(214) 390-7947 (Overseas Callers)
IFRE History
IFRE History: Many successful years of experience
IFRE is one of the recognized leaders in the volunteer abroad field. We collaborate with hundreds of local orphanages, schools, medical centers, women projects, NGOs and grassroots organizations. We are committed to offering the lowest cost and highest quality volunteer programs on the market, which enables more volunteers to serve humanity and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There are many reasons to choose IFRE:
Best price and quality
IFRE is a nonprofit organization and our international staff is comprised of dedicated humanitarians with passion for making this world a better place. Money is not a motivating force for us to run the volunteer abroad program. IFRE does not make ANY profit from these programs. The fees are just enough to keep our programs sustained. By doing this, we hope to inspire many volunteers like you and your family and friends to venture into the world at large and make a real difference.
You may realize other non-profit volunteer organizations charge as much as $2500 for two weeks of volunteering abroad, but not with IFRE. Now, No other volunteer abroad organization can surpass the price and quality that IFRE offers. Even though our pricing is low, our quality does not suffer. We are also committed to offering safe and quality programs. We continually rethink our international operations and trim unnecessary expenses in order to offer affordable and high-quality programs.
AN American Non-Profit 501(c)3 Organization
IFRE is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to offering volunteer abroad opportunities to students and volunteers on a limited budget. Our 501(c)3 status allows your program fees to be tax deductible, as allowed by law.
Our Grassroots Approach: a Helping hand to local communities
In most of our program countries, IFRE works directly with local orphanages, schools, NGOs and youth groups. Our volunteer programs focus on supporting local community development programs in host communities abroad. Today, as a non-profit organization, IFRE is able to mobilize thousands of volunteers abroad to support community development, underprivileged children and grassroots organizations worldwide. IFRE does not believe in the traditional charitable development model in which donors provide money for development. Our grassroots approach empowers local organizations or communities to identify and engage in solving their problems. IFRE volunteers then support a project’s chosen focus. This people-to-people approach unites volunteers and local citizens to share ideas and work side-by-side on important issues.
Our Experience
IFRE has offered volunteer abroad programs since 2005. To date we have placed more than 17,000 international volunteers. We have a 99% success rate and gladly offer references of past volunteers. Our programs are well-planned and detail-oriented, meeting and regularly exceeding participants’ expectations.
A Complete Volunteer Experience
IFRE’s volunteer program is not a bare-bones volunteer placement service. IFRE aims to offer multifaceted and meaningful programs, which includes language courses, cultural immersion, volunteer opportunities and amazing travel experiences. This approach ensures that volunteers leave with a diverse and memorable experience that is second to none.
Experienced Coordinators
IFRE’s team is strong, comprised of experienced international coordinators who manage successful and effective volunteer abroad programs. Most of our in-country coordinators supervise local level organizations and focus on the local issues of their communities. In addition to our international coordinators, we also work directly with local schools, orphanages, development agencies and community organizations. We strive to ensure that each local program meets the high standards of quality expected and deserved by our volunteers.
Customized Project
Our volunteer assignments are not one-size-fits-all. No matter what country you choose, IFRE offers the most-unique and customized volunteer projects. Our project placement process considers the personal interests, skills and experience of each volunteer. Our local in-country coordinator explores the best local organizations and handpicks the perfect program for each volunteer. Volunteers receive detailed information of their project, including living arrangements and food, prior to arrival.
Volunteer Care and Other Services
IFRE Volunteers’ staffs in America and abroad strive to support volunteers by answering all questions and providing the best advice on issues from general fundraising to personal issues like health, culture, excursions, travel, passports and visas, safety and special events.
Emergency support: IFRE Volunteers can provide you with multiple telephone numbers of our American staff and in-country staff for emergency support on request. Our staff members are available for emergencies. Volunteers also receive personal placement contact details to share with family before departure. Please let us know if you require staff contact phone numbers.