GW Alternative Breaks

Alternative Breaks are substance-free, community service-learning trips during the university's fall, winter and spring breaks. Participants travel locally, nationally and internationally in teams of 10 - 50 to engage in active service and gain new perspectives on social issues. Our student-led program features 11 trips that provide students the opportunity to become active citizen leaders while building lasting connections with people from various communities through a mutually-beneficial experience. Each trip has its own unique service area and pre-trip education meetings allow students to become informed about the community and issue area they will be working with. The mission of the GW Alternative Breaks Program is to empower and challenge all students involved to understand their relationship with the global community through direct service, education and reflection while encouraging personal growth, social awareness and active citizenship.