Hooray – spring is here and it’s time to bust out the sun-dresses, denim shorts and dream of ice-cream at Schönbrunn Palace! Before you get too carried away planning what you’re going to do in the sun though, why not think if there’s something you can do this summer to get a jump on your CAS hours?

Before we delve in… if you are a new blog reader, or new to the IBDP program in general, CAS is our favorite part of the IBDP as students get to do what they are interested/passionate about and get credited for it. Anything can be reframed into a CAS activity. If you already spend time volunteering at an animal shelter for example, you can easily get that factored in as CAS hours.

Here are our Top 5 Summer CAS Projects

1. Start a photo series – one photo a day!

Summer is the perfect backdrop for many gorgeous pictures. If you’re going away for a summer camp of some sort, create a separate Instagram account to showcase what you’ve learned and your reflections. Be it sharing the process of a DIY project, or upcycling a piece of furniture, or cultivating your own herb garden, there’s something magical in documenting the process and watching how far you have come.

2. Volunteer your time and skills

There are many non-profit organizations that would really appreciate you joining their volunteering program. Habitat for Humanity for example, organizes lots of overseas volunteering trips that bond and connect likeminded individuals from all over the world. Many people shy away from volunteering on a weekly basis as it’s a huge commitment to free up one day a week, but two weeks in summer are very easy and manageable – not to mention, a great way to bulk up on your Service hours!

3. Online summer course

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? If you are a natural linguist, the Sprachenzentrum at the University of Vienna does intensive courses for many languages in demand such as Japanese, Korean and French, just to name a few! It’s amazing what a few months of intensive courses can do for you and this also looks great on your CV. You never know when a job might appreciate your linguistic capabilities!

4. Ukrainian tutoring

In the last few weeks, we have seen so many people band together to support our fellow Ukrainian neighbors that are now refugees in our country and it’s been simply heartwarming. Amongst them, many Ukrainian youths and children especially, are struggling with adjusting to their new lives in Austria – if you would like to, many of them need help with comprehending German and it’s a great way to make a new friend.

5. Be out in the open!

Summer is the perfect time to be active and enjoy outdoor activities. Set some goals related to hiking and climbing and see if you can burn off some CAS hours and calories at the same time! Tip: we love a day trip climbing Schneeberg and a photo at the top of the mountain is the perfect backdrop for your CAS reflection!

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you spend your summer doing what you enjoy! Swimming or kayaking in the Danube, hikes at Hohe Wand… Austria has lots to offer and you should definitely make the most out of the beautiful weather and scenery!