Alternative Breaks Frequently Asked Questions

An alternative break is a short-term student-led service experience that immerses students into a domestic or international community to make a positive impact. All programs are drug and alcohol free, allowing participants to focus on each other and the community they are working alongside.

Elon’s Alternative Break Program is student-led and driven. Two student coordinators lead each alternative break program. They receive support and training from student alternative break directors and a staff advisor, who together guide the long-term vision of the program.

Alternative breaks involve direct service, indirect service, education on social issues, critical reflection, community building opportunities with other Elon students, and time to explore the community you visit through fun activities.

Alternative break programs provide an opportunity for direct impact through transformative service experiences that are designed to support the needs of our community partners.  Our programs provide the opportunity to grow in your own leadership abilities, reflect on your values, and build long-lasting friendship with fellow Elon students who are passionate about service.

If you are interested in participating, complete a short application on the Alternative Breaks webpage. Applications for fall break open during the first week of classes, and for spring break in mid-October.

For Fall Break experiences: student coordinators typically review written applications and applicants are accepted on a first-come first-served basis.

For Spring Break experiences: after applying, applicants are contacted by student coordinators to set up a short interview. Following the interview process, if you are selected, student coordinators reach out to offer you a spot in their program. The application process is typically competitive, so we cannot offer everyone a spot who applies. If you are not selected for a spot, the alternative break advisor will notify you via email shortly after the interview process concludes.

Congrats! If you are selected and choose to accept our offer to participate in an Alternative Break, your student coordinator will be in touch with more information. We ask our fall student coordinators to schedule 1-2 pre-program meetings and our spring coordinators to schedule 3-4 meetings. During these meetings, you will get to know other members in your group, go over program logistics and and have discussions about your social justice issue.

Following your return to campus, the alternative breaks advisor will schedule a re-orientation meeting to allow your group to process their experience and discuss ideas for how to continue to make an impact back at Elon and in our local community.

We look to fill our programs but keep them intentionally small so we do not overwhelm our community partners and give space for everyone attending to get to know each other.  The max size is 14, which includes 2 student coordinators, 2 learning partners (staff/faculty members), and 10 student participants.

It depends where you go. Student fee amounts for each program can be found on the Alternative Breaks webpage. Your fee covers our costs for lodging, food, transportation, activities, and supplies.  The only additional funds you will need to bring is for souvenirs.

Fall break student fees are typically made in one payment because they cost less. For spring break, the cost is higher and there are multiple payment deadlines to help spread out costs. Student fees are paid via PayPal.

Need-based scholarships are available but not guaranteed.  If you want to apply for a scholarship, you can note that on our online application and will be asked to respond to a few additional questions in order to be considered. Scholarship amounts vary.

We typically try to work with many of the same organizations each year to maintain sustainable partnerships, but occasionally we are able to add new programs based on student interest. To view and read about this year’s programs, visit the Alternative Break webpage.

Transportation is provided either by 12-passenger van (domestic programs) or plane (international programs).  If you are flying, we will gather necessary information and utilize a travel agent to book your travel for you to ensure our groups travel together and get the best price possible for flights.

It depends on the program, but typically our alternative break groups stay at AirBnbs (domestic) or group housing organized by the organization (international).  Some lodging facilities provide food, and others will have a kitchen and group members will take turns cooking.

Alternative Service Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. Alcohol affects the ability to be fully engaged in the experience, group dynamics, participant safety, the local community, the university, and the national alternative service break student movement. It is not a judgement call on the use of alcohol, but more of a realization that there is much work to be done in the world around us to help tackle pressing social justice issues.

Many of the costs for an alternative break (travel, lodging, program fees, etc.) are paid months in advance. For this reason, if you already committed to attend and can longer participate, we are not able to offer you a refund.

Yes! Student leaders drive Alternative Breaks. Each program is coordinated by 2 student leaders, and supported by a student director team who have previously been involved in Alternative Breaks. Applications for coordinator and director positions open during the spring semester. Spring coordinator positions start the following fall semester and run for one academic year.  We prefer coordinators who have previously participated in an alternative break to apply, but as long as you have relevant translatable experiences from other leadership roles, we welcome your application.