PARTICIPANT APPLICATION PORTAL  

The Alternative Break Program is a student-focused initiative that organizes international and domestic immersive learning opportunities with a social justice perspective three times per year (winter, spring, and summer break). Alternative Break Programs are service-learning experiences designed to heighten participants’ awareness of critical social issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong social action. Each program focuses on a particular social issue and immersion, action, and training in that issue begins long before the trip itself. Students educate themselves and each other, then do hands-on work with relevant organizations. Each student-initiated trip integrates service, reflection and education and focuses on topics as varied as poverty, indigenous rights, structural racism, human rights, fair trade, gender equality, and the environment.

Alternative Break Programs are not just trips to interesting places to connect with communities, but are long term immersive training programs that develop student leadership and activism. Each program includes 8 weeks of pre-departure training, discussion, and preparation. These experiences challenge students to think critically and compassionately—and to understand that there’s no such thing as “not my problem.” Upon return, participants are empowered to make more informed decisions and to take meaningful action that supports a greater good. All programs and students upon return work with their group to implement a service, advocacy, or activism project to share their learnings with our broader community. Through alternative breaks, we hope to foster the personal growth of contributing members of society. 

Alternative Breaks in the Covid-19 Era

In response to the current pandemic and pandemic-related uncertainties regarding travel in the months to come, all 2020-2021 Alternative Break Programs will be conducted virtually for the remainder of this academic year. AU Alternative Break Programs will re-emphasize that our work and mission is to engage students on critical social justice issues through our immersive student-led experiences. This mission continues at American University, despite the undertainites. The Alternative Break Program will continue to work with our colleagues across the university and follow all American University guidance and planning resources.

Want to hear more? Consider attending one of our upcoming online events to learn more about the virtual Alternative Break Experience.  

ALT BREAK INTEREST FORM