More about Alternative Breaks

What is an Alternative Break?

An alternative break is a trip where a group of college students (usually 10-12 per trip) engage in an immersive community service experience.  Alternative breaks may occur during students’ fall, winter, weekend, or summer school breaks. Alternative breaks are also drug and alcohol-free experiences, with a heavy emphasis on group and individual reflection.

Alternative breaks experiences can challenge students to critically think about and address serious social issues.  After having an Alternative Break experiences, participants often seek to continue their activism on campus, in their own communities, and in partnership with other communities. 

University of Michigan students been traveling locally, nationally and internationally, engaging in community service efforts that contribute to meaningful social change. The University of Michigan actively promotes Break Away's Active Citizens Continuum, hoping that students, as a result of their Alternative Break experience, will move to being a "active citizen," a person who values and prioritizes community.

Alternative Breaks can be a great vehicle for service learning and civic engagement for students, and can be utililzed by student organizations and part of academic courses.  To meet with an Alternative Breaks Advisor, click here.