Spring Break Programs for University Students

JOIN A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ABROAD DURING YOUR ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK AND GAIN GLOBAL EXPERIENCE

Turn your spring break trip into a volunteer adventure! Do this by traveling abroad and becoming part of our ongoing efforts to make a real difference around the world on our Alternative Spring Break Trips.

You'll team up with other university students from across North America and tackle a specific challenge together. You'll focus on sustainable solutions to problems we’ve identified; your work won’t be a quick fix. It will be a contribution to long-term plans. We also work directly with local community members and organizations, so your spring break service trip meets real needs wherever you’re based. 

On a Projects Abroad Alternative Spring Break Trip, you will: 

  • Work on a 1-week long trip that coincide with most major university spring break dates
  • Have the opportunity to travel to nearby countries like Mexico to avoid jet lag and make the most of the short week
  • Participate in a program that has the same benefits as our standard programs, such as food and accommodation
  • Live with a local host family, or in accommodation organized by us
  • Join social activities organized by our staff

All of our alternate spring break trips follow a set itinerary. We’ve chosen the perfect balance between service work and cultural and leisure activities. In addition, our staff will be available 24/7 to make sure you’re safe, comfortable, and having a great time. We can also assist you if you need to make a last minute spring break trip booking with us. 

Choose an Alternative Spring Break Trip

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1-3 of 4 Projects

A Projects Abroad volunteer on her Spring Break Project coloring books with the children at her Childcare placement in Jamaica
Volunteer with Children for Spring Break in Jamaica
See this project
  • Start Date: Over Spring Break
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Ages: 18 or over
A Projects Abroad volunteer at her Spring Break Public Health placement checking the blood pressure of a local woman
Public Health Spring Break in Mexico
See this project
  • Start Date: Over Spring Break
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Ages: 18 or over
Spring Break Diving in Mexico
Marine Conservation Spring Break in Baja California
See this project
  • Start Date: Over Spring Break
  • Minimum Duration: 1 week
  • Ages: 18 or over
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Is an alternative spring break trip for college students right for me?

Are you a college student who would like to make a sustainable and ethical impact during your spring break? Would you like to travel, meet new people and explore a new country? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then our spring break service trips are ideal for you! 

We’ve scheduled them to coincide with major university spring breaks across North America. These programs cover a range of areas, catering for different passions and interests. You could choose to work in a specific area of need or gain real-world experience in your field of study. Our most popular spring break opportunities for college students are in the areas of: 

Early Childhood Development

  • We recommend joining an Early Childhood Development Team Trip if you’re interested in working with children and learning more about early childhood development.
  • You have a choice of working in schools or childcare centers.
  • You’ll also do some practical renovation work.
  • All spring break community service trips in schools or care centres will follow our global childcare policy

Conservation

  • For those who want to be outdoors by the ocean or in a rainforest, a Conservation Team Trip is a great fit.
  • You’ll work with local experts who are passionate about protecting and saving our forests, oceans, savannas, and the animals that inhibit them.
  • Your work will follow our animal safety and well-being guidelines. 

Medicine

  • If you’re a pre-med student eager to learn about healthcare in a developing country, you can sign-up for a Public Health Team Trip.
  • A medical spring break program for university students is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to medicine and add relevant experience to your resume for med school.
  • You’ll learn essential skills, like measuring blood pressure and sugar levels.
  • All of the work you do is supervised, and follows our ethics and code of conduct for medical volunteering and internships.  

Building

  • Our building spring break service trips are for anyone who enjoys a physical challenge, and wants to see a more immediate tangible difference.
  • You’ll work alongside local masons, architects, or engineers.
  • Your work abroad might include building important structures like school classrooms for young children, or toilets.  

Short volunteering trips like our spring break programs are beneficial to local communities and the environment, because of our approach to short-term volunteering. Read our blog post about short term volunteering and how we ensure you make a difference.

In Costa Rica on a spring break community service trip, a student and child play an Early Childhood Development game with a balloon.

What will I gain from a spring break service trip for college students?

We believe in helping people, the environment, and animals, while traveling and engaging with like-minded people, and our spring break programs for university students give you the opportunity to do so. You'll also do things like:  

  • Boost your employability skills.
  • Hone global competencies like teamwork, communication, and time management.
  • Network with volunteers, interns, and staff from around the world.
  • Learn more about the global challenges communities face.
  • Enhance your resume and have valuable points to raise during job interviews or when writing academic papers.
  • Gain an appreciation of cultures different to your own, and share your background with your host family or new friends in destination. 

Our spring break opportunities for university students are focused on local communities, and on ensuring that you actively help others or the environment. 

Want to know more about our Spring Break Programs?

We’d be happy to talk about creating a custom alternative spring break program for you. Most of our staff have been volunteers themselves, so they’re ready to answer your questions, big or small.

(+1) 917 810 4744

or email:

to start planning your project

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