Alternative Spring Break Ideas

Are you interested in traveling this spring break? Looking for an affordable way to see more of the world? Spring break is the perfect time to break away from your usual routines and so something different, and many young people like you make that happen by pursuing one of IFRE’s many alternative spring break ideas.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the true culture of a foreign country, with projects available across Africa, Asia and South America. Every year thousands of people just like you sign up to spend time helping others, sharing skills, knowledge, time or simply an extra pair of hands - and changing lives forever. Is it your time to join this growing movement?

Make your spring break about more than sun, sand and sea with these amazing, often life changing opportunities from IFRE. Contact us today to find out more about what your future holds.

The Benefits of Volunteering

A few weeks of freedom is something all students look forward to; the chance to truly relax and escape the routines of school or college. It’s important to recharge your batteries, but there are more benefits, both financial, emotional and practical, from using your spring break to volunteer.

You develop new connections

In the busy modern world more of your life is lived online or at a crazy hectic pace. IFRE’s alternative spring break volunteer ideas provide plenty of  opportunity for volunteers to join either with current friends, or come alone and make great connections to others in the group. There are lots of things to do, see, and explore with your new pals, whichever destination you are heading for.

You learn a lot about yourself

At home it’s quite natural to have a routine which may be packed out every day, but doesn’t change too much. You are familiar with everyday tasks, social activities and places, and this comfort zone is what will be challenged if you pursue alternative spring break ideas. Discover just what you are capable of, face your fears, and shake up your comfortable world- this is what living is really about.

This is a great chance to do something different

All IFRE volunteer abroad alternative spring break programs ideas are quite different from the standard vacation trips young people plan, which means enjoying new adventures, languages, foods and people in a fascinating foreign country.

Boost those language skills

Cultural immersion is the best possible way to revamp those rusty language skills from long ago, or practice new words and phrases being studied to boost communication with those you are working with.

Hands on experience puts you ahead of the game

Future employers can’t fail to be impressed by details of your spring break volunteer experience, as it highlights not just your employment related abilities but also those vital personal skills, like adaptability, being a good communicator, and a team player.

IFRE Top Most Inexpensive Alternative Spring Break Ideas

Cultural Conservation Project (Maasai Land)

The Massai in Kenya have roots going back many thousands of years, but their unique culture is under threat as growing unemployment and poverty within the group drives many members to leave and look for work in other areas.

This Massai Land alternative spring break volunteer idea is a project offering new hope to the Massai people. This comes in the form of education, skill building and reconstruction which in turn helps them make the most of the tourist trade they attract.

As a volunteer on this project you may help with physical work like building and construction, or work with local staff to teach language, business and creative skills to boost their small businesses catering to visitors. Everyone has something to offer these amazing people, so no special qualifications or experience is required to apply.

Work on an HIV/AIDS project (Moshi/Boma)

IFRE offer several health-related volunteer opportunities alternative spring break ideas, including this one in Tanzania, which focuses on the continuing HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Local hospitals and clinics struggle to treat all in need, while also trying to promote educational campaigns on avoiding or reducing risk of becoming infected, but with the help of local NGO’s and volunteers things are changing for the better.

As a volunteer on this touching project you could help on the treatment/support side, working alongside a local professional to deliver essential medicine, food, clothing and counseling options.

Or you may be better suited to the education outreach work, which is a great opportunity to talk directly to young people and community members about how to prevent, or reduce the risk of contracting these serious conditions.

Teaching English in Brazil

Looking at Brazil alternative spring break ideas? Why not help poor children from slum areas learn English?

This really useful project gives them a chance to compete for the well paid jobs available in the fast growing tourism market, and the chance to make a bright future for themselves.

Health/Medical Projects in Ghana

One of IFRE’s most popular alternative spring break ideas is this vital medical and health project in beautiful Ghana. It was set up to help provide basic healthcare for people in rural areas who had no facilities close by.

Through this work serious diseases are less likely to be a problem, and health education programs are helping people to learn how to stay healthier in general.

Your work as a volunteer on this project is very much appreciated, and as the work you do is decided based on your experience you can be sure of helping others.

Assisting a nurse or doctor in basic tasks like home visits, taking blood pressure, changing dressings or delivering babies, this is an amazing way to get insight and experience of Ghana’s medical world.

Street Children/Children at Risk in India

Our street children in India alternative spring break volunteer travel idea supports at-risk kids who could easily become victims of crime, gangs,  or trafficking.

They desperately need mentors who can offer support, friendship and advice to help them find a better place to be in society, and this project offers all that, and more. Safe and comfortable accommodation is provided to volunteers, with 24/7 support on hand too.

Combining travel in this majestic and historic country with time on such a worthwhile alternative spring break volunteer program is truly life changing.

Typical work on this project can involve, teaching a language, or any other subject you can,  organizing games and activities for them, helping to prepare nutritious meals so they can eat well, and generally being there as a role model. This is perhaps one of the most rewarding programs we offer, and your help makes a huge difference.

Volunteer with disabled children and teens in Argentina

IFRE are proud to present Argentina volunteer opportunities alternative spring break ideas which improve the lives of disabled children and young people.

Through this program they get access to education, therapy, games and activities and training for work, as well as vital social interaction.

If you are over 18, preferably with some Spanish language skills and a desire to support the disadvantaged this is an amazing project to consider.

As a volunteer you will work for a few hours every weekday, and perhaps on a weekend if really necessary, and your work could include leading educational classes, organizing games and sporting activities, planning events, fundraising, helping the children with rehab exercise, amongst other things.

School/orphanage construction (San Jose)

Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, but few visitors see the deprived areas where the cash and infrastructure to maintain and add to buildings simply doesn’t exist.

This useful IFRE San Jose alternative spring break idea sends volunteers to help repair and maintain local homes, schools and orphanages, so the residents can live more comfortably, and enjoy life.

Perfect for both long and short term volunteers, this physically demanding work produces great results, fast. Volunteer tasks include all aspects of construction, from digging and painting to mixing cement and moving rubble.

Childcare/Child Development (Ayutthaya)

This worthwhile project is a truly rewarding Thailand alternative spring break volunteer programs idea.

Set up to provide quality childcare facilities for people on low incomes, it means parents can both work and build a better future for their family. In a country where mainstream childcare is expensive this is a lifesaving opportunity for so many.

As a volunteer on this exciting child-centered volunteer abroad project you work weekdays, for around 4-5 hours a day, providing general care, language classes and social activities for youngsters. This is a flexible program so your individual skills and interests will shape what you do.

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