About Alternative Spring Break
Alternative Spring Break (ASB) is a unique service-learning experience in which students engage in direct service to a community, while being immersed in the culture and customs of that community. Teams are led by student team leaders and accompanied by facultly advisors. Throughout the week, team members participate in a variety of cultural, educational, recreational and reflective activities to enhance their service experience.

Goals of the Program
• To help develop and enhance a value for public service and civic engagement within the participants.
• To expose students to diversity, including cultural immersion, political and economic differences and to provide an opportunity to interact with diverse individuals.
• To help students identify their privileges and begin to use these to break down the systems that afford unearned privilege in our society.
• To provide opportunities for students to reflect on their roles in the national and/or global community.

Service Projects
Team members work in partnership with local agencies and community members to address social justice issues affecting the community. Past teams have partnered with Habitat for Humanity, Global Village in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Honduras to build affordable, sustainable homes for local residents. Other teams have tutored children in the schools on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. New projects and partnerships are being developed every year.

Cultural Activities
In the months leading up to ASB, teams prepare for their experience by learning more about the culture of the place they will be visiting. Once there, teams participate in a variety of cultural activities including...

• Visiting Mayan Ruins
• Hiking in the Grand Canyon
• Sharing meals with local residents
• Hearing a Najavo Code Talker speak
• Touring historical sites
• Playing dominoes with local Dominicans

Reflection
Team members are expected to attend several team meetings leading up to the trip to adequately prepare and to begin learning more about the service site. Throughout the trip, team members engage in both individual and group reflection activities to gain more insight into their personal experience and what they are learning.

Cost
Costs vary depending on location and program expenses. All food, lodging, transporation (including airfare) and program fees are included. Fundraising options and scholarships are available to defray the cost. Do not let the expense be an obstacle! If you are committed to participating in ASB and raising the funds, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce the cost of the trip.