lines, hit by cars, or captured and sold into the illegal pet trade. At this unique alternative spring break volunteer vacation in Costa Rica located in a nature reserve, you will work with scientists to study animals like crocodiles, scarlet macaws, tree boas, and more in their natural habitat. During sea turtle season (at this location, July- January), you can help protect endangered sea turtle eggs from poachers, collect scientific data, and ensure a new generation of hatchlings makes their way out to sea.

Teaching English Project (San Jose, Cortes)

Although tourism in Costa Rica brings in over 2 billion dollars a year, only about 10% of the population currently speaks English, which they dearly need to communicate with the tourists. With more than a million people living in poverty, this lack of education is preventing hard-working Costa Ricans from improving their financial situation.

IFRE partners with local schools to help provide young Costa Rican students a much-needed English language education. During spring break alternative trips volunteer teaching in Costa Rica, you will be helping the kids learn conversational English, coming up with fun and engaging activities to get your students while helping local teachers in other activities.

Healthcare Project (San Jose, Cortes)

Costa Rica is a world filled with shades of green and the people are very friendly and easygoing. Despite Costa being more developed than most countries in Central America, poor people in rural areas still have limited access to quality medical care, and sometimes lack the education to know how best to manage their health.

When you join alternative spring break healthcare volunteer program in Costa Rica, you will shadow local doctors and medical professionals in their treatment of these patients and gain valuable experience observing real-life medical cases and in how to handle them.

Veterinary Medicine Internship (Wildlife Rescue And Rehab Sanctuary)

Costa Rica is a traveler’s paradise, but many locals suffer from poverty, lack of access to reliable healthcare in rural areas, and other social ills. If your passion is wildlife, IFRE in partnership with volunteer organizations offers two-week minimum cheap alternative spring break mission trips working at the veterinary clinic in a wildlife rescue and sanctuary. When you join veterinary medicine internship in Costa Rica, you will shadow and assist doctors and wildlife professionals in the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of injured wildlife or animals confiscated from the illegal pet trade.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

No matter what your background, passion, or interests may be, IFRE has volunteering programs in Costa Rica you can get excited about!

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Peru

Volunteer Orphanage Peru

When a child is orphaned or abandoned, it’s up to caring adults to step in. IFRE’s orphan projects in Peru run with the atmosphere of a large family with full-time care and support. Just a few hours a day from you and your group can be a big help, teaching English, playing with the children and helping with basic education and life skills. A little time, a love of children and an interest in building a better world are all you need to make your break in Peru a week you’ll never forget on your spring break alternative volunteer work.

Working With Street Children (Manu, Cusco)

Chronically malnourished children are everywhere in Cusco. Deprived of an education, they sell trinkets on the street to help their families. Your group can help expand their horizons, teaching computer skills, English and social skills joining this street children program in Peru. Even your love and attention as you assist in providing meals can make all the difference to a child. Your time here may be short, but positive role models make an impact that lasts. Peru and its beautiful children may very well change your life in return.

Volunteer Teaching English in Peru

Peru is a gorgeous country most famous for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, people from around the world travel to see the amazing Amazon Rainforest. Unfortunately, despite tourism being a leading source of government revenue, fluency in English is nothing but a dream for many Peruvians. Schools in Peru are drastically underfunded and although English is required, it is typically not available due to the lack of funding and staff. English skills are required for an opportunity to compete in the job market. When you join alternative spring break volunteer programs teaching English in Peru, you will teach English to open doors and opportunities for children, as the job market in tourism and hospitality dominates the country.

Medical/Healthcare Project (Cusco)

Peru is a beautiful country with an array of landscapes, high mountains, sandy white beaches, and the Amazon rainforest. But quality healthcare is limited and only provided in major cities. The rural areas have been in constant struggle for years to get access quality and affordable healthcare services. IFRE’s spring break volunteer trips in medical program in Peru will provide you with a great opportunity to gain professional experience and provide medical attention to impoverished patients while exploring Peru’s mix of Incan, Andean and Spanish cultures.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru

IFRE has a great selection of volunteer projects in Peru, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you and will give you a chance to make the world a better place.

Guatemala

Guatemala–Work With Orphans

Bring a smile to poor children in Guatemala

Without parents to love and provide for them, Guatemalan children face dire circumstances. Manpower and resources for orphanages is scarce. You and your group can make a difference even in just a few days working with children in Guatemala. Teach English, organize games–and just as importantly, laugh, encourage, and play. Are you ready for a life changing experience? This spring break alternative trips project is just for you.

