Alternative Spring Break Ideas for College Students

Regrettably, I never volunteered to attend an alternative spring break while I was attending college. However, ironically, I have since been involved in an alternative spring break - from the other side of the experience. As opposed to travelling to a destination for a great alternative spring break experience, I was already at the destination that young college students were visiting for their alternative spring break and, probably, life-changing experience. The experience, which involved my leadership and cooperation with the young students, gave me new perspective. Subsequently, I wish had adventured on an alternative spring break during my college days. Therefore, in order to right the ship so to speak, I now offer my volunteer opportunities for travel destinations during those spring months when fresh experiences are desired.

Natural Disaster Relief Locations

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of natural disasters. The devastation created by Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans, Louisiana, and the surrounding areas created alternative spring break options for multiple years for good-willed college student volunteers. In addition to Hurricane Katrina, hurricanes have oft ravaged Florida and other southeastern states, allowing for many opportunities to help out.

March For a Cause

If there is something you strongly believe in and you want your voice heard, whether it be an anti-war stance, campaigning for a favorite politician (or the least bad politician) or standing up for a cause like global warming, there are a variety of non-profit volunteer opportunities across the United States, especially in such locations as Washington D.C., Austin, Texas, and California. You don't necessarily have to march. You could perform office work (if that's your style) or you could hit the streets with signs (although that doesn't seem very green).

Ecovillages or Similar Green-Inspired Intentional Communities

While perhaps not as widely popular an idea for alternative spring break, I would venture to suggest that this option could be the most rewarding. Granted, I may be biased, as I lived at an ecovillage in the past, but I may be biased in a manner that will benefit you, the reader. While living at an ecovillage, also known as an intentional community, I had my first alternative spring break experience when a group of eager young college students visited for a week. During that time period, they did a variety of work, some of which, undoubtedly, was 100% new to them.

Intentional communities aspiring for a greener and better World can offer alternative spring break options including natural building projects, permaculture classes and a variety of new experiences that are only afforded by such a unique experience. Perhaps you'll get a glimpse into creating natural herbal tinctures and remedies, an up-close look at alternative energy sources such as hydro-electric and solar power, a new perspective on governing or a real sense of nature, as it was intended. Whatever you experience at an ecovillage or intentional community, I would go so far as to suggest that the experience will forever change you. Of course, any alternative spring break experience is likely to be a very rewarding one, which I recommend, in hindsight.