Alternative Spring Break: Volunteer Travel
The American ritual known as spring break has evolved from a sprawling beach party into a chance for students to do some good. The opportunities to contribute are numerous and wide-ranging. You can volunteer in a low-income school, help out on an archaeological dig, or work for a crucial environmental cause. This guide to alternative spring break presents organizations focused on volunteer travel, along with recently published articles on the topic, so you’ll be equipped to find a cause and project that suit your own unique interests and talents.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhy Volunteer?
If you remember your last spring break as a blur of crowded beaches, overpriced meals, and bad ... read more »
Alternative Spring Break Trips
The length of your break, the location of your trip, your budget, and work preferences are a ... read more »
Volunteer Tourism Organizations
Before your alternative spring break dreams can come to fruition, you might want some help from a knowledgeable, experienced volunteer tourism provider. You’ll find them using the sites below.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are countless volunteer vacation organizations touting themselves online, but before you shell out cash, take caution. Look for organizations with clearly outlined standards and thorough explanation of how fees are used.
- Volunteer vacations often have high price tags. When they are all-inclusive, and cover food, accommodation, and costs associated with running the organization, it makes sense. Always be sure to learn what expenses you’ll need to cover out of pocket, in addition to the standard program fee.
- If you’ve always ruled out spring break for financial reasons, take heed: there are volunteer organizations offering short-term projects at little to no cost. All you’ll need is transportation to the project site.
- Take a look at the findingDulcinea Philanthropy and Nonprofits Web Guide for additional volunteering resources and organizations that can help you contribute any time of year.
Dulcinea's Picks
For a search tool…
VolunteerMatch
helps you find volunteer opportunities matching your location and interests. Enter a few specifications into the search tool, and get a list of current and upcoming projects that need your help.
Volunteer Abroad
provides information on study and volunteer opportunities abroad, and has a search engine to help you find the perfect program. Enter a world region or country, the type of work you’re looking for, and the amount of time you plan to spend abroad; you’ll be presented with a list of options with detailed information about each program and links to organizations.
Idealist
provides nonprofit and volunteer resources, including more than 60,000 nonprofit organizations. Search for volunteer opportunities, and community events and actions worldwide.
For international organizations …
International Volunteer Programs Association
(IVPA) is a coalition of non-governmental organizations providing international volunteering and internship opportunities. IVPA requires its member organizations to uphold specific standards. Link to the various organizations to research program opportunities.
Global Volunteers
is an organization engaging in volunteer service abroad and in the United States, and has been featured on CNN and National Geographic. It’s the only non-governmental organization of its kind affiliated with the United Nations. Find programs such as teaching English, working with community members across a broad age group, providing health care, and improving local infrastructure.
i-to-i
is focused on sustainable volunteer programs that benefit communities; you’ll stay in local housing and use local transportation during your project. Look for various volunteer programs working with children, wildlife, sports, and community development. Also find paid English teaching placements, internships, and “Meaningful Tours” that include some aspect of volunteering.
Earthwatch Institute
was named “Best Voluntourism Outfitter” by National Geographic Adventure magazine. The international nonprofit supports scientific field research and conservation efforts by enlisting the help of volunteers. Work with New York City wildlife, or join an expedition to save lemurs in Madagascar, for example.
For low-cost options …
Volunteers For Peace
(VFP) places volunteers in more than 3,000 projects, known as International Work Camps, in more than 100 countries, including some opportunities with U.S. programs. VFP specializes in short-term projects and maintains a low placement fee of $300. Search the project directory to discover opportunities.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
(WWOOF) strives to support sustainable ways of life by connecting volunteers with small farms in need of workers. Volunteers get food, accommodation, and an education in organic living at no cost, in exchange for working. Look for projects around the world.
For outdoor work in the United States …
Sierra Club
is a U.S. grassroots environmental organization that offers volunteer vacations for all ages and levels of stamina. Perform trail maintenance, help out on archeological digs, and more. Look for numerous trip options across the United States year-round.
Tauck
has been operating international tours since 1925 and began offering voluntourism packages in 2003, partnering with the National Park Service and other organizations, to provide opportunities from New Orleans to Yellowstone. Volunteer for two hours, or join a 10-day tour through Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and South Dakota, volunteering in parks along the way. Learn about projects and find practical information on this site.
The Appalachian Mountain Club
works to promote the protection and maintenance of mountains, rivers, and trails in the Northeast United States. Look for volunteer opportunities working on trails, leading outdoor excursions, and teaching. Commitments can be as short as one day.
For other domestic organizations …
Habitat for Humanity
is a worldwide nonprofit Christian housing ministry that builds homes in low-income areas and disaster-affected areas, such as New Orleans. Find volunteering options in the United States, either in your own town or city, or further away. Houses are not donated; families typically contribute a $500 down payment and aid in construction efforts. Consult the list of opportunities, including short-term mission trips .
The Archaeological Institute of America
offers volunteers the opportunity to work on digs with professionals and students. Discover more than 250 fieldwork projects of varying lengths in locations worldwide.
Best Friends Animal Society
has volunteer opportunities with abused and unwanted animals in your local community, internationally, or at the animal sanctuary in Southern Utah, where critters need feeding, grooming, and training. Complete a free online registration form to learn about specific projects and sign up to volunteer.
To ensure an organization’s legitimacy …
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance
reports on charitable organizations. Learn how well a charity meets strict standards of accounting and transparency, and find out which areas are lacking. Read up on the National Charity Seal Program that lets organizations display a favorable evaluation.
Charity Navigator
acts as a watchdog by rating charities on a four-star scale that takes into account financial efficiency, such as how donations are used. Find an extensive selection of tips, studies, and articles, as well as personalized tracking tools.
Flights
Volunteer vacations aren’t always cheap, so you’ll want to save money however possible; ... read more »
Spring Break Safety
There are special considerations to make regarding your health and safety when volunteering abroad. ... read more »
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