Guatemala–Women’s Project

Be a part of women empowering women in Guatemala

Trapped by lack of money, education or job skills, Guatemalan women may stay in abusive marriages in order to care for themselves and their children. You and your group can provide essential education and support, accompanying women to court trials, helping with workshops on women’s health and more. While on women’s project in Guatemala in alternative spring break you’ll also help teach handicrafts so these women can gain financial independence. Bring your best intermediate Spanish and a passion for assisting fellow women find a better life for themselves and their children.

Medical Volunteer Guatemala

Guatemala is a stunning country filled with outstanding scenery and sights like the Tikal ruins and El Boqueron Canyon. Sadly, many people in rural and poor areas have inadequate access to healthcare. This medical volunteer program in Guatemala you’ll work in public and community hospitals as an assistant to the doctor. You will learn from shadowing real-life cases and helping patients struggling to navigate the broken medical system. The experience you gain will be invaluable in the medical field for your future career,

Teaching English (Antigua)

Guatemala is a beautiful and resilient nation in Central America. One half of the country’s population is of Mayan descent, making Guatemala a stronghold for this old and struggling group of people. Although rich in culture, Guatemala is desperately poor. Children suffer the worst and are often deprived of a quality education. Although learning English skills will help them have brighter futures, it is often a luxury denied to all but the wealthiest of Guatemalan kids.

When you join alternative spring break volunteer vacation in Guatemala in teaching English program, you can help change all this! IFRE has teamed up with local schools to provide this valuable education to poor, disadvantaged students that would otherwise never have the chance to learn English.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

IFRE knows every volunteer is different, so we have made sure to find a wide range of Guatemala volunteer projects to satisfy everyone. We make sure you can find a program you can get excited about that will help you make the world a better place, no matter what kind of difference you are hoping to make.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Ecuador

Orphanage Project

Ecuador has a rich history with Incan ruins and a diverse ethnic population to prove it.  Many people in Ecuador are poor. The hardest hit are the children, and Ecuador sadly has over 200,000 orphans living within its borders. At alternative spring break trips for college students in Ecuador in orphanage project, you will work with orphans and give them the help they so desperately need! You will be providing love, compassion, basic care, and will also help out teaching and entertaining the children.

Teach English In Rural And Urban Schools

Ecuador is a beautiful country filled with Andes Mountains, the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands including colonial cities and the beaches. Despite its beauty and charm, Ecuador struggles with poverty and a lack of quality education for its young people. Over half of the population lives below the poverty line.

With all the tourism pouring into this exciting destination, Ecuadorians who learn to speak English have the chance to break the cycle of poverty and have well-paying careers and bright futures. Unfortunately, low-income families don’t have access to this type of education.

IFRE works with local schools to bring it to them and we need the help of international volunteers like you who take alternative spring breaks ideas for high school students. You’ll get great experience teaching in an international classroom and feel amazing knowing you are making such a profound difference in the lives of children in need while teaching English in Ecuador.

Galapagos Conservation Project

San Cristobal Island is one of the famed islands of the Galapagos chain visited by Charles Darwin that inspired his groundbreaking research and theories on evolution. The island is home to truly unique species like giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, and a variety of rare and specialized bird species.

Human development of the island, including the construction of a port and an airport, has led to a destruction of the fragile habitats. By joining IFRE’s volunteer conservation program in Galapagos, working in the areas of sustainable agriculture, the promotion of ethical, low-impact tourism, and work preserving and reforesting the natural environment.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

IFRE has volunteer projects in Ecuador, which are perfect for every volunteer. If you want to help orphaned children, teach, or dedicate yourself to the conservation of unique and fragile ecosystems, you’re sure to find a program you can get excited about.

Argentina

Volunteering With Underprivileged Children

Argentina is a South American country with a turbulent yet colorful past. Latin dances, delectable cuisine, and beautiful landscapes are all part of the allure of this unique destination. Many poor families lack affordable childcare and since they are forced to go to work, their children end up missing out on things like companionship, adequate nutrition, guidance, a stable education, and the personal attention they crave and deserve.

IFRE teams up with a number of Argentinean non-profit organizations, municipalities and schools to place volunteers in numerous “buddy roles” in an attempt to provide love, friendship, support and care for underprivileged children. While volunteering with children in Argentina during alternative spring break high school, you’ll help kids with homework, serve nutritious meals, and make sure they are well cared for.

