University of Delaware Alternative Breaks
What are Alternative Breaks?
Alternative breaks are immersive service opportunities that offer students a break from their academic routines to engage in service and learn about new communities. Students also make new friends and create lasting memories with teammates.
In pre-departure preparation, participants learn about the communities they are serving Post-program reorientation allows participants to reflect on their alternative break experience and how it will shape their future.
University of Delaware Alternative Breaks (UDAB)’s mission as an alternative breaks program is to create a variety of issue-based, service-learning experiences during spring and winter breaks.
We strive to be accessible to all undergraduate university students as both a facilitator of these break programs and as an advisor for other student groups that would like to plan, participate in and reflect on service.
Winter Alternative Break in Puerto Rico!
Disaster Relief and Environmental Justice
Community Collaborations International, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Join other service- and social justice-minded individuals and apply for UD Alternative Break’s annual winter service program! Partnering with Community Collaborations International, 25 UD students will travel to Puerto Rico during Winter Session to work on disaster relief and environmental justice service projects valuable to local communities. Prepare for an amazing week of bonding with your peers and experience learning about social justice issues firsthand! Most of all, participants will leave Puerto Rico feeling inspired to make tangible sustainability and disaster relief-based change in their local community. The trip cost is yet to be finalized but will most likely range between $1600 – $1800. Grants are available based on financial need!
Site Leaders: Brian Chansky, Jalen Rodgers and Nathan Vaszily
2024 Winter Break Program Dates:
Tuesday, January 16–
Friday, January 26, 2024
Check out our 2023 experience!
Spring Programs
2024 Spring Programs Coming Soon!
Get updates as soon as our spring programs are posted.
2024 Spring Break Program Dates:
Saturday, March 23–
Saturday, March 30, 2024
FAQs
Are scholarships offered?
Yes! UDAB has substantial need-based scholarship funding from the University that can cover a significant portion of the program fees for those that qualify. All students that apply for a UDAB program are automatically considered for need-based scholarships, based on the FAFSA.
Are there other ways to reduce the fee?
There sure are! UDAB works to support all participants in fundraising efforts through various events and activities. In 2023, UDAB had a successful crowdfunding campaign on UD’s HenFunder platform.
Can I apply to both a winter and a spring program?
Yes! Please do! You may participate in programs during both breaks.
How do I get more involved in UDAB?
There are numerous ways to get more involved!
- After participating in a program, you can apply for UDAB Leadership (applications are typically released in late April).
- Apply to participate in more programs in the upcoming fall semester.
- Participate in UDAB’s various days of service and active citizenship events.
Email bluehenbreaks@udel.edu for details about these opportunities.
Participant Testimonials
I never thought that I would get to meet so many awesome people in one week. Coming out of this experience, it feels like we were friends for a while and not strangers coming into this experience.
Nathan Vaszily
UDAB was one of the best weeks of my life. Not only did I feel like I made a huge impact on the community, but I made the most amazing friends along the way.
Mia Sebak
My participation in the UDAB New Bern program was unlike anything I have experienced before. You can spend forever sitting in a meeting room and discussing inequities in housing, but you will never truly be able to understand the affordable housing crisis until you are immersed in the environment itself.
Danielle Blachar
