LMU's Alternative Breaks (AB) are run through the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action (CSA). AB is a social justice focused experiential learning opportunity for full-time undergraduate or graduate LMU students who have a 2.0 GPA or higher. However, AB tends to be primarily made-up of undergraduate unless otherwise noted. Each AB group is comprised of ten to fourteen participants, including two student leaders, and two staff/faculty advisors.
AB are one-to-two-weeks long and take place during students’ winter, spring, and/or summer breaks to locations in the continental United States, United States territories and/or international locations. Locations vary per academic year, and costs vary per program length and location. See here for the current academic year offerings.
AB groups’ travel is arranged by AB/CSA staff. AB transportation methods and length are dependent on group rates and availability. Additionally, program departures and returns are subject to change plus or minus a day between the given timeframes. Please keep in mind possible flight delays and cancellations, which are out of the office’s control. Note: AB participants travel to and from the host location together as well as remain together during the duration of the programming in host location; Participants are always accompanied by at least one staff/faculty advisor and/or one community partner.
AB groups’ housing and meals are coordinated by our community partner(s). AB strives to be in solidarity with the communities' hosting groups. For this reason, living arrangements and food options vary per location. Examples include, but are not limited to, sleeping in a tent, using a latrine, not having many/any vegetarian options, or having only vegetarian meals.
Mission
LMU's Alternative Breaks’ mission is to promote cultural exchange at the local, national and international level through experiential learning. Participants critically explore social justice issues that challenge their self-awareness and inspire lifelong social action as active citizens in their communities.
History
In 2003, the Pam Rector Center for Service and Action sent out their first AB groups and has been growing ever since. View the list of places AB has gone to here. AB has 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.
LMU's Alternative Breaks was originally created as a member of Break Away, the National Alternative Breaks Organization, whose mission was to inspire and activate thoughtful community engagement through justice-based trainings and programs. As of 2025, the National Alternative Breaks Organization has been dissolved.
Contact Us
Email us: alternativebreaks@lmu.edu
Phone: 310.338.2959
Instagram: @alternativebreakslmu
Contact AB staff