Alternative Winter and Spring Break Volunteer Programs

"Take an Alternative Break, Volunteer Abroad!"

"The kids greeted us with hugs, holding hands, bouquets of flowers, small treats, and lots of shy smiles. Friendships established more quickly and more deeply than I've ever experienced in my lifetime. We laughed. We taught baseball. We read out loud...in English and in Spanish. We sang. We painted. We made origami fish (pescaditos). We said our goodbyes. Some cried. I cried. We had 2 weeks together. They were an amazing 2 weeks!"

-Jeanie Levinski, University of Idaho Student and Group Participant

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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:

Current Alternative Spring Breaks Include:

  • Sea Turtle conservation work in Southern Costa Rica
  • Orphanage work in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania
  • Interactive social work at a women’s shelter in Guatemala
  • And many more!
 
Where Can We Go?   Search for worldwide programs using our Interactive World Map >
                          

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. Peru, Ecuador and Guatemala programs require basic Spanish.

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

Maximum age: No maximum age!

Volunteer Fees

Short Term Quest fees start at: $795

  • $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
   Alternative Break Volunteer working with Children in Romania

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

Three Easy Steps to Apply

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Step 1: Choose your Volunteer Abroad Quest Country and then fill in the online application.

Step 2: Submit your $250 deposit at the time of application. You may pay the deposit online with a credit card as part of your application process, call our office at 1-800-292-2316 to provide your credit card information or send a check to our Boston office.

Step 3: The Regional Coordinator in the Boston office will contact you to arrange a phone interview. 

Questions about applying?

Call one of our friendly regional Quest coordinators today. We will walk you step-by-step through the application process and answer any questions you may have.

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