Volunteer Abroad Programs For College Students

Volunteer Abroad Programs For College Students

Do you want to travel abroad and work to support poor communities to bring positive change in the world? Are you looking for an affordable opportunity to travel abroad for sightseeing and experience new culture, language, food and traditions?

Programs for college students give you an opportunity to explore and experience new things in life while working to empower and support poor communities to make a better life. Making a difference in the lives of other people will add a sense of accomplishment to yours and provide a truly rewarding experience. In addition all your volunteering activities will help you develop your interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.

IFRE has been providing affordable volunteer programs across 20 countries throughout the world since 2006. A non-profit, IFRE has given volunteer opportunities to over 22,000 happy volunteers since inception. When you become part IFRE’s cheap volunteering abroad programs for college students you will bring significant change and make a difference in the life of people and animals while adding purpose to your that will make you feel accomplished.

If you and your group of college students are looking to volunteer for an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, we are here to help you with that. Contact us for more information today and join thousands of college student volunteers around the world, who are passionate about contributing to a better world.

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Table of Contents

Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Programs For College Students  

Sets Your Career Path

Volunteering is the best way to know if your chosen career path is right for you as it gives you the opportunity to experience the perks of your desired job without making a long term commitment. If you are thinking of switch your career, then volunteering will help you in your transition phase. It will also add to your resume and will show your commitment and interest toward your desired job.

Gives You A Sense Of Accomplishment To Your Life

Working for the welfare of people and animals is a noble deed and it will add a sense of satisfaction to your life. Being a volunteer will give you a different identity. Bringing a significant change and making a difference in the life of people through programs like the students volunteering program abroad will add purpose to your life and make you feel accomplished.

Travel And New Culture Experience

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.

Improve Your Personal Health

The different activities while volunteering will keep you physically fit. It will help you combat the effects of anxiety, stress and anger. Cheap volunteer opportunities abroad for college students will bring you in regular contact with people sharing similar interests, which will provide you with a solid support system that helps you combat depression. People who volunteer regularly are less likely to suffer from high blood pressure, chronic pain or heart diseases.

Improves Your Skills

Volunteering programs will expose you to challenging situations, which will make you aware about your strengths, weaknesses, abilities and limitations. Volunteering activities will help you develop your interpersonal, communication and leadership skills. Dealing with various situations and problems will make you better equipped at handling pressure situations in the future.

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IFRE’s Top Volunteer Abroad Programs For College Students  :

Costa Rica

Volunteer With Turtles in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful tropical paradise. It is best known for the white sandy beaches, natural lush jungle and exotic wildlife. Located in Central America, Costa Rica receives millions of tourists each year. Unfortunately, sea turtle populations are declining, and these ancient and amazing animals are endangered.

They are often hunted for their meat and eggs. By joining this summer volunteering trip abroad for college students, you’ll team up with scientists and reformed former poachers who have seen the light and are now working hard to guard nests, gather data for scientific research, and ensure baby hatchlings make their way out to sea.

Working With Underprivileged Children (San Jose, Cortes)

Costa Rica is a stunning country most famous for its beautiful sand white beaches and wildlife. Sadly, there are many children in Costa Rica who are struggling on a daily basis, orphans and poor families who can’t afford childcare. IFRE works with many organizations to help provide support through offering childcare so low-income parents can go to work. During College student volunteering abroad opportunity in Costa Rica, you will be compassionate to children in need, and make a profound difference in their lives

Work On A Coffee Farm

Costa Rican coffee is world renown as one of the best coffees in the world. A coffee farm is the ideal location for Costa Rica program working on a sustainable coffee farm. When not grown sustainably, coffee farming can seriously erode the soil it is being grown in, which leads to a lot of further environmental issues.

By joining IFRE’s coffee farm volunteer program, you will learn sustainable and ecological practices and work hands-on implementing them including helping rear plants in the nursery, weed, help care for livestock, sow crops, utilize native species, and more.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

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

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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, love of children and an interest in building a better world are all you need to make take your break in IFRE’s volunteer abroad programs for college students in Peru to support the children.