Teaching English In Rural Schools

With stunning beauty to marvel about in Argentina there also exists a dark past. More than a third of the population is living in abject poverty. IFRE offers programs to international volunteers in Argentina to teach English to kids in rural schools outside of Cordoba and Buenos Aires. You’ll teach conversational English, engage children in fun recreational activities, and offer support to the rural school you are working at.

Medical/Healthcare Project

During medical volunteer project in Argentina, you will have the opportunity to shadow local doctors and nurses as they treat patients who are in need of medical care, gaining valuable experience in the process. You will also participate in educating local Argentineans on a variety of health-related topics that will help them improve their quality of life. At this exciting alternative spring break volunteering programs you will gain invaluable professional experience working in the medical field, which will help prepare you for your future career.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina

IFRE offers a number of unique and exciting volunteer projects in Argentina. No matter what type of experience you are hoping to have, we have a program, which will suit your interests and ensure you make a real impact in Latin America.

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Brazil

Brazil–Care For Children

Provide childcare support to young parents in Brazil

In Rio’s poorest communities, babies are born to alarmingly young parents. Childcare is scarce and expensive, so parents must choose between caring for their children and working to support their families. You and your group can provide much-needed relief, caring the children while their parents go to work or school during Brazil childcare program. Though it may be difficult to say goodbye to children and community you help, be assured your positive influence when you participate in spring break alternative service trips will linger long after you return home.

Brazil–Computer Education

Computer literacy is essential to land a decent job in the thriving industry of hospitality and tourism, yet few of Rio’s disadvantaged poor have access to computer instruction. Share your tech savvy with students of all ages and you can make a big impact during your alternative spring break volunteer vacation. It’s hard to imagine, but teaching skills we take for granted–how to conduct an Internet search, work with Word or Excel and other basics–can change the future for entire families. Are you ready to join computer education volunteer program in Brazil?

Brazil–Athletics Project

Football and other sporting events are a national obsession in Brazil. But in the favelas of Rio, children seldom have access to coaches or any organized team effort. Bring your own love of sports to Rio and make a difference in the lives of these children. During alternative spring breaks youth athletics program in Brazil, you’ll have the chance to teach and coach everything from football (soccer) to volleyball, skateboarding, circus training, martial arts and more. Do well. Have fun. Go home with a big smile and a full heart. What more could you want from spring break?

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil

It doesn’t matter what your background, experience, or passions are, IFRE has a variety of impactful and unique volunteer projects in Brazil and you are sure to find one that matches your interests

Nepal

Work In An Orphanage (Kathmandu, Chitwan)

Nepal is home to eight of the top ten tallest mountains in the world. Mighty peaks and sweeping valleys echo with the call of adventure. Unfortunately, Nepal is a poor country with a majority of people living below the poverty line. Due to poverty, inequality, civil war, and social discrimination there are thousands of children across Nepal have been orphaned. At alternative spring break volunteer programs with orphan children in Nepal you will shine some light into the dark corners of these orphan’s lives. Give them a smile, a kind word, and teach them something that will help them have a brighter future.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal

No matter what your passion is or what kind of difference you are hoping to make, IFRE has a wide range of meaningful volunteer program in Nepal, which will suit your interests.

India

Medical/Health Project (Delhi)

India is a chaotic blend of contrasts. The modern world rushes forward with over a billion people clamoring into the future, while the rich culture and history of India’s past hold strong amidst all this change. Sadly, India is still a developing country and millions of people live below the poverty line.

Issues such as poverty, disease and poor health are very serious in the slums and suburbs outside of Delhi. When you join alternative spring break volunteer programs in India in healthcare program, you will shadow local doctors, gaining life changing medical volunteer experience while making a difference by helping poor communities, the elderly and children. Your work will thus have great meaning for both your life and the lives of others.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in India

No matter what your passions or interests may be IFRE has volunteer projects in India you can get excited about.

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Sri Lanka

Teach English (Galle)

Sri Lanka is a country best known for its natural white beaches and exotic wildlife, from elephants to the might leopards and the rare jungle fowl. Being a developing country, Sri Lanka is economically and educationally disadvantaged. However, Sri Lanka is keen to improve its educational infrastructure and its people are hopeful and work hard to achieve a more prosperous life. 

