Alternative Breaks

An opportunity to learn and help others during school breaks

ALTERNATIVE BREAKS

Alternative Breaks provide experiential educational experiences for groups of students traveling during their school vacations to work with community initiatives that address global and local social justice, health and economic issues. In the spirit of community solidarity and engaged learning, Alternative Breaks are alcohol free trips.

---

GUATEMALA - January 3-17, 2010
Click Here to APPLY for the GUATEMALA Alternative Break

This is a health-related alternative break  for students interested in medicine, public health, and service to others. Faculty, professional staff and alumni are also welcome on this service-oriented alternative break. Spanish not required. Students will arrive in Antigua, Guatemala January 3 where they will be met by a member of the organization  Social Entrepreneur Corps. This trip includes Spanish classes, trips to various health clinics and hospitals and some sightseeing.

WHO: Open to current sophomores, juniors and seniors and alumni. (Spanish is not required)
WHERE:    Guatemala - Antiqua, Lake Atitlan, Nebaj
WHEN:     January 3-17, 2010
PROGRAM COST:   $1,100* Program cost covers the Social Entrepreneur Corps program in Guatemala, travel in Guatemala, hotels/home stays, Spanish language classes, some meals and assumes double occupancy. This break has a 7 person minimum and a 16 person maximum. There is no course credit for this program. 
PAYMENT INFORMATION:  A full, non-refundable deposit is required by December 4.  You can also make your payment by credit card online at the Social Entrepreneur Corps web site.  Checks should be made out to "New Development Experience LLC" and can be turned in at the Ware Institute or mailed directly to: New Development Experience, LLC., 38 Lake Trail West, Morristown, NJ 07960.
We estimate an additional $1,000 is needed to cover airfare, international travel and travel health insurance, inoculations, most meals, which must all be arranged by the participant.
There is no course credit for this program. For more information about the Guatemala alternative break, please contact Dr. Susan Dicklitch.

"It is difficult to imagine that any other country in the world can offer such diversity of wonders as Guatemala. Despite its relatively small size, (roughly that of Tennessee) Guatemala boasts landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to highland sierras, jungles to dry lowlands. Sharing this land are dozens of ethnic groups, all with unique cultures and customs, and speaking over 20 different languages. The wonderful strength and vibrancy of Mayan culture has allowed it to survive remarkably durability, and its richness and colorfulness will delight any visitor. Between its dramatic landscapes and warm inhabitants, Guatemala will be a country you will never forget." --- Social Entrepreneur Corps

DOWNLOAD THE GUATEMALA FLIER:

---

GALVESTON, TEXAS
The Catastrophic Relief Alliance (CRA) is planning a hurricane relief work trip to Galveston, TX. Students will help rebuild homes damanged by hurricane Ike in 2008.
WHEN:    Jaunary 6-14, 2010
COST:      $100 Deposit is required by October 22, 2009.* The cost is contingent on raising funds for the total cost of the trip.
For more information please visit the CRA website or email Andy Gulati.

---

HILLEL IN NEW ORLEANS *
DATES: March 14-21

Join the growing community of over 3,100 Hillel students that have helped rebuild Mississippi and Louisiana since 2005. These one-week trips focus on hands-on service, community interaction and the exploration of social justice and Judaism.
Students pose with painters' masks and brooms at a worksite in the Gulf Coast.Participants spend their days doing volunteer work which may include, but is not limited to, installing siding on houses, drywalling, painting, roofing, cleaning, etc. in the areas affected by the hurricane. After working, students engage in small group discussion and programming that delve into the underlying issues that were brought about by the storm. Following a communal dinner, there are a myriad of activities including meeting with communal leaders and members of New Orleans' Jewish community. The experience also includes a tour of the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and a restful and joyous Shabbat.

*For more information about Hillel's Alternative Break in New Orleans in March, 2010, email Ralph Tabor or visit Hillel in New Orleans.