IFRE Volunteers

Volunteer Abroad Summer Student College Opportunities

Experience a unique and rewarding journey overseas on your summer vacation while helping those in need

  • Use your summer vacation to experience something completely different.
  • Combine sightseeing with interesting work that helps those in need.
  • Unparalleled high reviews and ratings, Guaranteed lowest program fees in the US – starting from $100 - $200 per week.
  • 18 countries, 200 projects and thousands of happy volunteers since 2006,. Contact us for more information.
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Volunteer Abroad Summer Student College Opportunities from IFRE Volunteers

Vacation time means the chance to do something different, so why not spend yours helping on one of the many life changing college student summer volunteer abroad programs based all around the world?

Would you like the chance to travel and experience a new culture, but to do something useful at the same time? College summer abroad volunteer programs provide this exact opportunity, and with so many programs to consider there is something to suit everyone, whatever your skills or interests.

One thing is for sure, the memories you make on a college summer volunteer abroad program will last as long as the impact your efforts will have on the people or community you spend time with.

If doing something a little different during your summer vacation sounds interesting this could definitely be the right choice for you.

Alexandra Miller

These last six weeks of volunteering have been a truly amazing and life-changing & very wonderful experience for me.

Alexandra Miller

- USA

Leslie Slade

I had an excellent time, better than I ever could have imagined. Other volunteers were so nice and willing to help.

Leslie Slade

- Vermont, USA

Don Maddocks

I had a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to teach children of all different ages.I am sad to leave!

Don Maddocks

- USA

Manko Blakely

My volunteer experience with IFRE has been unforgettable. It has opened my mind & heart. Staffs were very helpful.

Manko Blakely

- Germany

Why Join a Volunteer Abroad Summer Student College Project?

There is no one reason why people decide to sign up for a college student volunteer abroad summer program, but everyone who does shares one thing in common – they all benefit from the experience in some way.

Summer abroad volunteer programs for college students on offer range from working with children and teaching English to providing medical support, constructing buildings or rescuing animals, but whatever the area each volunteer’s efforts contribute to growth and change, and improved lives for those most in need.

Having the chance to share your skills is a powerful and often humbling opportunity which few college students may experience in daily life. On a college student summer volunteer abroad project your time, effort and knowledge are all acknowledged and valued.

On college summer abroad volunteer programs volunteers get the chance to live and experience a culture in a very natural way, which is something regular tourists can never hope to do.

Some summer volunteer abroad programs for college students require existing language skills, or provide you with plenty of opportunity to practice things you learned yourself in a classroom.

You can also take this once in a lifetime opportunity to learn a new language in a natural environment where you can use it daily.

Living day to day in a familiar environment is comfortable, but college student summer volunteer abroad programs provide a new landscape, and the chance to test yourself and become more resourceful and independent.

Travel is always a fun and exciting thing to do but if you struggle to balance tourism and your eco-footprint a college student summer volunteer abroad program is a good way to travel responsibly, giving back as much as you take.

Something many summer volunteer abroad college students alumni reflect on are the memories of doing some truly meaningful work, which over even a week or two contributed to the process of real change.

Plus for some this was the chance to experience a possible new career path, or gain experience in a field like education or healthcare to support their commitment to that kind of work in the future,.

The connections volunteers on college summer abroad volunteer programs make, with each other, local people and those they meet on their project are life enriching, and can be lifelong too.

Working on a volunteer program is an experience best understood by those who have experienced the same changes to their perspective on life, which makes these bonds so valuable.

IFRE Volunteers Best Volunteer Abroad Summer Student College Programs

There are lots of different volunteer abroad summer student college projects available from IFRE Volunteers, with topics covering everything from childcare to community development.

These are based in twenty countries of the world, which makes it easy to combine travel and volunteering. Below are details on 10 of IFRE’s top volunteer projects.

Special Needs Children Project

Chinese children with special needs have a harder time accessing education then regular kids, so they love being at this special centre where the staff and volunteers like you help them learn, play and take care of themselves.

You don’t need any special experience to join this college summer volunteer abroad China program as training and support is provided.

Medical Project in Peru

Volunteer programs in the medical field are a great way for aspiring health care professionals to gain valuable experience, while helping those in rural areas who lack good medical care. 

This college student summer volunteer abroad Peru program matches Spanish speaking volunteers with tasks based on their experience and background. Positions are available in many departments, including dental, rehab and pediatrics.

Teaching in Buddhist Temple School in Thailand

Teaching English in Thailand is a worthwhile summer abroad volunteer program for college students. Buddhist monks offer classes to local children who would otherwise miss out, but they really need fluent or native English speakers to help.

Volunteers work with primary and secondary school age youngsters who are keen to improve their language skills and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Special Children Project in Mexico

Work with special needs children on this rewarding Mexico summer abroad volunteer program for college students. Youngsters with conditions such as autism, deafness and Down’s syndrome rely on project staff for an education, and volunteers help with both classes and after school activities.

As Spanish skills are useful there is an option to combine study and volunteer work

Volunteer in Himalaya in Nepal

This new college student volunteer abroad summer program Nepal is based in the Himalayas, and ready for those with a sense of adventure and a deep love of the great outdoors.

Your role involves teaching English to members of the Sherpa community; an essential skill with the blossoming tourist trade, with plenty of free time to trek and explore the region.

Cloud Forest Conservation Project in Ecuador

If you are passionate about the environment this volunteer abroad college students summer project in Ecuador involves joining an established conservation project to save the cloud forests of the Andes, along with the wildlife and nature that depends on its survival.

Volunteers must be fit, strong, able to deal with the climate and bugs, and open to learning new skills, but direct experience in this field is not required.

Elephant Project in India

College student summer volunteer abroad programs India like this project in Jaipur is a must for anyone who loves elephants. Volunteers get to help a mahout (keeper) with all aspects of his work with these elephants which provide rides around the area.

You get the chance to feed, care for and play with them, and clean up their mess too! This is a rare chance to experience authentic Indian Culture.

Marine Project in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s economy desperately needs the tourism and construction work which is currently booming, but unfortunately marine life is paying the price for these changes.

Summer abroad programs for college students volunteer Costa Rica involve helping marine animals to survive, while educating local communities on how to prevent and deal with these serious issues.

Turtle Conservation Project-Bali

Joining a college student summer volunteer abroad Bali project means you can help conserve and grow the precious turtle population.

Working alongside experts in a tropical paradise environment volunteers get lots of practical experience, while also learning more about the area, the eco-system and how to help the turtles flourish.

Women Support Project - Xela, Guatemala

Women in Guatemala struggle to access education, find work or be independent in a traditionally male dominated society.

Joining a summer volunteer abroad programs for college students Guatemala is a useful way for female volunteers with a good grasp of Spanish to guide, teach and support these women towards freedom.