Alternative Breaks

Dare to be Alternative

...and spend your Wintersession or Spring Break making a difference.  Join us on one of our four Alternative Breaks to learn about social issues like HIV/AIDS awareness, environmental conservancy, urban reconstruction and animal rights.  Through hands-on volunteer work and group reflection, we hope to continue the Wellesley tradition of service.

Our vision

A community of active citizens: people who value society as a priority when making life decisions. As part of the Alternative Break experience, participants will become more educated and experienced in all sides of a social issue. Upon return, they will be empowered to make more informed decisions and take meaningful action that supports a greater good. They will become contributing members of society and will weigh in on issues that impact their community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Alternative Breaks?
     Alternative Breaks are service-oriented, substance-free breaks in which we volunteer with a variety of community partners in order to explore the social, cultural and political issues in that community.  Participants work in teams during the weeks leading up to the break and work in those same teams on the break; after returning home, participants meet a few times more to reflect on their experiences.

How do I become a site leader or participant?
     After checking out the trip descriptions and becoming familiar with the Alternative Break program, fill out the application on MyCWS.  Make sure you understand fully the responsibilities, expectations and time commitments for participants (or site leaders, if you’re applying).  Site leader applications for both Wintersession and Spring Alternative Breaks are due at noon on October 17th.  Wintersession participant applications are due at noon on October 17th; Spring participant applications are due at noon on December 4th.

How do I determine if I should be a site leader?
     If this is your first experience with Alternative Breaks or service in a community, we recommend you apply for a participant position.   If you have participated in the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity trip, are familiar with service-learning or possess demonstrated leadership abilities, we encourage you to consider applying for a Site Leader position.  Site Leader applicants will be considered for Participant positions as well.

How do I apply to be a participant or site leader?
     Check out MyCWS for both applications.

Am I able to request to participate in a certain Alternative Break?
     On the applications for both site leaders and participants, you’ll have an opportunity to share your preference for a certain Alternative Break, though we can’t guarantee which to which trip you’ll be accepted.

Who will be leading the trips?
     Each team will be led by two student site leaders, with at least one Wellesley faculty or staff member present.

When do Wellesley’s Alternative Breaks happen?
     Our Alternative Breaks occur during the last two weeks of Wintersession and over Spring Break.  Check out the program descriptions to see where we’re going and who were working with during each of the trips!

Will I miss class?
     Nope!  Each Alternative Break is scheduled for either Wintersession or Spring Break when classes aren’t being held.

Who will be leading the trips?
     Each team will be led by two student site leaders, with at least one Wellesley faculty or staff member present.

Who is able to go on an Alternative Break?
     The Alternative Breaks are only open to current Wellesley students who are in good academic standing.  Alumni, faculty, staff, administrator and non-Wellesley students aren’t able to participate.

Why are Alternative Breaks alcohol free?
     Alternative Breaks were founded as an alternative to the typical spring break experience. Also, while some participants may be legally able to drink, not all participants are able to which causes unnecessary divisions within the team.  Alcohol affects group dynamics, participant safety, the local community, the University, and the national alternative break student movement. 

How do I pay for my Alternative Break experience?
     Students are not responsible for covering the cost of lodging, meals or transportation during the break - only the cost of flights to and from their site.  Financial assistance is available for students to cover the cost their flights; students do not have to be recipients of Wellesley College Aid or Federal Aid to receive CWS funding.  Students needing financial assistance may apply for additional funding by including an essay and budget that outlines financial need.  Please state why financial assistance is needed and the amount requested (include airfare, public transportation and additional anticipated costs).

Will I be able to return to my residence hall after participating in a Wintersession Alternative Break?
     Unfortunately, students who are participating in Wintersession Alternative Breaks are not able to return to their residence halls until they reopen for Spring semester.  Residence halls are limited over Wintersession only to Albright Institute participants, students registered for Wintersession classes, students that are doing research or thesising, varsity athletes in season, International students who need to stay for the duration of the break, Theatre program, and essential student workers.