GO ON AN ALTERNATIVE BREAK
STEP 1: APPLY
You must apply to participate in the Alternative Breaks program. Applicants should expect to articulate why they want to go on a break and what they hope to gain from the experience.
WAITLIST: If you do not initially get placed, you will be placed on the waitlist. We move through the waitlist in three rounds, opening spots depending on those who successfully pay their downpayment. You cannot drop your break to be placed on the waitlist.
Strongest consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate a willingess to learn about ethical community engagement through education, reflection, and engagement. Students who recognize that Alternative Breaks is not just an opportunity to travel, but an opportunity to have a meaningful experience.
You will be able to list your top three break choices, but we cannot guarantee that you will be offered a spot on your top choice.
STEP 2: APPLY FOR A BREAK DISCOUNT
We are able to offer break discounts to those who need it thanks to generous Bennion Center donors.
Break discounts will not cover the cost of down-payment. You must still pay the non-refundable $100 down-payment.
STEP 3: RECEIVE A PLACEMENT OFFER
About 1 week after the application deadline, look out for an email from alternativebreaks@utah.edu that will contain information about your alternative breaks placement offer including, break theme, location, site leader, break discount award (if you applied for it), drivers training, and next steps.
STEP 4: PAY YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE DOWN PAYMENT
After receiving a placement offer, (look out for an email from alternativebreaks@utah.edu) you must pay a $100 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot. Payment method will be available online.
Failure to pay your deposit, will result in a forfetuire of your spot and it will be offered to somone on the waitlist.
Down Payments are non-refundable.
STEP 5: FILL OUT NECESSARY FORMS AND COMPLETE DRIVERS TRAINING
Your offer email will contain information about the necessary forms to complete and the due date. Successfuly completion of this paperwork is required for participation.
If you are willing to be a drive a university issued mini-van during your experience, you will need to complete drivers training and fill out the Bennion Center's Driver's declaration form. If you indicate you are willing to drive in your application, you will recieve information on how to do this in your offer email.
Drivers are essential to the Alternative Breaks program. Each break needs a minimum of 6 drivers to receive departure approval. We take drivers into consideration when offering break placements to successfully meet our minimum requirement.
STEP 6: WAIT FOR A WELCOME TEXT FROM YOUR SITE LEADER AND ATTEND PREDEPARTURE MEETINGS/TRAININGS
After you receive a placement offer, your site leader will reach out via text and add you to a group chat. They will schedule predeparture meetings and provide important logistic information. Please respond in a timely manner.
Four weeks leading up to departure, every participant will attend one weekly meeting. These meetings are required. Failure to attend will result in losing your spot on the break and deposit.
- Pre-departure Meeting #1 (3 weeks prior to break)
- 1 hour
- With members of your Alternative Break
- Scheduled by Site Leader
- Topics covered: Introductions to group and theme, what to expect, drivers training, ethical community engagement workshops
- Ethical Community Engagement Workshop (2 weeks prior to break)
- 1.5 hours
- With participants from all alternative breaks for the semester
- Scheduled by the Alternative Breaks executive team (Program Manager & Eboard)
- Topics covered: Education on how to ethical engage with community partners.
- Pre-Departure Meeting #2 (week prior to break)
- 1 hour
- With members of your Alternative Break
- Scheduled by Site Leader
- Topics covered: Break logisitcs, final-itinerary given, safety, final coordination
We know you will have a lot of questions about the specifics of what will occur on you break, that's totally understandable. Please refer to the "A Day in the Life of An Alt Breaker" page to give you an idea of what to expect. However, please keep in mind that our site leaders only have a short amount of time to plan and arrange the entire week, so you will not receive the finalized itinerary until the week before the break (Pre-departure meeting #2).
STEP 7: PAY THE REST OF YOUR BREAK COST
Your offer email will notify you of the date your final payment is due. Payment must be made by that date in order to maintain your spot.
Payment Plans: Special arrangements may be made concerning a payment plan for the down payment/total payment. Please email alternativebreaks@utah.edu for more information.
If you cancel your participation 15 days or less prior to departure day, you are still responsible for the entire cost of the experience. Non-compliance is subject to a hold being placed on your University records.
Expenses covered by your payment include all community engagement activities, transportation, meals, and lodging throughout the experience.
STEP 8: GO ON YOUR BREAK!
See "A Day In the Life of an Alternative Breaker" for more information on what Alternative Breaks looks like each day.
STEP 9: ATTEND THE REORIENTATION CELEBRATION
About three weeks after your break, we'll reunite the entire Alternative Breaks community to have dinner and celebrate the work accomplished during breaks. This will be an opportunity to reflect on your experience and reconnect with your site leader, staff partner, and fellow participants.
