FAQs and Requirements
Alternative Breaks 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 student-initiated trip integrates service, reflection and education and focuses on topics as varied as poverty, indigenous rights, structural racism, human rights, animal advocacy, gender equality, environmentalism, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications are available online during the month of September for the following Winter and Spring Breaks. They can be found under the "How to Apply" link in the lefthand dropdown menu. Paper applications can also be provided upon request.
Once an application is received, the Site Leaders of the trip(s) being applied for will reach out to schedule an interview time. Selection for each trip will be based on both the application and interview. Students may apply for more than one trip.
Because each trip only allows for a select number of participants, we have a social justice program called "UServe". This program, similar to Alternative Breaks, serves the local Shoals community and each month is focused on specific social topics. Education, training, service, and reflection are all built into the monthly initiatives and any student may sign up to participate.
All students that are not selected for AB trips, are also encouraged to reapply the following year!
Alternative Breaks trips require a commitment from October (prior to the trip) - until the direct engagement (when the trip takes place). Orientation activities take place once a month in the Fall semester prior to direct engagement and once a week in the 4 -5 weeks leading up to the trip. Meetings include education on the social justice issue, service-learning, and cross-cultural communication.
The direct engagement component of Alternative Breaks take place over Winter and Spring Breaks.
UNA/AB Alumni are welcome to participate in our summer Alternative Breaks Alumni trip.
Alumni may also make a tax deductible donation to the program here. All donations will support program and trip costs to help alleviate the cost burden on student participants.
Alternative Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. We believe the use of alcohol takes away from our goal of being fully present and engaged in our program activities. Alcohol use may adversely affect group dynamics, participant safety, the local host community, the university, and the national alternative break student movement.
As members of the alternative breaks organization, Break Away, we adhere to the specific quality components prescribed that build a strong and meaningful community engagement experience for our students and partners. Our policy of encouraging "Full Engagement" includes being Alcohol and Drug Free. Each leader and participant sign a contract agreeing to this component and pledges to abstain from alcohol and drugs for the duration of the Alternative Break program.