Students

Alternative Breaks trips are student-run and promote service-learning through direct public service with regional, national and international communities to heighten social awareness, enhance personal growth and advocate lifelong social action.

Community service-learning trips are coordinated by students who are interested in service projects and experiential learning on issues as varied as urban poverty, violence, hunger, inadequate housing, domestic violence, and environmental damage. Trips occur during winter, spring, and summer breaks. Please see "Trip Locations" for more specific information.

Alternative Breaks trips are entirely drug and alcohol-free, thus providing an "alternative" options to traditional spring break activities.

Each fall, the Alternative Breaks Board publicizes information sessions for the year's trips. There will be sign-up sheets at these sessions and applications will be provided with a given deadline. If you are not able to attend the information session, you can stop by the Public Service Center to pick up the application, ask any questions and sign up for a trip.

A non-refundable deposit is required of all participants.  Students going on any trip to New York City will pay a deposit, and will be responsible for paying for their food, subway pass, and any personal expenses for the week.  Students going on all other trips will pay a deposit, which will include food and transportation for the week.  Deposits will be due the week after Thanksgiving Break.  We will be offering fundraising opportunities that will help to fund the trips.

Teams have mandatory weekly meetings throughout the year that focus on their trip's specific issues as well as team building and fundraising opportunities. These meetings are an opportunity to learn about the issues associated with the trip, plan trip logistics and activites, and build group unity. 

At the information sessions that are held each fall, there will be a sign up sheet for those interested in becoming team leaders and applications will be available. Students can also come into the Public Service Center to sign up and pick up an application. Online applications are also available here.  All applicants must be interviewed by an Alternative Breaks Board member, and they will then take on the responsibilities of team leader towards the end of the fall semester.