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 volunteer teaching college students programs in Peru, you will teach English to open doors and opportunities for children, as the job market in tourism and hospitality dominates the country.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Peru

IFRE has plenty of programs in Peru. You can be sure to find something that appeals to you for a chance to make the world a better place.

Guatemala

Medical Volunteer Guatemala

Guatemala is a gorgeous country filled with beautiful volcanoes and lush vegetation including scenery and sights like the Tikal ruins and El Boqueron Canyon. Sadly, many people in rural and poor areas have inadequate access to healthcare. IFRE’ s medical volunteer trips abroad for college students, 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 colorful and beautiful culture is one of the most diverse in the world. 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 volunteering teaching opportunity for college students in Guatemala, 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 will ensure you can find a program that will help you make the world a better place, no matter what kind of difference you are hoping to make.

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Ecuador

Orphanage Project

Ecuador is a country that cuts across the equator. It is very diverse with rich Incan ruins, the Andes Mountains and beautiful sandy beaches. Sadly, many people in Ecuador are poor. The hardest hit are the children, and Ecuador sadly has over 200,000 orphans living within its borders.

With IFRE volunteer abroad programs for college students in Ecuador 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.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

IFRE knows every volunteer is different, so we have made sure to find a wide range of projects to satisfy everyone.

Argentina

Volunteering With Underprivileged Children

Argentina has diverse landscapes including beaches, snow-white mountains, Pampas Plains and Pantagonia forests. 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. At best volunteering college students overseas program, you’ll help kids with homework, serve nutritious meals, and make sure they are well cared for.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Argentina

We have a program, which will suit your interests and ensure you make a real impact in Latin America.

Brazil

Care For Children in Brazil

Brazil is the home to the Carnival and the origin of Samba. It also has the best white beaches in the world and unique fruits all found in the mighty Amazon.. 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. Your positive influence when you participate in summer abroad programs for college students volunteer will linger long after you return home.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Brazil

IFRE has a variety of impactful and unique projects and you are sure to find one that matches your interests. Take a look at what we have to offer and select a project that is calling your name!

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Nepal

Work In An Orphanage (Kathmandu, Chitwan)

Nepal has a diverse geography, including fertile plains, and eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest lie right in the heart of the country. Sadly, 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.  While volunteering opportunity abroad for college students 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 that will suit your interests.

Sri Lanka

Teach English (Galle)

Sri Lanka is a country best known for its natural national parks and exotic wildlife, from elephants to the might leopards and the rare jungle fowl.  The growth in international trade and tourism has made English a very important language to master in Sri Lanka. English is also used in commerce and communications.

Unfortunately, not all Sri Lankan children are lucky enough to learn from qualified teachers in the schools. The children from disadvantaged families attend schools that are having insufficient resources and not able to afford teachers with skills and experience. When you volunteer abroad programs for college students, you will help the children improve their English and brighten their future.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Sri Lanka

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

India

Teaching English (Delhi, Jaipur)

Leading in an array of beauty India is a beautiful breathtaking country in Asia offering diversity in culture including white beaches, snow capped mountains and lush forests. Tourism in India is booming with millions of travellers’ touring the country each year. Sadly, most of the population is not fluent in English and in poor communities it is not a common language.

A lot of schools in impoverished communities in India are in dire need. During volunteering experience abroad for college students program, you will support and improve English skills among the Indians by bridging the gap to support understaffed schools and overworked teachers. This will lead to a general growth of the English language, leading to more job opportunities for poor communities in India.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in India

IFRE has many projects in India you will love! There are so many different ways you can make a difference.

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Thailand

Teaching English Project in Thailand

Although tourism in Thailand is booming, a significant part of the population does not have sufficient English skills, which they extremely needed to communicate with the tourists. With substantial part of the population living in poverty, lack of proper education is preventing hard-working Thais from improving their financial situation. IFRE works in partnership with local organizations to help provide young Thais students a much-needed English language education.

