Alternative Breaks at UNA
Creating a community of active citizens by empowering students through direct service opportunities.
Every year, the Alternative Breaks program educates, trains, and sends groups of 10-12 students into their local and global communities to experience hands-on work with important issues.
The Alternative Breaks program is a student-focused initiative that organized international and domestic service breaks during Winter and Spring Breaks. Alternative Breaks are service-learning experiences designed to heighten participants’ awareness of critical issues, enhance their individual growth, and prepare them for lifelong servant leadership. Each student-initiated break integrates volunteer service projects, reflection and education, and focuses on a variety of topics.
Each Alternative Breaks trip is lead by student site leaders who are selected based on past AB participation and ability to plan and execute impactful experiences. Site leaders assist in the logistical planning process, pre-trip meetings and service, group reflections during the breaks, and post-trip service and re-orientation. Check the “ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä Here” tab for more information about participating on a break or getting more involved with the program.
- Education, orientation, and training
- Pre-break direct service
- Preflection: goals and expectations
- Icebreakers and group building
- Strong direct service
- Ongoing education
- Community involvement
- Daily reflection tied to direct service and social issue education
- Organize or join small groups of thoughtful, committed citizens
- Continued education
- Reflection about reorientation process
- Post-break direct service, advocacy, and philanthropy
- Life choices that benefit the community
Participant applications for Fall Break 2025 will open on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Site Leader Applications
Fall 2025 Site Leader applications are open now through September 1, 2025 at midnight. Site Leader positions are available to currently enrolled UNA students. There is no previous AB experience required at this time.
Site Leaders will serve alongside the trip chaperone in supporting and executing recruitment, compliance, and schedule execution.
Fall 2025 trip will occur October 5-7, 2025 in Nashville, TN. Should you have questions, please contact Matthew Jones at mjones4@una.ed.
FAQs and Requirements
Applications are available online during the month of August for Fall 2025 breaks. They can be found under the “How to ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥¼ä” link in the left hand dropdown menu. Paper applications can also be provided upon request. Once an application is received, the Site Leader of the trip(s) being applied for will reach out to schedule an interview time. Selection for each trip will be based on both the application and interview. Students may apply for more than one trip.
Because each trip only allows for a select number of participants, our office curates additional local service projects and initiatives. From Lions Lend a Hand to Volunteer Fairs, we have you covered. Education, training, service, and reflection are all built into our events and any student may sign up to participate.
All students that are not selected for AB trips are also encouraged to reapply the following year!
Alternative Break trips require a commitment from September (prior to the trip) – until the direct engagement (when the trip takes place). Orientation activities take place prior to direct engagement and 3-4 weeks leading up to the trip. Meetings include education on the issue at hand, service-learning, and cross-team communication.
The direct engagement component of Alternative Breaks take place over Fall and Spring Breaks. 2025-26 will only have a Fall Break, no Spring Break.