Alternative Breaks

Student Volunteers, text saying "volunteer during spring break!"

NYU Alternative Breaks

The Alternative Breaks (AB) program provides students with the opportunity to learn about political and social community dynamics while becoming a catalyst for collaborative social change. Through learning and practice, students will explore the theory of integrating service, education, and reflection to create meaningful change in their communities.

In March 2019 over 200 NYU students traveled across the world to spend their winter break or spring break working with various host communities on such issues as poverty alleviation, homelessness, public health, food justice, economic inequality, and the environment.

NYU Alternative Breaks fosters a community of active citizens by challenging participants to engage with social issues through a commitment to social justice education; strong, direct service; and reflection to create meaningful change in their respective communities.

Our vision is to create a community of lifelong active citizens who prioritize the pursuit of social justice: people who value the community as a priority when making life decisions. As part of the Alternative Break experience, participants will become more educated and experienced in all sides of a social issue. Upon return, they will be empowered to make more informed decisions and take meaningful action that supports a greater good. They will become contributing members of society and will weigh in on issues that impact their community.

Questions about the AB program can be directed to alterantive.breaks@nyu.edu

Alternative Breaks 2023-2024 participant applications are now open! Applications will be reviewed based on the priority and regular deadlines below. Please note that historically AB trips, particularly those with an international destination, fill up very quickly. If you have interest in a specific trip, please apply following the priority application timeline to ensure an opportunity to pursue a spot on a trip.

All program fees cover travel (train or airfare), housing, local transportation fees and required entrance fees. Incuded meals vary by program and are listed below. International trips also include mandatory international health insurance. Students are responsible for all personal spending money, required vaccinations and visa fees as applicable.Scholarship funds are available however, are limited.

A non-refundable deposit will be due upon acceptance into the program. Non-refundable deposits are applied to your total program fees. Remaining program fees will be charged to student's bursar account after the trip. Deposit amount are as follows:

International Trips - $1000
Domestic Trips - $500

Priority Deadline: September 10, 2023 at 11:59pm ET

Regular Deadline: September 24, 2023 at 11:59pm ET

January Alternative Breaks Programs:

The following programs are sponsored by the Office of Global Services (OGS). Program costs have been highly subsidized by OGS for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. These programs are not eligible for any additional scholarship funds:

Marrakech and Rabat, Morocco

Program Fee: $1,500
Trip Dates: January 6th-14th, 2024
- Program Description: The Cross-Cultural Center for Learning trip to Morocco is an immersive educational experience in Rabat and Marrakech. After engaging in an introductory Moroccan Arabic lesson and conversations about current affairs and Moroccan culture, participants are introduced to various human rights organizations and local cooperatives geared towards women's empowerment. This trip will provide an educational understanding of service within Moroccan society. This trip is less physically demanding than some of the other service trips, but still rich in experiences. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Cape Town, South Africa:

Program Fee: $2,550
Trip Dates: January 6th-20th, 2024
- Description: The South Africa Alternative Break trip is a two week long service trip during J-term partnering with Global Vision International in the surrounding areas of Cape Town. The trip will focus primarily on sustainable community development. The previous trip engaged with community members in the Lwandle and Nomzamo township, where each day students instructed computer lessons in the morning and revitalized a school in the afternoon. Aside from various service projects, participants will learn about South Africa's history and culture as they engage critically with activists, entrepreneurs, and fellow community members throughout the trip. This year’s trip will have the same community development focus, but the projects may vary depending on community needs. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Spring Break Trips (March)

The following programs are sponsored by the Center for Student Life (CSL). Program costs have been subsidized by CSL for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. Additional limited need-based scholarships are available for the following programs:

Granada, Spain:

Program Fee: $2,600
Trip Dates March 15th - 23rd, 2024
- Description: Granada, Spain offers a wide variety of service-learning opportunities, especially for beginning to intermediate Spanish language learners looking to improve fluency while serving the needs of a local community organization. Service opportunities most likely will be in the education and health sectors, work may be within community development, environment, and family and youth development. In addition to service work the group may visit the Alhambra, Parque de las Ciencias, Hammam Granada and partipate in a cooking class. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: Breakfast

Cusco, Peru:

Program Fees $2,600
Trip Dates March 16th - 23rd, 2024
- Description: Begin your week exploring Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo, and many others. Service projects include helping children from the local communities with homework and recreational activities, as well as teaching English classes and other subjects. You will also participate in fun, cultural activities like Peruvian dance lessons and cooking classes. The week will include a rich combination of Spanish language, service, and authentic cultural activities. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: Breakfast