During best volunteer abroad programs for college students, you will be helping school children learn conversational and written English, coming up with fun and engaging activities to get your students excited about their studies while assisting the local teachers to provide best quality education.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand

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

Bali

Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Bali

Bali is now one of the most world-famous tourist destinations in the world. While in Bali you will work in a small beautiful island of Nusa Penida and help conserve endangered sea turtles in Bali that are being poached for delicacy meals around Bali.

By joining volunteer abroad programs for college students you will have the opportunity to work with a local communities and conservation experts to increase the sea turtle population in the area. You will support with conservation efforts including beach clean-ups, waste management, and local education.

Other volunteer opportunities in Bali

IFRE has many unique and exciting volunteer projects in Bali 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.

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Ghana

Volunteer Teaching English Ghana

Ghana is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. Best known for the rich history in the 18^th Century as the main slave trade center. English is the official language of Ghana but it’s not the first language of most people. Young children mostly learn to speak English in schools. Therefore, the schools they attend become an important place for them to learn and develop their ability to read and write in English.

Unfortunately, the schools in poorer area lack skilled and experienced English teachers to groom the children. When you join our affordable college student volunteer programs in Ghana you will not only be improving English skills in schools and empowering the future generations but also you feel fulfilled knowing that you are positively changing lives and communities in general

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Ghana

IFRE is sure to have a project where you can make a difference and have an amazing experience volunteering abroad.

Kenya

Orphanage Project in Kenya

Kenya is a stunning country with diverse culture with a vast Rift Valley with over eight volcanic lakes set out in major national parks. Sadly, Kenya is mired in poverty, because of HIV/AIDS, thousands of children become orphans and are left homeless as a result. There is little help from the government for the orphaned children.

They have to fend for themselves and many turn to life of crime or they’re exploited as they seek work to survive. There are many orphanages running through private efforts or some through government programs that are taking good care of the children. By joining IFRE’s best orphanage volunteer opportunity overseas for college students, you will work to improve the lives and the future of orphaned children.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Kenya

IFRE has a project in Kenya you can get involved with that will help you make a real difference in the world. 

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South Africa

Medical program in South Africa

South Africa is a large and beautiful country with vast and diverse and unique cultures. With an ever-growing economy, South Africa has seen an impressive increase in the standard of health services over the years. Unfortunately, this result has yet to reach and be felt in poor and rural communities. Even in urban areas people still succumb to treatable diseases due to lack of affordable health care.

Many hospitals are overwhelmed and they are looking for people like you to assist. Join IFRE’s medical volunteer project for college students in South Africa help poor people lead a healthier life. While working with local medical professionals you will learn about the medical practice in South Africa and help with the treatment.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in South Africa

IFRE has a project in South Africa you will love! There are so many different ways you can make a difference, so browse our offerings and find a project, which is perfect for you!

Tanzania

Healthcare Projects (Moshi)

Tanzania is a unique and exciting destination in East Africa. With an array of natural tourists attractions including the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania has both best beaches and the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. However, Tanzania struggles with poverty with more than of the population living in poor rural areas. Many of its poor citizens lack good access to quality healthcare.

During volunteer abroad programs for college students 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. At this exciting opportunity you will gain invaluable professional experience working in the medical field, which will help prepare you for your future career.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Tanzania

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

Uganda

Orphanage Project (Kampala)

Uganda is a beautiful country with multiple attractions including the great Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River. Unfortunately, many people in Uganda are poor. The hardest hit are the children, and Uganda sadly has over 200,000 orphans living within its borders from the HIV/AIDS menace that devastated the country.

For summer volunteering abroad programs for college students in Uganda 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.

Other Volunteer Opportunities in Uganda

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 abroad.

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Skills and Qualifications

Except for the medical volunteer program, where you need a medical certification, no specific qualifications or skills are required to join volunteer abroad programs for college students. 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.  Similarly, you need to be compassionate and passionate about working with underprivileged children. 

The Fee

IFRE offers affordable opportunities for college students to volunteer abroad. The fee is paid directly to the host family or local program coordinator. The fee covers for your accommodation, food, airport pickup and in-country support. A one-time registration fee is required in some countries and covers for all your pre-departure costs.

