Feel Good About Your Winter Break

Volunteer Stories

Hear directly from United Planet Volunteers about their experiences.

Go away for good this year! Choose the alternative

How will you spend your winter or spring break this year? Take a trip on the wild side and join us on one of our exciting Alternative Winter and Spring Break Quests for individuals and groups.

See another side of travel! By dedicating one week to volunteering, you’ll be fully immersed in the local culture and language. Brush up on your Spanish, explore ruins and castles, and most importantly, give back to the community. You’ll gain unique insight into important global issues such as environmental conservation, poverty, literacy and development.

Group opportunities

United Planet works with individuals as well as university and high school groups to develop customized alternative break itineraries. This is truly a great opportunity for your group to make a difference in a community overseas, immerse in another culture, explore a new part of the world and learn new things about each other! All United Planet Group Quests combine meaningful service work with exciting excursions and cultural activities! Take a look at our Groups page. And request more info here.

Individual opportunities
Current Alternative Winter Breaks Include:

• Health care work in Guatemala
• Environmental conservation in the Galapagos, Ecuador
• Orphanage or women's shelter work in Peru
• Rebuilding in tsunami-ravaged areas of Japan
• And many more!

Current Alternative Spring Breaks Include:

• Sea Turtle conservation work in Costa Rica
• Orphanage work in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania
• Interactive social work at a women’s shelter in Guatemala
• And many more!

Can I Apply?

Volunteers of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds are invited to join United Planet Quests. Our volunteers share a deep concern for the world, a true desire to make a difference, and a passion for cultural discovery and exploration.

Language fluency is not normally required but basic knowledge of the local language is helpful.

Minimum age: 16 to 18 (call for more information)

Maximum age: No maximum age!

Volunteer Fees Short Term Quest fees start at: $945 $250 application fee due at time of application (application must be submitted at least 60 days before intended departure) All remaining Quest fees are due at least 30 days before departure date
Program Fees Include: Preparation & training before departure Food & lodging in your host country Airport transportation Emergency medical insurance On-going support and supervision Language lessons, cultural activities and excursions (may vary by country, call for details		Fees do not Include: Visa processing charges (volunteers are responsible for acquiring the necessary Visa) International airfare (volunteers are responsible for coordinating travel itineraries with expected start dates) Any required vaccinations or immunizations