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Community Outreach

Alternative Breaks & Immersion Programs

What is an Alternative Break?

Alternative Break and Immersion 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 weekend or weeklong trip integrates service, reflection and education and focus on topics as varied as poverty, hunger, housing, domestic violence, and the environment. Trips are offered throughout the year in local and national destinations. Please see "Trip Descriptions" on the main page for more specific information.

What makes these trips "alternative"?

Alternative breaks are just that- an alternative to life on campus. The breaks give students an opportunity to meet new people, learn new things and to step away from traditional learning and living. Alternative Breaks trips are entirely drug and alcohol-free, thus providing an "alternative" options to traditional spring break and weekend activities.

How do I apply?

All applications are to be submitted on-line. Please note that all of the trips have different closing dates for applications. To apply, click here.

Are there any prerequisites for applying?

There is no prerequisite of earlier public service involvement, all students may apply

How many people are selected to go on each trip?

For most of our trips there is a maximum of twelve (12) people are admitted. Strong applicants who are not admitted to a trip will be placed on a waiting list and will be admitted on a space-available basis.

The Hurricane Relief trips can vary in size and will have a maximum of fifty (50) participants.

Can I apply to more than one trip? Do I have to fill out a separate application for each trip?

You may apply to multiple trips. To apply, you need to complete an application for each trip that you are interested in applying for. With limited space on each trip, we generally only allow students to go on one trip per year.

What is the timelines for the selection process? When will I know whether I have been accepted?

The deadline for applications varies per trip; please see the Alternative Breaks main page for these dates. Participants will be notified within one week of the application deadline (located on the homepage for each trip) if they have been selected for the interview process. After the interview process we anticipate informing participants of their acceptance status within two weeks. After you have been notified, you will have approximately one week to decide whether you wish to accept the offer.

How much does it cost to go on a trip?

Trips have varying costs based on housing, food and transportation to that area. Costs currently Trips range from $65-$350 per trip. A typical weekend trip ranges between $60 and $100. A typical week trip ranges between $150 and $350. Many groups choose to fundraiser to lower the cost of the trip.

What is the time commitment?

Groups will have weekly meetings throughout the year that focus on their trip's specific issues. These weekly meetings will be an opportunity for team-building, as well as learning about the issues associated with their trip. Weekend trip have between 3-5 pre-meetings and week long trips average 6-9 pre-meetings. Following the trip groups will meet one time for a reflection dinner.

Do I have to be there for the entire trip?

No, students who are unable to participate in a trip for its entire duration are ineligible to participate.

How do I become a Trip Director?

During the spring semester, the Office of Community Outreach interviews students for open trip director positions. Previous trip experience is expected. If you are interested in leading a future trip please contact Gina DeVivo Brassaw, Community Outreach program advisor at Gina.Brassaw@uconn.edu or 486-2806.