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

Housing and Food

While volunteering, you will be staying with a trusted and loving IFRE local host family. You host family will make sure you always feel safe, and provide you with three (breakfast, lunch and dinner) delicious traditional local home-cooked meals. However some program offer alternative accommodation in a volunteer house or a project hostel.

To learn more about what kind of accommodation or food available in each location, please feel free to contact us or see the individual link of the project given above.

The Start Date(s) 

IFRE’s volunteering opportunities abroad for college students begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

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How can you apply?

Best programs for college students are easy and simple to apply. Simply press the APPLY NOW button and complete the application form.

To apply to volunteer abroad programs for college students program, please follow the APPLY NOW button at the top of the page.

Why go with IFRE Volunteers?

IFRE is a registered non-profit founded in 2006 in Texas, US. It is distinct from other organizations because they focus on an intimate grassroots approach. With over 200 programs worldwide they are deemed the most affordable volunteer organization in the industry. Since inception IFRE has hosted over 22,000 volunteers in 20 developing countries around three continents.

How can you go as a group?

IFRE offers unique and reasonable programs for adventurous and passionate college students who are looking to travel and volunteer together as a group. It is a perfect opportunity to work and learn as a team with a common goal while immersing in a new culture. If you and your group are looking to join IFRE’s abroad volunteer trips for college students contact us today, we will design an affordable unique group opportunity that allows you to meet your goals and passion.

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How to prepare for volunteer abroad trips?

Taking a trip abroad can be a challenging task that you need to be very well prepared to take. Good preparation will ensure that you have a rewarding and stress free time while volunteering abroad.

Flight

When you volunteer abroad IFRE requires you to make all your bookings and but your ticket in advance. You will save a significant amount of money when you buy your ticket two to three month prior to your trip. Buying a ticket last minute can be very stressful and you can miss out on good deals and could cost you hundreds of dollars with rushed decisions.

Visa and Passport requirements

Volunteering abroad in college students projects, you will be required a tourist visa. Depending on your nationality a tourist visa is available in the airport on arrival or you can get from the country’s Embassy or consulate in your home country.  A valid passport will also be needed for any international travels. Many countries ask that you have at least two blank visa pages on your passport before travelling.

Do I need any vaccinations?

While in volunteer abroad programs for college students you will mostly work in rural remote areas that are poor with no access to healthcare. It is important to take precaution especially for communicable diseases. Consult with your doctor for better advice on what you will be required. You can also check on the Control Disease Center website for more information.

What do I need to pack?

The best advice is to pack light. IFRE will provide you with a general packing list depending on your country of travel. Ensure to bring appropriate clothing including sunscreen, a book, a journal and a gift for your host family or the project.

Extra money

Before travelling abroad ensure you have a tentative budget. Always bring extra money with you in case there is an eventuality. Often times you may tend to spend more than you had planned while volunteering in abroad programs for college students extra money will help you recover from the unplanned expense. Also with extra money you tend to be more confident and at ease.

Your adventure begins

It’s now time to get out of your comfort zone and work to help disadvantaged communities to make the world a better place.

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How to make volunteer abroad experience rewarding?

It takes a lot of effort to travel abroad to help other people, and you need to ensure that your time as volunteer abroad programs for college students is rewarding and worthwhile. Take everything as an adventure, with the goal to learn and experience something new. Also when you learn the local language you will be able to connect more at a personal level and be more independent. Similarly, do not expect luxury and communicate promptly with your local coordinator in case you have a problem.

Safety While Volunteering Abroad

IFRE will provide you with your in-country coordinator who will be available, should you need help with anything or if something comes up while volunteering in college students programs abroad. IFRE’s host families are thoroughly vetted to make sure that they are providing you with the comfort and safety that you need. Also available to you is a safety net of fellow volunteers whom you can reach out to if something makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

You can also check out our amazing volunteer opportunities in Cambodia, Zimbabwe 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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