The Alternative Breaks Program features 11 domestic and international community service and service-learning trips, held during winter and spring break, that provide students the opportunity to become active citizens and leaders, while building lasting connections with people from various communities through a mutually-beneficial experience. The program is a student led endeavor that strives to empower and challenge all participants to understand their relationship with the global community through direct service, education, and reflection, while encouraging personal growth, social awareness, and active citizenship.
Winter trips are from January 6-13
Spring trips are from March 10-17
Learning Partners are faculty and staff who participate as a team member of a GW Alternative Breaks trip as liaisons between the students and the University. While they are not responsible for the general planning of the trip, which is left to undergraduate student leaders, Learning Partners do serve in a more hands-on role through expertise in the issue area of the trip or geographic location as well as guiding students during their reflection and personal development.
For more information about the trips and program in general: https://www.gwnashmancenter.org/about-altbreaks/
If you have any questions please email gwaltbreaks@gmail.com.
Application Timeline
- Friday, September 22nd- Application Opens at 9:00 AM - APPLY HERE
- Friday, October 6th- Application Closes at 11:59PM
- October 11th-19th- Interviews with trip leaders
- Friday, October 20th- Learning Partners Announced!
2017/2018 Alternative Break Trips
- Winter Break: Atlanta, Georgia - Refugee Resettlement: 10 Participants (1 LP)
- Winter Break: El Paso, Texas - Immigration and Border Community Rights: 10 Participants (2 LP's)
- Winter Break: Los Angeles, California - Youth Engagement and Mass Incarceration: 10 Participants (1 LP)
- Winter Break: Las MarÃas, Puerto Rico - Sustainable Farming: 15 Participants (2 LP's)
- Winter Break: Los Santos, Costa Rica - Sustainable Development: 10 Participants (2 LP's)
- Spring Break: Otavalo, Ecuador - Community Development: 10 Participants (2 LP's)
- Spring Break: Washington, DC - Sexual Health and Domestic Violence: 12 Participants (1 LP)
- Spring Break: New Orleans, Louisiana - Urban Restoration: 45 Participants (2 LP's)
- Spring Break: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Urban Sustainability: 10 Participants (1 LP)
- Spring Break: Tahlequah, Oklahoma - Native American Cultural Issues and Education: 10 Participants (1 LP)
