Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do I apply for a trip?
Decide which trip you would like to go on by going to info sessions, meeting with the leaders and reading about them on the current trips section of this website.
Steps to apply:
1. Download the participant application
2. Fill it out in Word
3. Print it out and sign it
4. Drop it off in the Community Service Center (MGC 273) Alt Break box.
2. Can I get credit for Alternative Break and how?
Yes, each student should work out with their trip leaders
and/or professors for an independent study credit.
3. Will I miss days of class?
No. You are not allowed to miss class for an alternative break
trip.
4. How much does it cost?
It depends on the distance and length of time of the trip.
Domestic trips are around $150- $300, Latin America: $750- $1500, Asia and
Africa: $2000 and up. Trip price includes airfare, food, lodging, and all
activities.
5. How many people can go on the trips?
10-15 participants.
1-2 student coordinators and one staff or faculty advisor.
6. Are they open to graduate and undergraduate students?
Yes.
7. How can I be a trip leader?
You must be a past participant or have equivalent experience,
have knowledge of an issue, the region and have a demonstrated commitment
to social justice. Please see menu option for Leader
Info.
8. How can I become a staff/faculty leader?
Students select staff or faculty with relevant experience.
You must be full-time exempt faculty or staff at AU. You can connect with
a student who needs a staff/faculty leader by contacting the Community Service
Center.
9. Is there financial aid or scholarships?
Sometimes there are available funds for a travel grant, check
with the Community Service Center for current funds. Additionally, all groups
are encouraged to fundraise to defray the cost of the trips. In the past,
successful fundraisers have included a plant sale and a “car bash”.
Individuals are often very successful in fundraising with friends and family.
10. Who will be leading the trip?
A student leader and a staff/faculty leader.
11. What immunizations do I need?
You are responsible for talking with your physician and looking
on the Center for Disease
Control website to make informed choices of which immunizations you will
need. Look on the travel health page and then search for your destination
country.
12. As an international student can I go on an Alternative Break Trip?
Talk to International
Student and Scholar Services about travel options.
13. As a queer student what should I expect?
Please read the articles from GLBT
Peace Corps Alumni for discussions of international travel. Also please
visit the Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Ally Resource Center at AU.
14. When do the trips happen?
Winter,
spring, and summer breaks.
15. Can I lead a trip after I graduate?
No.
16. Can I go on a trip after I graduate?
No.
17. Can non-AU students go?
No. You must be an enrolled AU student to participate.
18. Where are the trips going?
Trips change every year, depending on student interest. Look
at current
trips for this year's destinations.
19. Can students with disabilities go on Alternative Breaks ?
The Alternative Break program makes every effort to ensure
that students with disabilities can participate successfully in Alternative
Break programs. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that facilities or
support services will be available at each location abroad in the same range
and quality as on the AU campus. We cannot alter architecture, transportation,
or laws in other countries. We can, however, encourage students with disabilities
to meet with staff in the Academic Support Center (ASC) or Disability Support
Services (DSS) to discuss accommodation needs and identify appropriate sites
overseas. Please contact Disability Support Services at 202-885-3315 or the
Academic Support Center at 202-885-3360.
20. Can we do fundraising for our trip?
Yes, participants on trips can solicit funds from individuals or businesses. Checks should be made out to "American University" and mailed to the Community Service Center.
Mail checks to:
Community Service Center
273 Mary Graydon Center
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-8175
Attn: Alternative Breaks {trip name & student name}
Tax deductible donations can be made online at https://www.american.edu/anewau/giving/index.cfm. Select "Campus Life" from the Area/School drop down menu on the left, then select "Alternative Breaks" from the Fund menu on the right. Finally, write in the name of the trip in the Special Instructions box.
Donations are only tax deductible if they are done through the AU Development Office and cannot benefit an individual student. Rather they are distributed equally among all participants for that specific trip.
More questions? Email: altbreak@american.edu