Alternative Breaks

• Fall: October 18-20, 2024
  
  
• Spring: February 7-9, 2025
  
  
• Spring Break 2025

• Service: Be prepared to spend 15+ hours on any of our trips in service to our social issue before, during and after the trips.


• Open-mindedness: Be prepared to engage with the realities of different social issues and come into the experience with an open heart and mind.


• Flexibility and Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust to new environments, schedules, and unexpected changes while maintaining a positive attitude, embracing challenges, thinking creatively when plans shift, and approaching each situation with resilience and an open mindset.


• Engagement: Be prepared to utilize your efforts to learn about various social issues, build relationships with peers, and self-reflect.

In an Alternative Breaks trip, we do abundant amounts of service while exploring the places we travel to. We spend lots of time with fellow participants in reflection, team bonding and overall having a good time. The process of this trip is composed of three main focuses, which typically makes the time commitment about a month and a half.

1. First, we begin with the pre-trip experience where the service issue is introduced and dissected over the course of 3-4 meetings.


2. Next, the adventure begins as we travel to our service location and put everything we have learned is put into action.


3. Lastly, we take time after the trip is completed to come back together as a group to recap on the service and reflect on our experiences.

Students must be in good academic standing, attend BOTH pre-trip and post-trip meetings, and attend all service projects.

Participation in the Alternative Breaks experience includes students transportation, meals, and lodging. Currently, there is no cost associated with the experience. However, students may be asked to submit a deposit to secure their place within the experience. All information regarding deposits will be communicated during the interview and final selection process.

Alternative Breaks is an immersive service experience, where you can make friendships while learning how to serve and work effectively with others on your trip! You will have the chance to grow as a servant leader and learn about yourself and your place in the world. You will learn about social issues faced within our society, while serving alongside community partners to be a part of the effort to fix them!

The length of the trip for the Alternative Breaks is dependent on which trip you will attend.

• Weekend Trips: 3 days, 2 nights


• Weeklong Trips: 5 days, 4 nights (during the week of Spring Breaks)

No. All trip participants, site leaders, and students directors will be expected to be present for entire Alternative Breaks experience.

Site Leader applications are available beginning in late of February through early April each spring. Previous Alternative Break participation is preferred.

Students can apply for the Student Director position when it opens in April. Previous Alternative Breaks experience is preferred but not required. Students must be in good standing with the University and The Follett Student Leadership Center at UTA. Be on the lookout for when applications are posted on the Alternative Breaks Instagram and on our MavEngage page!