Our alternative breaks are designed to inspire students to make a positive impact on communities around the world by getting them personally involved in service. As part of a quality Alternative Break experience, students will become more educated about social, political, and environmental issues and learn how to incorporate their education and skills to improve conditions for people and environments. Upon return, they will be more self aware and empowered to make more informed decisions and take meaningful action to generate positive change. They will become contributing members of society and will desire to use their academic knowledge and talents to cultivate a better future.
Alternative Breaks
What an Alternative Break Looks Like
There are many different types of service projects that students can get involved in during their alternative breaks and alternative college breaks. Destination and areas of interest are a few determining factors. Some students will discover poverty stricken communities and learn how they can foster a positive change by teaching the importance of education and how this builds confidence and increases job opportunities. Other students will learn about the dangers of dying ecosystems and actively participate in preserving and restoring environments such as coral reef and other flora and fauna habitats. Other trips involve helping victims of natural disasters by assisting them with clean-up, donation of goods, serving food at shelters, and providing a listening ear. For some programs, students can take part in establishing clean water for individuals, help with basic construction, and treat minor medical needs.
Bringing Service Into the Picture
Alternative breaks and alternative college breaks offer many benefits to students as well as those whom the students are helping in their service. Research suggests that students who are engaged in positive service-learning responsibilities are inclined to:
- Demonstrate an ongoing excelling performance on tests
- Demonstrate higher levels of self-esteem
- Demonstrate an individual sense of purpose
- Demonstrate a greater connection with their community
- Demonstrate a greater interest in graduating high school and college