- Are there any prerequisites for applying?
- How many people are selected to go on each alternative break?
- Can I apply to more than one alternative break?
- Do I have to fill out a separate application for each alternative break?
- What is the timeline for the selection process?
- When will I know whether I have been accepted?
- How much does it cost to go on a alternative break?
- Can I pay the participation fee for a alternative break in installments?
- What does the payment cover?
- Are there opportunities to fundraise?
- What is the time commitment?
- Do I have to be there for the entire alternative break?
- Where do we typically stay?
- How do I become a Student Program Director?
- What is the role of a Team Leader?
- Are there any other similar experiences offered by others on campus?
Are there any prerequisites for applying?
There is no prerequisite of earlier public service involvement, all enrolled UConn students may apply. Students may not participate if they are not an enrolled student at the time of the alternative break. We encourage students to express themselves authentically in their applications and to articulate why they are interested in the opportunity and what experiences or perspectives have made them want to go on an alternative break. Students come with various levels of involvement and different reasons for why they want to participate.
How many people are selected to go on each alternative break?
For most of our alternative breaks there is a maximum of twelve (12) people admitted. Some alternative breaks have been expanded to 21 participants. Strong applicants who are not admitted to a alternative break will be placed on a waiting list and will be admitted on a space-available basis. We are currently are not running a bigger alternative breaks of 50+ participants (pre-COVID we had 3 bigger alternative breaks per year), but we will return to that format when we feel it safe to do so with COVID guidelines.
Can I apply to more than one alt break? Do I have to fill out a separate application for each alternative break?
Yes, Please mark down all alt breaks that you’d be interested in on the application. There is a possibility that you get chosen for more than one alt break, but it is not guaranteed. You will be notified if you are put on the waitlist. You may want to type your essay answers into a separate document and paste them into the online application form. Please ensure that you answer all questions thoroughly as there is a high interest in participating on these experiences.
What is the timeline for the selection process? When will I know whether I have been accepted?
The deadline for applications varies per alternative break; please see the Alternative Breaks listing page for these dates. Participants will be notified within 1-2 weeks of the application deadline if they have or have not been selected for the interview process. After the interview process we anticipate informing participants of their acceptance status within two weeks. After you have been notified, you will have approximately one week to decide whether you wish to accept the offer. Please note that there is also a waiting list for all alternative breaks that applicants may be put on.
How much does it cost to go on a specific alternative break?
Each alternative breaks have varying costs based on housing, food, transportation, and programming supplies specific to each alternative break location and service. Costs currently range from $25-$650 per alternative break. Alternative Breaks with airfare are more expensive. A typical weekend alternative break ranges between $25 to $50. A typical domestic week-long alternative break ranges between $80 to $350. Each alternative break fundraises for the Alternative Breaks program as a whole so that we can continue to provide these low alternative break participant costs year after year. Our out of the country alternative breaks, which are 1 week to 10 days long, are our most expensive alternative and ranges between $620-$650. Community Outreach strives to make alternative breaks affordable to a diverse range of students. We offer alternative breaks which range in cost and time and we strive to find the most affordable housing and transportation methods
Additionally, Community Outreach offers financial assistance, aimed at decreasing financial barriers for undergraduate students who wish to pursue service opportunities. Upon acceptance to an alternative break, participants will receive an email with instructions how to apply for financial assistance, if needed.
Can I pay the participant fee for an alternative break in installments?
The participant is expected to cover the participant fee in full and can work with the Staff Coordinator of Alternative Breaks to come up with a payment plan if necessary.
What does the payment cover?
Payment covers housing, food, transportation, and programming supplies. The only items that are not covered include meals during travel and any items that a person might purchase for their personal use i.e., a souvenir, any forgotten items such as a toothbrush etc.
Are there opportunities to fundraise?
There are opportunities to fundraise, but donations to not go directly to any specific student. The funding for alternative breaks come from various sources Student Activities department and Undergraduate Student Government. Students participating on an alternative break are expected to pay a ‘participant cost’ in order to contribute to the overall cost of the alternative break. Fundraising efforts allow us to sustain these low ‘participant fee’ prices year after year. Fundraising helps offset the ‘participant fee’ and it greatly benefits the overall program.
The fundraising efforts which are currently in place and which participants are expected to support are the following: Community Outreach Alternative Breaks has a partnership with IMG to support FanFest at the UConn Football games and in return receives monetary assistance to decrease the cost of alternative break. Participants will complete a letter & online-giving campaign, and participants will support Swipe-a-Meal which is a partnership with UConn Dining Service where UConn students can donate 1-2 flex passes from their meal plan to support UConn Alternative Breaks and other Community Outreach programs.
What is the time commitment?
Groups will have weekly meetings throughout the year that focus on their alternative break’s focus. These weekly meetings will be an opportunity for team-building, as well as learning about the focus of the alternative break specific social issue focus. Weekend alternative break have a minimum of 4 pre-alt break meetings and week long alternative breaks have a minimum of 6 pre-alternative break meetings. Following the alternative break, groups will meet a minimum of one time for a reorientation event.
Pre- and post- alternative break meetings are required as participants will be provided policy and procedure information regarding the alternative break and activities so that they can be prepared for the experience. Information may include but not be limited to information on health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, societal, and religious conditions in the host location. If a student cannot attend one or more pre-alternative break meetings, they must arrange make-up meetings with the Student Program Director to review material and information covered. Participants are advised to share this information with their parents/guardians so they can make informed decisions concerning preparation, participation and behaviors while on the alternative break.
Do I have to be there for the entire alternative break?
YES, students who are unable to participate in a alternative break for its entire duration are ineligible to participate. However, if there are accommodations reasons for missing part of an alternative break, the staff coordinator will work with the participant.
In accordance with the University of Connecticut Field trip Policy: All UConn Alternative Break experiences begin and end on campus. Regional campus Alternative Breaks may begin and end in designated commuter areas. Students who join or leave the alternative break at any other point do so at their own risk. Separate travel arrangements must be approved by Community Outreach and Participants will be required to fill out a “Participant Early Dismissal Form”. Separate travel arrangements approved on case-by-case basis if the circumstance is determined to be a momentous life event.
Where do we typically stay?
The group may be housed in religious buildings, hotels, community centers, camps etc. All participants are housed at the same location and Community Outreach does not offer alternative breaks with “homestays”. Despite the type of facility, Community Outreach works to ensure that all participants are welcome.
How do I become a Student Program Director?
During the spring semester, Community Outreach interviews students for open Student Program Director positions. Previous alternative break experience is highly encouraged. If you are interested in leading a future alternative break, please contact the Staff Coordinator of Alternative Breaks, Carl Soares (carl.soares@uconn.edu).
What is the role of a Team Leader?
Early in the fall semester, Student Program Directors interview applicants for open team leader positions. You can learn more about the responsibilities of a team leader here.
Are there any other similar experiences offered by others on campus?
Yes. Some student organization groups also run alternative breaks such as the Honors Program, Fraternity and Sorority Life, UCC, and more. Please visit UConntact for more information about these groups.