Boulder Creek, California

Program Fee: $1000
Trip Dates: March 16th-23, 2024
- Description: YMCA Camp Campbell's Outdoor Science School engages youth in science while encouraging a love and respect for the outdoors. Become a volunteer cabin leader to join the team of mentors, guiding youth through educational activities, classic camp bonding experiences, and nature-inspired learning opportunities. Outdoor Science School runs Tuesday-Friday and volunteers stay in cabins with 10-20 student participants alongside a co-leader. Students on this AB program are in charge of and the first line of support overnight for a cabin of 5th and/or 6th grade students from all over the diverse greater San Francisco Bay Area for 4 days and 3 nights. Students are expected to attend field study along with students and their naturalist. Field study time focuses on hands-on ecology exploration in the redwood forest- just a few examples include: seeing banana slugs’ wacky and unique adaptations up close, searching for salamanders under logs, or hearing a story themed on interdependence underneath the branches of an old growth redwood tree. Field study time also includes one day-long picnic hike, a night hike, river study, swimming pool, and more! Prior to the program, students will explore the San Fransisco area through a youth development lens. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: All

Washington D.C.

Program Fee: $600
Trip Dates: March 16th-23rd, 2024
- Description: Join Alternative Breaks for our trip to the country's capital to learn how to affect sustainable and impactful change centered around housing instability, food insecurity, and environmental justice! Participants will have the opportunity to serve on a number of service projects that will leave you with increased knowledge and skills that will positively your time at NYU. In addition to the trip's daily service, participants will also experience local historical sites and learn more about the area's history through various activities. All aspects of the trip itinerary are subject to change.
- Meals Included: All

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Program Fee: $1,600
Trip Dates: March 16th-23, 2024
- Description: Join NetWork Volunteers as we partner with their Serve and Learn program based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Alternative Breaks participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of San Juan though participating in a range of service projects that may focus on hurricane relief, environmental stewardship, community development or youth programs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore local site in additional to the service work each day. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: All

The following program is sponsored by Fraternity and Soroity Life within the Center for Student Life (CSL). Program costs have been subsidized by Fraternity and Soroity Life for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. Additional limited need-based scholarships are available for the following program:

Kanab, Utah (ONLY OPEN TO MEMBERS OF NYU'S FRATERNITY & SORORITY LIFE COMMUNITY)

Program Fee: $800
Program Dates: March 16th-23, 2024
- Description: The largest sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a model for the future of animal welfare. Volunteers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary give the animals what they want and need most: personal attention, hands-on care and love. While activities vary by area and shift, but these are the most common: cleaning (animal living areas, dishes, mopping, etc.), providing the animals with enrichment (car rides, petting, playing, etc.), walking the animals with a leash or stroller, preparing and serving pet food, making toys or treats, doing upkeep on the grounds and buildings (weeding, painting, building, doing maintenance projects, etc.). This AB program is only open to members of NYU’s fraternity and sorority life community. All activities and itinerary are subject to change based on partners need.
- Meals Included: All

The following program is sponsored by Graduate Student Life within the Center for Student Life (CSL). Program costs have been subsidized by Graduate Student Life for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. No additional scholarship funds are available for the following program:

Tenerife, Canary Islands (ONLY OPEN TO GRADUATE STUDENTS)

Program Fee: $2,700
Trip Dates: March 15th - 23rd, 2024
- Description: Work alongside marine biologists with Global Vision International to promote cetacean conservation through research that assesses the populations and behaviors of whales, dolphins and other marine species in the waters around Tenerife. Learn more about the biological techniques used to identify species, and analyse how humans impact the ocean. Contribute to coastal waste management efforts through activities like beach cleanups and raising awareness about sustainable and ethical tourism practices. Please note this trip is for graduate students only. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: All

The following programs are sponsored by Office of Global Services (OGS). Program costs have been highly subsidized by OGS for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. These programs are not eligible for any additional scholarship funds:

Gandoca, Costa Rica:

Program Fee: $1,750
Program Dates: March 16th - 23rd, 2024
This program is sponsored by the Office of Global Services. Program costs have been highly subsidized by OGS for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. This program is not eligible for any additional scholarship funds.
- Description: The Costa Rica Alternative Break trip partners with Global Vision International and has a sustainability focus, working with locals to leave a positive impact on the environment and the community. Alternative break participants will have the opportunity to take part in multiple physical activities, including beach and/or school clean-ups, painting, reforestation projects, turtle conservation projects, organic farming and more. Participants will learn about sustainability, Costa Rican culture and history, as well as participate in casual Spanish language lessons. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: All

