Presenting Alternatives to Spring Break

By: Valerie Acevedo, Wellspring Intern

Perhaps the most famous part of the college experience, other than cramming for and taking finals, is Spring Break.

During this time, no classes are held on campus for at least one week. This recess allows students to take a break from their studies about half-way through the semester. Pupils take advantage of this time to recharge for the rest of the academic year. Many students often choose to travel away from campus, either back home or to various vacation spots.

For those students not desiring to return home, there are a number of popular Spring Break gathering points. Hot spots like the Southern states, Mexico, and the Carribbean Islands are most appealing to students looking to get away. Some of these locations experience an influx of more than 200,000 students during a single week in March. As the demand for the college Spring Break increased, an entire industry formed that focuses on catering to these travelers.

Unfortunately, Spring Break conjures images of wild parties that often include large quantities of drugs and alcohol. Troubles are thrown away as students free from responsibility seek entertainment and pleasure. Exotic destinations, eager for financial benefit from thousands of visitors, welcome Spring Breakers with open arms.

Many college students feel pressured to partake in Spring Break festivities. Due to an emphasis on alcohol and drug abuse, as well as sexual activity, these celebrations can be dangerous places to travel to. Students who are not interested in such risky activity often look for other ways to spend their free time.

A growing trend among college students is the Alternative Spring Break. This option, which coincides with the normal Spring Break, involves spending the week somewhere completing a service project. Numerous organizations are involved in this increasingly popular movement, including both secular and faith-based organizations. Examples include volunteering with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, working with conservation groups in National Parks, and traveling with on-campus faith organizations to undertake mission activity.

Alternative spring breaks offer students an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and explore the world in a meaningful way. These trips are equal parts volunteer work, adventure, and education.

International Volunteer HQ has volunteer programs in 50+ destinations and 300+ projects. IVHQ has 10 years of experience providing programs scheduled to coincide with major college spring breaks.

Solo travel with IVHQ is an ideal way to grow as a person while being fully supported with organized accommodation, meals, and travel support. IVHQ also has a team dedicated to supporting groups of volunteers. Whether traveling alone or with a squad, students will gain experience with incredible people from a variety of backgrounds.

Here are examples of volunteer experiences for Spring Break 2020:

• Sea Turtle Conservation in Costa Rica
• Medical mission trips in Guatemala
• Construction and Renovation volunteering in Peru
• Youth development in Ecuador
• Teach English in the Philippines
• Focus on Youth Support in Portugal
• Neighborhood Revitalization in USA - New Orleans
• Animal Care in Romania
• Childcare or Sport Development in South Africa
• Sustainable Agriculture in Mexico

For more information about what programs International Volunteer HQ has to offer, visit their website at www.volunteerhq.org.