Popular Projects
Destinations & projects for your alternative spring break experience
Our popular Latin American destinations make it easy to minimize travel time and maximize your experience. Click and explore to find your perfect project. If you have a different destination in mind, let us know. We are glad to work with your group to create an unforgettable break.
Costa Rica – Turtle conservation
Save endangered sea 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. Get involved in projects on either the Pacific or Caribbean coasts. 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.
Costa Rica–Work with orphans
Brighten the lives of orphans in Costa Rica
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 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.
Costa Rica–Coffee farm coop
Be part of an organic coffee farm in Costa Rica
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.
Costa Rica–Construction and repair
Build a school/orphanage in Costa Rica
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, even if you have no experience in construction. All that’s required is a strong desire to help.
Peru–Work with orphans
Bring laughter and hope to orphans in Peru
When a child is orphaned or abandaned, 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 .
Peru–Work with street kids
Equip Peru's street children for a better tomorrow
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. 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.
Peru –Work with street kids
Build a school or orphanage in Peru
When underfunded schools and orphanages become overcrowded or fall into disrepair, it's Peru's most unfortunate children that suffer. Even if you've never swung a hammer in your life, your group can help keep a roof over their heads. You'll work with a professional foreman, happy to match your skill level to the needs of a project. Whether you helped install a new window or repainted an existing classroom, you'll see tangible proof that your week in Peru mattered. It's up to you.
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 the children while their parents go to work or school. Though it may be difficult to say goodby to children and community you help, be assured your positive influence will linger long after you return home.
Brazil–Computer education
Teach computer skills in Brazil
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 in a short span of time. 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?
Brazil–Graffiti project
Work with young graffiti artists in Brazil
In Brazil, graffiti art is legal, opening creative, nonviolent ways for poor young Brazilians to express themselves and be activists. You and your group can work with local artists in Complexo do Alemão, a group of favelas in northern Rio de Janeiro. Spend your spring break learning and sharing the techniques of this unique art form. The passion of Brazil's young artists is sure to inspire you. And you can be sure your talents and positive influence have changed the community for the better.
Brazil–Athletics project
Encourage kids to pursue sports and athletics in Brazil
Futbol 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. You'll have the chance to teach and coach everything from futbol (soccer) to volleyball, skateboarding, circus training, martial arts and more. Do good. Have fun. Go home with a big smile and a full heart. What more could you want from spring break?
Brazil–Music and dance project
Learn to samba in Brazil and pass on your love of dance
Do you samba? (Would you like to?) In Brazil, communities celebrate and mourn with music, regardless of socioeconomic level. Now you and your group can embrace this vibrant tradition and help it live on through volunteer oportunities in the favelas of northern Rio de Janeiro. You'll learn samba and bossa nova and other styles and teach them to local children in local community centers and schools. If you can't resist the rhythms of Latin America, you will absolutely fall in love with the Brazillian children who share your passion. They will touch your heart. So get moving–it's time to samba.
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. Teach English, organize games–and just as importantly, laugh, encourage, and play. Are you ready for a life changing experience? This is the project 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. 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.
Mexico–Work with orphans
Make a difference at a children's home in Mexico
At a home in the busy Pacific port of Manzanillo, children who have been orphaned or need a haven from abusive conditions find refuge. You and your group can provide support and relief for the dedicated local staff. Help the children with homework, share your love of sports or music, and give them the skills they need to succeed in the future. A little time and care goes a long way with these kids. You may find it difficult to say goodbye.
Mexico–Turtle conservation
Save endangered sea turtles in Mexico
Fishermen and visiting volunteers save approximately 4,000 Olive Ridley turtle nests each year. However, turtles are still slaughtered every year for their meat and eggs, or die each year in illegal trawl nets. Join the conservation effort at the beachside camp in Campamento Majahaus. You will collect and relocate nests to a protected incubation corral, counting hatchlings as they come to the surface of the sand. Education and data collection are important to the project, as well as the future of these beautiful animals.
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