Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Alternative Breaks?

  • Alternative Breaks, AB, is a student-led program advised by the Center for Leadership and Service. AB is a unique learning experience where you will be able to engage in service in a social issue you are passionate about or interested in while being immersed in community and culture. 

Who is eligible to go on an Alternative Break trip? 

  • Currently enrolled UNT students, both undergraduate and graduate full-time degree-seeking students may be participants or trip leaders. 

As an international student, can I go on an AB trip? 

  • Yes! As long as you meet the eligibility requirements of AB you are able to apply.

Can students with disabilities go on AB trips? 

  • The AB program makes every effort to ensure that students with disabilities can participate successfully on trips. If you have any questions or concerns please contact AB at leadandserve@unt.edu or (940) 565-3021. 

How are social issues selected?

  • Site Leaders propose Social Issues as a part of their application process. The CLS considers the social issue proposals and helps the selected Site Leaders create trips focused on the proposed topic or in a topic adjacent to it.

I'm interested in being a Site Leader, can I apply?

  • Interested in leading one of our AB trips? Applications open and close in March, follow @UNTLeadandServe for updates on when applications open.

When is AB?

  • We will host a Winter Break and Spring Break this year. Winter will take place January 3-8, 2022. Spring will take place March 12-19, 2022.

Will you have virtual options for AB this year?

  • Yes, we will our virtual weekend trips. Virtual Winter trips will take place on January 6-8, 2022. Virtual Spring trips will take place on March 11-13, 2022.

Where do trips usually go?

  • Trips are within driving distance in the Southern Region of the United States. Previous years, location ranges from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.

How many people go on trips? 

  • Generally, 12 participants, which include one faculty/staff advisor and one student site leader. 

Do I have to drive myself to my trip location?

  • Your program fee will cover your transportation costs.  Each trip will have vans that are driven by faculty/staff and students. Trips will have a designated leave time based on their destination and decided on by the group.

How many hours of service do participants complete on a trip?

  • It will vary on the trip; most trips will range from 30-45 hours of service during the trip. However, your group may have a little less depending on other educational activities or more if your team decides to do service before and/or after your trip locally. 

What does my program fee cover?

  • The program fee is $275 ($100 is a non-refundable deposit) that covers transportation to and from your destination and around the area, lodging, and food except during travel days. The fee also covers any community partner costs that may occur. The fee does not cover excursions, personal snacks, personal items (toothbrush, pillow, etc.), or souvenirs. Cost for virtual experiences is TBD at this time.

Why is my deposit non-refundable? 

  • Our community partners are generally non-profit organizations working with limited resources, and spend a great amount of time and effort to plan and accommodate our students. If a student drops out of the trip- we are still required to pay our community partners and lodging partners for their time and service. 

I can't make the whole trip can I come later or leave early?

  • Unfortunately, due to our policies, students are unable to come late or leave early. We are in the process of looking at shorter trip durations and weekend trips. Stay up to date with us @untleadandserve on all social media platforms for announcements.

What is the typical AB week?

  • Trips will leave on Saturday and arrive at their destination on Saturday afternoon or evening. Teams will unpack, pick up groceries, make dinner, and set aside time for group reflection and discussion.
  • Sunday is typically an excursion day decided upon by the team during Pre-Trip Meetings. Teams will come back to make dinner, prepare for service the next day, and have time for group reflection and discussion. Also maybe some board games!
  • Monday-Friday will be service days. Teams will arrive at their community partners around 8 am, have a break for lunch decided by the group, and end around 5 pm. If trips decide they want to continue to explore their community they will have time after service to do so. Then teams will go back to their lodging, make dinner, and do group reflection and discussion.
  • Trips will leave Saturday morning and arrive back on UNT's campus on Saturday afternoon or evening.

What am I eating on an AB trip?

  • Teams will be able to build a grocery list for breakfast, lunch, and dinners during their trip. We ask that if you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let your site leader know in advance. Typical meals will include cold or continental type breakfasts, sandwiches or leftovers for lunch, and group meals for dinner.

What should I pack for AB?

  • Every trip is different, and your site leader will provide you with a packing list specific to your trip. We do recommend packing light in duffel bags, because of limited cargo space please don't bring hard or large suitcases on the trip.  We also recommend bringing reusable water bottles, plates, utensils, and lunch bags. We don't recommend bringing any major valuables like cameras, laptops, or jewelry if it is not needed.

Where do trips stay?

  • Each trip is unique and will have different lodging arrangements. Trips may be staying in churches or community centers. Your site leader will have more information about your lodging once selected.

What are the expectations for participants?

  • In your team setting, you will be able to discuss guidelines on how to make your trip successful and welcoming. We ask that you come with an open mind ready to learn and understand more about the social issue and community you will be serving in. As well as, make your payments and submit your trip paperwork on time.
  • Your adventure will begin with us at a Kick-Off event, and your site leader will have dates for you to meet as a team to get to know one another called Pre-Trip Meetings. We will also host some training, and then meet one last time before your trip leaves at a Pre-Departure Meeting. After your service, we ask that you come back and share your story with other participants during our ReConnect. These dates and times will be given to you when you are selected.