What is Alternative Break (AB)?
The Alternative Breaks experience is a unique opportunity for students to engage in strong direct service and experiential learning during their winter or spring breaks. The objective of AB is to provide an opportunity for students to learn about the problems faced by marginalized groups with whom they may have had little or no direct contact with, through complete cultural immersion. Within their small groups, participants of our program engage in weekend or week-long projects for community partners and learn about various social issues such as those relating to poverty, education, social justice and environmental stewardship to name a few.
History
Alternative Breaks at FIU was started in 1994 by a group of 13 students with a desire to change the world! Unlike the typical college student, this group went on a trip that would set the stage for years to come. Alternative Breaks had its first trip to Anthony’s House in 1995. The program quickly grew and in 1997 it won its first national award as “Program of the Year”. Alternative Breaks broadened its horizons further by adding a new component, International Sites in 2001. That same year, Fall Sites were added, and by 2004 the program decided to add Winter Break sites in order to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
In 2014, we had our first ever AB Express trips, which are 3-day weekend trips in order to provide more students the opportunity to experience the alternative Break movement. In 2014, we had our first ever aB Express trips, which are 3-day weekend trips in order to provide more students the opportunity to experience the alternative Break movement.
Get Involved
Site Leader & Participant Applications
When do we meet?
- Participants: every other Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
- Site Leaders: every Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm
Upcoming Events
We are excited to share we will be focusing on the following community issues. Join us on September 2nd at 12pm in GC 150 to find out where we’re headed this year!
Trip Dates (Subject to Change):
- Winter Break: December 13–18, 2026
- Spring Break: February 28–March 5, 2027
- Trip 1: December 13–18, 2026
- Youth Development & Community Engagement
- Urban Gardening & Green Spaces
- Homeless Outreach & Food Security
- Intergenerational Connection & Community Engagement
- Out of state
Total fee= $200 - Trip 2: December 13–18, 2026
- Marine Conservation & Coral Reef Protection
- Climate Resilience & Environmental Sustainability
- Disaster Preparedness & Community Resilience
- Community Beautification & Public Space Enhancement
- In state
Total Fee= $100 - Trip 3: February 28–March 5, 2027
- Food Access/ Hunger
- Housing & Homelessness
- Urban Environmental Stewardship & Green Infrastructure Support
- Out of state
Total Fee= $300 - Trip 4: February 28–March 5, 2027
- Environmental Conservation
- Urban Gardens/ Farms
- Food Access
- Out of state
- International, no passport needed
Total Fee= $400
Contact Us
- Email: fiuab@fiu.edu
- IG: @fiualternativebreaks
- Advisor: Amber Borrero, amborrer@fiu.edu