Antigua, Guatemala:

Program Fee: $1,438
Trip Dates: March 17th-23rd, 2024
This program is sponsored by Office of Global Services. Program costs have been highly subsidized by OGS for every student. Final program fees may be more or less than the posted amount. This program is not eligible for any additional scholarship funds.
- Description: The Guatemala Alternative Break trip partners with International Volunteer HQ and has a self-sustainability and environmental awareness focus. Alternative break participants will have the opportunity to experience working on a family-owned Eco Farm on the outskirts of Antigua. This project incorporates ancient Mayan techniques and beliefs; intercropping, and farming in spirals and using lunar cycles. It is also home to a variety of rescued animals and features mushroom cultivation, recycled art, a school, cafes, and a farm shop. Participants will learn about sustainability, Guatemalan culture and history, and have the chance to trek up Acatenango Volcano along with participating in other cultural events. All aspects of the trip itinerary is subject to change.
- Meals Included: Breakfast

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What trips are being offered for 2023-24?

Morocco: Social Justice & Non-Profit Overview (January)

South Africa: Community Development (January)

Costa Rica: Community & Environmental Sustainability

Canary Islands: Marine Conservation

Spain: Education and Heath Exploration

Peru: Community Development

Guatemala: Enviormental Conservation

California: Youth Development

Washington, D.C: Food Insecurity & Advocacy

Puerto Rico: Community Development

Kaneb, Utah: Animal Welfare

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. Participant applications open in September of each year while Site Leader applications open in April for the following academic year.

How do I become a Site Leader or Participant?

Applications to be a participant for the 2023-2024 Academic Year are now open!

Site Leaders applications for 2024-2025 will open in April 2024.

When do the trips happen?

Participation in the Alternative Breaks Program is a full-year commitment. Groups will travel either during J-Term or Spring Break. Specific dates can be found on the application.

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. Domestic trips have one full-time University administrator as well as the two student site leaders.

Will I miss days of class?

Alternative Breaks may be scheduled during times when classes are in session, such as J-Term. Applicants are expected to double check program dates to ensure they are not missing class to participate in the travel aspect of the program.

How big are the trips?

Trip size varies; on average there are 10-14 participants, 2 site leaders and 2 staff advisors.

What do the trips cost?

Morocco: Social Justice & Non-Profit Overview | $1,500 (January)

South Africa: Community Development | $2,550 (January)

Costa Rica: Community & Environmental Sustainability | $1,750

Canary Islands: Marine Conservation | $2,700

Spain: Education and Heath Exploration | $2,400

Peru: Community Development | $2,400

Guatemala: Enviormental Conservation | $1,438

California: Youth Development | $800

Washington, D.C: Food Insecurity & Advocacy | $600

Puerto Rico: Community Development | $1,200

Kaneb, Utah: Animal Welfare | $800

What immunizations do I need?

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.

The staff at the NYU Student Health Center Travel Medicine are prepared to provide you with the latest health information and immunization services for your trip. The earlier you prepare for your trip abroad, the better. Please contact Travel Medicine as soon as you know that you are traveling to determine your travel health requirements. We advise you to schedule appointments 4-6 weeks in advance of your trip, if possible. To schedule your Travel Medicine appointment, please call the Student Health Center at 212-443-1188.

Who is eligible to go on an Alternative Break trip?

Only fully matriculated students who are in good standing with the University are able to participate in the Alternative Breaks Program.

How do I apply for an Alternative Break trip?

Participant applications are now live! Site leader applications will open in April 2024 for next academic year.

Can students with disabilities go on Alternative Breaks?

The Alternative Break program makes every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully in Alternative Break programs. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that facilities or support services will be available at each location in the same range and quality as on the NYU campus. We encourage students with disabilities to meet with staff at the Center for Student Life or the Moses Center for Student Accessibility to discuss accommodation needs and identify appropriate sites.

Why are Alternative Breaks alcohol free?

Alternative Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. Alcohol affects group dynamics, participant safety, the local community, the University, and the national alternative break student movement. As members of Break Away, we adhere to the 8 Quality Components, including alcohol free breaks.

How do I pay for my Alternative Breaks Experience?

As with any volunteer program, cost is a factor. The Alternative Breaks Program is partially subsidized by the NYU Center for Student Life, but each student accepted into the program must fundraise to help underwrite their experience.

Domestic programs have a $500 nonrefundable deposit and international programs have a $1000 nonrefundable deposit due to secure your spot. Addional trip fees will be charged to your bursar account upon return from your program.