Unfortunately, public schools are often underfunded and there is a shortage of qualified teachers. By joining alternative spring break trips for college students in English teaching program in Sri Lanka, you will help children who have been deprived of a quality education by teaching them vital English skills. By sharing your love and passion, you will make a difference by bridging the educational gap, providing much needed manpower to assist the local staff 

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka

IFRE offers a wide variety of volunteer projects in Sri Lanka to match your skills and interests. Would you like to help care for elephants/wildlife, work in an orphanage, teach English, or help impoverished communities or gain medical volunteer experience? Whatever difference you are hoping to make, IFRE offers alternative spring break mission trips to help you make that dream come true!

Thailand

Teaching English Project (Ayutthaya)

Thailand is a beautiful country with a long and rich history. Famous landmarks like ancient ruins and exquisite temples abound here, as well as a rich wildlife making their home in gorgeous natural scenery. As English has become the universal language of economic opportunity, it has become critical for Thai children to become fluent in the language if they wish to be competitive in the job market and lead successful and rewarding adult lives.

Sadly, primary and secondary schools in less fortunate and rural areas are struggling to keep up with this drastic increase in demand for English education. While volunteer teaching in Thailand with spring break alternative trips you will teach in primary and secondary schools struggling to keep up with demand for an English education, and in so doing help provide a better and more successful future 

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand

No matter your interests or background, one of IFRE’s numerous varieties of volunteer projects in Thailand, tours and adventure programs will be just what you’re looking for. 

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Bali

Teaching English in Bali

Bali is a beautiful tropical island filled with wonders. There are countless activities to take part in here, from volcano hikes to wild parties to jungle treks. Despite the massive number of visitors to the island every year, thousands of families in Bali still live in poverty.

They cannot afford to send their children to good English schools. As a volunteer in teaching project in alternative spring break in Bali, you will help inspire the children and contribute to a bright and happy future for them as they use the skills you impart to succeed in the job market.

Other volunteer opportunities in Bali

No matter what type of impact you are hoping to volunteer in Bali, IFRE has an amazing project that will make let you make a difference and help you make your dreams of making the world a better place come true.

Ghana

Volunteer Teaching English Ghana

Ghana is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes and a rich history. In Ghana, you can spend time exploring everything from seemingly endless savannahs dotted with herds of elephants to white beaches. But Ghana is a developing country and spring break alternative volunteer trips opportunities for a quality English education are not provided to public school students. This leaves many children and teenagers without the English language skills they need to truly thrive. Teaching from the perspective of a native speaker is a highly prized skill and can vastly improve teaching methods, creating a long-lasting, positive impact, which benefits the entire community through English teaching volunteer program in Ghana.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ghana

No matter your interests, skills, or background, IFRE is sure to have a project where you can make a difference and have an amazing experience volunteering in Ghana. 

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Kenya

Orphanage Project in Kenya

Kenya is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife waiting around every corner, Unfortunately, Kenya is a developing country that struggles with poverty, and despite being one of leading economies in East Africa, more than half the population still lives under the poverty line. This hurts children especially, with many orphans deeply affected by both the AIDS epidemic as well as poverty.

When you join alternative spring breaks volunteering with orphanage project in Kenya, you will not only be improving their chances of a happy life, but also feel fulfilled yourself knowing you have made a real positive impact on the world.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

Africa needs your help in countless ways, so no matter what your experience, background, passion or interests are, IFRE has volunteer projects in Kenya you can get involved with that will help you make a real difference in the world. 

Tanzania

Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

Tanzania contains three of Africa’s seven natural wonders, the highest mountain peak in the country, and some of its deepest lakes. The country is home to a vast variety of birds and wildlife living in the world’s most treasured national parks and game reserves.

Tanzania is a desperately poor country, with close to 70 percent of the population living in poverty. It is one of the least-developed countries in the world, and so suffers from problems common to the developing world. Africa needs your help in countless ways, so no matter what your experience, background, passion or interests are, IFRE has alternative spring break volunteer projects in Tanzania you can get involved with that will help you make a real difference in the world. 

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Uganda

Volunteer Opportunities in Uganda

There is no country in the world like Uganda, located astride the Equator where the East African savannah meets the West African jungle. The country is home to more than 100,000 species of animals and 1,200 species of butterflies. But Uganda is a poor country with lot of social and economic challenges.

The country is plagued by poverty, inequalities, inadequate sanitation, and its people suffer from a lack of access to education, and good nutrition. This is especially true in the northern and eastern portions of the country. You can join our alternative spring break programs in Uganda and contribute.

