What is an Alternative Break?
What is an Alternative Weekend?
What is co-curricular service learning?
How do I become a Site Leader / Participant?
How do I know whether I should apply to become a Site Leader or Participant?
Who will be leading the trip?
How big are the trips?
When do the trips happen?
Where are the trips going?
May I request a particular site?
Will I miss days of class?
What immunizations do I need?
How much does it cost to attend an Alternative Break?
Is there financial aid or scholarships?
Are Alternative Breaks open to graduate, undergraduate, part-time and continuing studies students?
Can non-NYU students go?
As an international student can I go on an Alternative Break Trip?
Can students with disabilities go on Alternative Breaks?
What is an Alternative Break?
Alternative Breaks provide students the opportunity to participate in a year-long experience exploring social, political, and cultural dynamics of a communiy. Through learning and practice, students explore the theory of integrating service, education, and reflection to create meaningful change in their communities.
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What is an Alternative Weekend?
Alternative Weekends are an abridged version of an Alternative Winter or Spring Break. Trips are held within a few hours of NYC and participants get the same chance to participate in meaningful service, education and reflection.
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What is Service Learning?
Service Learning is a particular form of experiential education and a teaching method which combines community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical, reflective thinking and civic responsibilities. Service Learning programs invovled students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing their academic skills, sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community. The course is competency-based and credit bearing. The service is related to a particular academic major or field of study.
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How do I become a Site Leader / Participant?
After checking out the website and becoming familiar with our program, fill out the online application. Be sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations for Site Leader/Participants.
Site Leader applications are available mid-march and participate application are available early September each year.
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How do I know whether I should apply to become a Site Leader or Participant?
If this is your first experience with Alternative Breaks, co-curricular service learning, or community service, we recommend you apply for a Participant position. However, if you have participated in one of our Alternative Break trips in the past, are familiar with service-learning and possess demonstrated leadership abilities, or have led a community service trip previously, we encourage you to consider applying for a Site Leader position. Site Leader applicants may request to be considered for Participant positions as well.
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Who will be leading the trip?
Two trained student site leaders lead each trip. International trips have two full-time University administrators attend as well as the two student site leaders.
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How big are the trips?
Trip size varies; on average there are 8-10 participants and 2 site leaders.
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- Alternative Winter Break (AWB) runs from January 3-11, 2009 & January 3-14, 2009
- Alternative Spring Break (ASB) runs from March 14-22, 2009
- Alternative Weekends will be held November 14-16, 2008 & February 13-15, 2009
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Where do the trips go?
Please click here to view 2008-2009 trip destinations and descrtiptions.
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May I request a particular site?
The final decision of placement is made by the Alternative Breaks Advisory Board. Applicants will have an opportunity to select up to 4 of their top choices on the application, and the student placement committee will do their best to place students on their highest preference.
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Will I miss days of class?
No. Alternative Breaks are scheduled so that students do not miss class.
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What immunizations do I need?
For all trips, students are required to have an up-to-date tentus immunization. Depending on the trip, addional immunizations may be required. 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.
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How much does it cost to attend an Alternative Break and/or Weekend?
Please visit the trip description page for 2008-2009 trip pricing. Each trip will require a A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit will be due to the Office of Student Activities by Friday, October 17, 2008.
Participating in fundraising opportunities can greatly reduce the cost to each participant. Individual payments help cover costs for site fees, transportation, lodging, food, and other general expenses.
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Is there financial aid or scholarships?
All teams are required to participate in at least two (2) group fundraising activities to reduce the cost of the trip. The actual reduction depends on each individual's and group's committment to fundraise. Many students are very successful in fundraising with friends and family. Financial concerns should not hold you back from participating; if you feel unable to make a financial commitment, the Advisory Board can work with individuals who wish to reduce the trip cost even further. Students who are concerned with the overall cost, should contact adam.ebnit@nyu.edu to discus a detailed fundraising and payment plan.
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Are Alternative Breaks open to graduate, undergraduate, part-time and continuing studies students?
Any and all undergraduate, graduate and continuing studies students are encouraged to apply. Participants must maintain good standing with the University as a fully matriculated student and not be employeed by the University as a full-time staff, administrator or faculty.
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Can non-NYU students go on Alternative Breaks?
No. You must be a fully matriculated NYU student to participate.
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As an international student, can I go on an Alternative Break Trip?
Yes, international students are encouraged to participate in the program. International students are required to contact the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) prior to committing to an international alternative break trip.
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Can students with disabilities go on Alternative Breaks?
The Alternative Break program makes every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that facilities or support services will be available at every location in the same range and quality as on the NYU campus. The Office of Student Activities will work with individuals and the Henry and Lucy Moses Center for Students with Disabilities to best meet needs so that all students can participate fully.
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