Alternative Breaks works to foster critical thinking, social action, and continued community involvement by combining education, reflection, and direct service on the local, regional, national, and international levels.

TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT ALTERNATIVE BREAKS IS ALL ABOUT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtJjcGBP3OE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALTERNATIVE BREAKS:

Q: “I’ve heard about Alternative Breaks, now how do I get involved?”

A: SITE LEADERS ~ Download an application for a Spring or Summer trip here.  After filling out the application, you can turn it into UMC 358 or you can submit it electronically to altbreak@colorado.edu.  We'll review all of the applications and e mail you to set up and interview!

A: PARTICIPANTS ~ Download an application for a Spring, Summer, or Weekend trip from this website. After filling out the application, you can turn it into UMC 358 or you can submit it electronically to altbreak@colorado.edu. We’ll review all the applications, conduct group interviews, and email you to let you know you’ve been accepted! Shortly after that, you attend an orientation to meet your site leaders and find out what issue you’ll be working with. From there, your awesome site leaders will handle everything—it’s that simple.

Q: “Can my friend/boyfriend/girlfriend and I go on a trip together?”

A: Diversity is a very important part of the Alternative Breaks experience. When placing students on trips, we work hard to create the largest amount of diversity within each group.  Although there is not a set policy in place, we suggest that you not apply with a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend for the same trip and ask that you do not request to be placed on a trip together.

Q: “Why are Alternative Breaks’ trips drug and alcohol free?”

A: An important part of the AB experience is volunteering and learning, neither of which can be accomplished with a hangover.  Most importantly, in some of the communities in which we work, alcohol and substances have a direct and negative contribution to the issue with which we’re working. Out of respect for the communities we serve, and for the sake of creating a meaningful, productive, and educational AB experience drugs and alcohol are not allowed.

Q: “What if I’m 21? Can I drink then?”

A: No, regardless of your age all trips are drug and alcohol free. See above.

Q: "How much is an Alternative Breaks trip?"

A: Spring trips range anywhere from $250-700 depending on what trip.  Prices will be on the applicaiton.  Our summer trip to Nicaragua will be somewhere around $1,550-1,850.

Q: "I can't afford the trip fee, can I still apply?"

A: Yes, we will have some financial aid available as well as the Casey Feldman Scholarship which you can download from the website.  Your site leaders will also offer suggestions for how to raise money for your trip.

Q: "What is the time commitment outside of the actual trip?"

A: SITE LEADERS ~ Please see a detailed overview on the application or the Spring Break Trips tab.

A: PARTICIPANTS ~ You will be expected to attend a group interview, and an orientation.  Second semester you will meet every other week with your group until your trip leaves.

Q: "What should I expect for my interview?"

A: SITE LEADERS ~ 2-3 Alternative Break staff will conduct approximately a half an hour interview.  We are looking for leadership skills and potential, attitude towards yourself, the program and others, and the willingness, desire and ability to dedicate your time to what is going to be one of the best experiences of your college career... that's what we've heard! 

A: PARTICIPANTS ~ You will be interviewed by one of our wonderful site leaders in a small group.  We are looking for the ability to get along with others, an interest and passion in a specific issue area, and a commitment to show up for the meetings before the trip.

Q: "What does it mean if I am put on the wait list?"

A: If placed on the wait list, it means that if a current participant drops the trip for unforeseen reasons, we will ask you to fill the spot. 

Q: "If wait listed, when will I be called upon?"

A: We unfortunately have no way of knowing. This is could be as early as a few days after participant notification and site revealing or as late as the final few days before Spring Break.

Q: "How does financial aid work?"

A: If seeking financial aid, you must complete the financial aid portion of the application. Every application is reviewed by the Alternative Breaks staff and we will then award financial aid to those who qualify.  PLEASE BE AS SPECIFIC AND THOROUGH AS POSSIBLE WHEN FILLING OUT YOUR APPLICATION.

Q: "My student group would like to lead a trip, can we do that through Alternative Breaks?"

A: Please take a look at our national chapter's website - http://www.alternativebreaks.org.  We are happy to offer general suggestions, but because part of our mission is to bring together a diverse group of students and provide a shared experience, we do not organize Alternative Breaks for student groups.  If you are interested in a day of service together, please visit us in UMC 358 and a staff member can assist you.