One reason Alternative breaks were founded was to counter the excesses of “traditional” college spring breaks. Beyond this, alcohol and other substance-free environments promote safety, health, and wellness and offer participants more authentic opportunities for team-building and service to others.

The application for all the trips run by the Civic and Community Engagement Center will be available on Archway

There will be a selection committee for each trip composed of students, faculty, and/or staff who will review the applications and make selection recommendations to the Director of the Center for Student Involvement, the Assistant Director for Community Service, and the Coordinator for Political and Civic Engagement.

Applicants selected to become an alternative break participant will be notified before the end of each fall semester.

It has ranged from 2 to 5 trips a year. Previous locations have included Quito, Ecuador; Aranjuez, Costa Rica; Asheville, North Carolina; Perryville, Arkansas and Rutland, Massachusetts.

Most trips are open to all students. Occasionally there are trips that limit applicants to first-year students, commuter students, or other specific populations. Any limitations for applicants will be clearly noted

Each alternative break trip has at least one student leader and one faculty or staff leader. Those interested in serving in this capacity should contact the Civic and Community Engagement Center for more information. Trip leaders are selected to based on prior experience with alternative break trips or similar travel experiences, overall leadership qualities and abilities, and commitment to work that furthers the common good.

Each trip will have its own cost. Fees are determined based on transportation, lodging, meals, program and other costs. The Center for Student Involvement subsidizes a percentage of the total cost of each trip.

Each trip is encouraged to do fundraising for their respective group. It is also recommended that students fundraise individually to help with cost. The Civic and Community Engagement Center also organizes general fundraising for the program.

Refunds are only issued in rare instances. You must request a refund in writing. For international trips and other trips involving air travel, no refunds will be issued once your plane ticket has been generated. All participants will be provided with a copy of the Refund Policy.

Yes! You will need a valid passport to travel internationally. To be considered for either international trip, you must submit a copy of your valid passport to the Civic and Community Engagement Center at the same time as you submit your application on Archway.

As please note that starting 5/3/23, a Real ID or passport is required for domestic flights as well.

Yes! You are the primary guardian of your own health and safety. It is important to remember this. It is also important to remember that you will be traveling with a group. Group members look out for each other and help each other to stay safe and healthy. You will be given a liability waiver and medical information form so that trip leaders can be aware of any health conditions or medical concerns. When traveling to unfamiliar destinations it is crucial to observe the highest safety practices. Always travel with the whole group or at least in pairs. Be certain that someone knows where you are at all times. Observe all the health and safety regulations of the host site. Never take unnecessary risks with your own safety or the safety of others. International health insurance is included in the total cost for International Trips

Each trip will hold at least three (3) pre-trip solidarity meetings. You are responsible for attending each pre-trip meeting. These meetings will cover health and safety, itinerary, work projects, team-building exercises, fundraising and so on. It is critical that you make yourself available for these meetings in order for the group to make the most of their experience. Once you have returned from your alternative break trip, you will be responsible for attending at least one (1) post-trip solidarity meeting and for attending, if at all possible, the celebratory luncheon or reception that usually takes place in April.

Visit the CCEC Archway page online and the Civic and Community Engagement Center in room SC213 to stay up to date. Applications should become available each October for March trips.