Alternative Breaks (AB) occur during students’ winter, spring, and/or summer break. AB groups range between one-to-two-week to locations in the continental United States, United States territories, and/or international locations. Costs vary per program length and location (see information per academic year).
Participants must be present for their entire AB. Program departures and returns are subject to change plus or minus a day between the given time frame. Please keep in mind possible flight delays and cancellations, which are out of CSA’s control.
Each AB group comprises of ten to fourteen participants, including two student leaders and two staff/faculty advisors. AB are open to full-time undergraduate or graduate students but tend to be primarily undergraduate (unless otherwise noted).
AB strive to be in solidarity with the communities' hosting groups. As such, living arrangements and food options vary per location. Examples include, but are not limited to, sleeping in a tent, using a latrine, having only vegetarian meals, not having many/any vegetarian options, etc.
Designation
LMU's Alternative Breaks is a member of Break Away, the National Alternative Breaks Organization, whose mission is to inspire and activate thoughtful community engagement through justice-based trainings and programs.
Mission
LMU's Alternative Breaks’ mission is to promote cultural exchange at the local, national and international level through interactive community-based learning. Participants critically explore social justice issues that challenge their self-awareness and inspire lifelong social action as active citizens in their communities.
History
LMU’s AB are run through the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action. In 2003, CSA sent out their first AB groups and has been growing ever since. View the list of places AB has visited here. LMU's AB received the "University Program of the Year" award for the 2010-11 academic year, and most recently, the "Student Affairs Commitment to Service and Justice" award for the 2023-24 academic year.
Contact Us
Email us: alternativebreaks@lmu.edu
Phone: 310.338.2959
Instagram: @alternativebreakslmu
Contact AB staff