FAQ
1. Do I have to have past service or travel experience to participate? You do not need to have experience with service or travel to participate in the Alternative Breaks program. Our goal is to encourage all students to engage in meaningful service and travel, whether this is your first time out of Los Angeles or you are a seasoned traveler. Diversity is an extremely important aspect of the trip and it is shown in the participants and placements.
(Back to Top)
2. Who participates on the trip and what is a typical group size?LMU Undergraduate and Graduate students, faculty and staff may participate in the trips. Alongside 10 participants, 2 student leaders are chosen who will be responsible for the group. An LMU staff member will also accompany the group. Some trips may have an additional faculty member. The group, therefore, will contain no more that 14 participants, with the average size being 12-13 people.
(Back to Top)3. Are the sites new every year or do you repeat programs?Trips are selected based on a variety of criteria. New trips are added each year after the new locations and/or organizations are examined and approved. Many of our trips are repeated because the student response has been so positive. Our longest running trips are Tianguistengo, Mexico; San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala; Dolores Mission, East Los Angeles; Dolores Huerta Foundation, Central Valley; and New Orleans. Check out our
previous trips for some more background on our program.
(Back to Top)4. Will I miss class if I attend a trip?Alternative Breaks are not scheduled while classes are meeting. Our trips travel during Winter, Spring and Summer academic breaks.
(Back to Top)
5. How much does an Alternative Breaks trip cost?Trip prices vary by site and are partially subsidized by CSA and/or grant money. Trip prices include all transportation (ground and/or air), room and board, service projects, and usually one cultural excursion. Our least expensive trips are local (East LA: $150 and Central Valley: $300). Our domestic trips outside California are usually $650, while our international trips are usually more expensive (one week: $995, and two weeks: $1350). Please refer to Question 7 if you have concerns about paying for an AB trip, and Question 14 for the payment schedule.
(Back to Top)6. How is the Alternative Breaks program funded?The program is funded through a variety of means. The Center for Service and Action receives funds from the University specifically designated for the Alternative Breaks program. The rest of the funding comes from independent donors, foundation grants, and student participation fees.
(Back to Top)7. I want to go on a trip but I do not think I can afford it. What should I do?There are many ways to pay for your Alternative Break trip. Please do not allow the price to deter your participation. Groups are encouraged to organize group fundraising events to pay for their trips, and a fundraising letter template is provided to all AB participants to help raise money to fund your trip. In addition, scholarships are available for students with financial need. Personal ability to pay for an Alternative Breaks trip should not inhibit participation. Numerous fundraising and scholarship opportunities are available, and CSA is willing to work with anyone who is committed to going on an AB trip. Contact Joanne Dennis (
jmajewsk@lmu.edu) with additional questions or concerns.
(Back to Top)
8. I am a Loyola Marymount graduate student. Can I still apply?Yes. Loyola Marymount graduate students can participate by completing the same application process as undergraduates.
(Back to Top)
9. How many Alternative Break trips can I participate in a year?Due to the popularity of the program, students may only participate in one Alternative Break trip per year.
(Back to Top)10. Am I guaranteed a spot on at least one trip?The AB program receives more applications than spots we have available on trips, therefore we cannot guarantee placement on a trip. Those who are not initially placed on a trip will be placed on an alternates list until spaces become available. Eventually most students are offered at least one trip, although it may not be a top choice. When rating trips on your application, the more trips that you are willing to participate in, the higher your chances of getting placed on a trip.
(Back to Top)11. I am studying abroad. Can I still apply?Students who are studying abroad in the Fall Semester may particiate in Spring or Summer trips, if you are accepted. Please fill out the online application. You will be contacted by an AB staff member if we need additional information. Students who are studying abroad in the Spring Semester may participate in a Winter trip if it does not interfere with your study abroad program.
(Back to Top)12. Can students with disabilities participate in a trip?The Center for Service and Action will do its best to accommodate all students regardless of disability. Nevertheless certain disabilities may prevent students from participating depending on the site, organization, and/or location. Please contact Joanne Dennis (
jmajewsk@lmu.edu) for personal concerns.
13. How can I become a trip leader?
Students can apply to be trip leaders by filling out an AB Leader Application. Following the application students are required to schedule an interview with the AB team. After all interviews are conducted a selection committee meets to place leaders. If you are not selected as a leader you will automatically be considered for placement as a participant (you don't need to reapply or reinterview). Student leaders are usually chosen for their peer leadership abilities and qualities, and not necessarily for their knowledge about a certain location or issue. The AB team attempts to match pairs of leaders with complementing leadership qualities (i.e. an introvert with an extrovert, or a details person with a big picture person). Previous Alternative Breaks experience is a plus, but not necessarily a requirement.
(Back to Top)
14. How does payment work and what happens if I have to cancel last-minute?Upon accepting an AB trip students sign a contract holding them responsible for payment. Students are required to pay a
$100 non-refundable deposit that is credited towards the total trip fee. The deadline to withdraw from an is
40 days prior to your trip departure date. If you do not provide written notice to Joanne Dennis of your withdrawal before this deadline you will be charged any costs incurred to CSA(including transportation, room and board, site fees, etc.) Winter and Spring Break participants are required to pay at least 50% of the total fee prior to the departure date. All trip payments (for winter, spring and summer trips) are due by April 23, 2010. Any payments not received by April 23 will be charged to your University Student Accounts. Any exceptions to these rules are made on a case by case basis.
(Back to Top)15. Do international trips require foreign language proficiency?International trips do not require foreign language proficiency. International sites will provide guides and translators at all times, although students are encouraged to learn and speak the local language(s). Nevertheless, applicants with knowledge of the language may be given some priority to ensure the group is better able to converse with the community.
(Back to Top)
16. Do international trips require vaccinations or other medical tests?Please visit the
Health and Safety Information page for more details.
(Back to Top)17. Are the Alternative Break trips safe?Yes. Every year the safety of each trip is considered. Nevertheless, there are always risks in both domestic and international travel. Please see the
Health and Safety Information page for more details.
(Back to Top) 18. Is the Alternative Breaks program religiously affiliated?Some Alternative Breaks trips partner with faith-based organizations. The AB program values the diverse faith traditions of our participants. Participants should be aware that each trip deals with different communities with various expressions of faith. Please contact AB staff if you have any additional questions or concerns.
(Back to Top)19. What if I get sick or injured on a trip?Please see
Health and Safety Information page for more details.
(Back to Top)20. Are we allowed to consume alcohol if we are 21+ or in a country with a lower drinking age?Drug and Alcohol Policy: "The Alternative Break program is alcohol and other drug free. This is required for the safety and well-being of all participants, the group as a whole, and the community in which they are serving. As such, absolutely NO alcohol or illegal drugs may be possessed or consumed during AB functions or trips. Should this policy be violated, the participant will be asked to leave the trip at his/her own expense."
(Back to Top)21. Can Seniors go on Summer trips?As of 2009, seniors will no longer be allowed to participate in summer alternative break trips. This is so we can encourage undergraduates to apply, participate on summer trips, and bring their new knowledge and perspective back to LMU.
(Back to Top)
22. Who may I contact if I have more specific questions?For any additional information please contact the Center for Service and Action at 310-338-2959 or Joanne Dennis, the Alternative Breaks Coordinator, at
jmajewsk@lmu.edu.
(Back to Top)