Zimbabwe

Volunteer opportunities in Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is twice the height of Niagara Falls and attracts millions of visitors each year. Its staggering beauty has earned it a place on the list of the seven natural wonders of the world. While the falls have made some people in the nearby Victoria Falls town quite wealthy, most of the people in the surrounding rural areas are desperately poor. IFRE offers three meaningful Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe volunteer programs. Zimbabwe volunteer programs, and we need the help of international volunteers like you to keep them running. You can help out an orphanage, work in childcare, or teach kids at a local school during spring break alternative volunteer trips in Zimbabwe.

Skill and Qualifications

Except for the medical volunteer program, where we do need certain skills and qualifications, no specific qualifications are required. You are required to be patient, kind, loving and flexible. Volunteering is all about changing the world, sharing your skills and passion, to leave a positive impact in the world.  You also need to be compassionate and passionate about working with underprivileged children. 

Itinerary

How will you spend your week?

When you join an alternative spring break volunteering program, your days are an enriching mix: volunteering, cultural immersion, interesting discussions, fun, free time, and lots of love. While each project varies somewhat depending on location and seasonal conditions, take a look at the following snapshot of a typical day in the program. While each project varies somewhat, here’s what you can expect from your one-week intensive experience, filled with volunteer work, travel, fun and exploration.

Day 0: (Sunday) your group arrives at the volunteer destination and transfers to host family, homebase or hostel, depending on the project.

Day 1: (Monday) Breakfast is followed by a brief orientation led by IFRE in-country staff. You’ll get information on local culture, your alternative spring break volunteer work and your roles, important do’s and don’ts, and safety and related issues. Questions are encouraged. Immediately after orientation, your group will be transferred to your project and your volunteer work begins.

Day -2- 5 (Tuesday- Friday). Work as a volunteer for 5-6 hours a day. Actual hours will vary depending on your service project, but for example, you begin work at 9 AM, enjoy a one-hour lunch break at noon, and work 1- 2 PM. Your day is done at 3 PM, leaving you free to explore the local area.

After 2 PM, Leisure time. Your group can rest, explore the local area, hang out with other volunteers, study, or plan for the next day – whatever you want! This is your time to spend it how you like. If you do want to explore the area, please be careful and take advice and help from our in-country coordinator and local staff. They’ll give you lots of suggestions of fun places to go and things to do

Day 5-7 Travel and exploration (optional). With a sense of accomplishment and deeper understanding of your host area, your group is welcome to explore the country for 2 or 3 days before you take your leave.  Travel is not a part of alternative spring break program but IFRE is glad to suggest and help organize trips for your group, on request.

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The Start Date(s)

Programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

The Fee

IFRE is a non-profit focusing on affordable, flexible and safe programs to fit right into your budget. Program fee start at $ 399 and is paid directly to the host family. The fee covers for your accommodation, food and in-country support. In some countries you will be required to pay a one-time registration fee that supports all your pre-departure costs. Despite having the lowest prices around, IFRE still maintain extremely high-quality programs for alternative spring break trips.

To learn more about the fee for each country please follow this link.

Alternative Spring Break Trips: Housing and Food

During your time at the spring break service trips volunteer programs you will be staying with a trusted and loving local host family. You host family will make sure you always feel safe, comfortable and part of the family, and provide you with delicious traditional local home-cooked meals. Not only will they make sure you are safe and well fed, they will ensure that you have an amazing time during your stay. However some program offer alternative accommodation in a volunteer house or a hostel.

Please contact us to learn more about accommodation and food available in each country.

How can you apply to join?

IFRE’s application process is online and really very straightforward. You will be guided each step along the way. Basic information such as name, address, contact number, emergency contacts, and affiliated organization will be required during registration. When you complete the form check out for errors or omissions and submit. An application deposit will be required to complete the application process. If you have any questions answered or concerns contact IFRE prior to submitting your application.

Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

IFRE is an international best organization in leaders in volunteer abroad industry. A renowned registered non-profit, was founded in 2005 and has hosted more than 17,000 international volunteers with a success rate of 99% for reviews left by past volunteers online. IFREs alternative spring break volunteer programs are multifaceted and meaningful programs, which includes language courses, cultural immersion, volunteer opportunities and amazing travel experiences.

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How can you go as a group?

IFRE offersundergraduate and university students a unique experience in service learning together with their group of classmates. Together with a team of experts IFRE identifies areas that are in genuine need for services and selects projects for the group accordingly. As a group taking cheap alternative spring break you will get to immerse into a completely new culture, try new food and lifestyle. If you and your group want to take a life changing alternative spring break program, this is a great opportunity to contact us today. We are here to offer the best program that matches the interest of your group.

How to prepare for volunteer abroad trips?

To travel to for service trips, you will be required to be ready to avoid disappointments and last minute rush. Do not underestimate this process, it can be legit the most stressful part of your spring break trip.

Flight

You will be required to purchase your own ticket to the destination that you select. Establish your budget and check your calendar for the possible date you would like to travel. Please be advised that you will be required to arrive at least 1-2 days before you begin your alternative spring break work. It takes some time to get a good flight deal, IFRE advises volunteers to book their flights about two months in advance.

Visa and Passport requirements

For any international travel, you will be required a valid passport. If you do not have a passport start the application process immediately. In many countries it may take up to six months to get a passport. Also most countries will usually apply the six months validity rule for your passport.

In addition, you will be required a visa to enter your country of choice. A tourist visa is required to participate in alternative spring break volunteer programs. You can get your visa at the Embassy in your home country or some countries provide for on arrival visa services. Check in advance, visas can be costly and it can take up to 6 weeks to get one.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Many alternative spring break trips are in the rural poor areas where healthcare is not fully developed and many residents are not vaccinated for communicable diseases that would make you vulnerable. You will need vaccinations before travelling to volunteer abroad. Consult with your doctor and check Center for Diseases Control website to see the vaccinations you need for each country. Plan to get your vaccinations ahead of time.

What do I need to pack?

The items you need to bring along vary depending on the country you select to travel the programs you select. IFRE will generally provide you with a packing list of the basic stuff that you need to carry along. It is advisable to travel very light, bring your toiletries along including mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a gift for your host family or the project you will be working on.

Extra money

Always budget for any contingencies while travelling abroad for any alternative spring break volunteer opportunities in a foreign country. You would want to carry some extra cash just in cases of an emergency or unplanned activities like travelling and eating out. IFRE advices you not to keep all you money together, and never walk around carrying so much money.

Your adventure begins

When you arrive at the airport, IFRE will send a local program representative to pick you up from the airport. They will then take you to your new home away from home. You will also be provided with information package that includes safety precautions, and general program orientation. 

How to make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?

When you join, you will need to ensure that you make the most out of the experience for satisfaction and fulfillment. IFRE encourages you to first understand the culture and language in the country so that you can be able to relate with the people easily. Be open-minded and have lots of positive energy around you. If you have a problem make sure you report on time to your local program coordinator. And always have a great attitude.

Safety While Volunteering Abroad

IFRE boasts safe spring break volunteer programs abroad in all 20 destinations around the world. International representatives regularly vet all IFRE programs and host families to guarantee your security. It is also important that do not expose your self as a target by relying on the local staff to help you and not walking in the night or in deserted places.

Dress appropriately and watch your surroundings. Similarly, IFRE will support you from the time you land to when you finish your project. You will be assigned a local coordinator who will be available to help you if you need anything.

Completing your project and returning

Volunteering to impact real changes in the world while travelling is your principal goal when you take up alternative spring break trips. When you complete your assignment it is important to write a feedback or journal your volunteer experience abroad. IFRE encourages you to keep in touch with the host family or local communities in the programs and be open to take up another program in the future.

Take a minute to complete the form and we will be in touch.

Conclusion

Cheap alternative spring break is a very meaningful project. Your work will help improve the quality of life by supporting and helping poor communities creates a better life for themselves and future generations. Your help and support will not only improve lives but also leave you fulfilled knowing that generational poverty will be eliminated.

We would love to hear your experience once you take up on any of these great opportunities.  Be sure to share with us.

IFRE Volunteers is one of the top volunteering program providers in the world. We offer amazing volunteer programs in 20 countries across Latin America, Asia and Africa. If you are interested to volunteer in other countries than mentioned above, check out our best affordable programs in Cambodia, South Africa and Morocco.

Check out ‘A Complete Volunteer Abroad Guide: Everything You Need To Know’ to learn more about what is volunteering abroad. If you want to know how to volunteer abroad for free, go through our Volunteer Abroad for Free article. If you are a college student and searching for meaningful summer volunteering programs, check out our popular articles Community Service Trips For College Students and Summer Volunteer Programs For College Students.

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