Anyone here doing or have done an "alternative spring break"?

[element0]

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Where did you go? How was your experience? What group/program did you go with?

I was thinking about going to Haiti but I was wondering where I could find more information about upcoming trips. Also, what would I need to do to prepare in terms of safety, money, etc.

 

[tennisball80]

I would like to have a trip to Haiti too.

Bump.

 

[DendWrite]

I always sort of looked at spring break as a good excuse to get OUT of my volunteering obligations for a while, so I might not be the best advisor 😀.

Our school's Habitat for Humanity group always goes somewhere over spring break. That might be fun. The Haiti thing is kinda a bad idea for a spring break trip. Simply the amount of time you'd be able to spend there vs. the cost involved in getting there doesn't seem like it'd be worth it for me.

I think that if I were to use my spring breaks for something productive, I'd probably just put in some extra hours doing local stuff...it's easy.

 

[jiayo]

I went my freshman year with my school's chapter of Habitat for Humanity. We went to the Habitat affiliate down in Louisiana..my school is in the tri-state area.

And yes, we drove. 👎

It was an amazing experience because it reinforced how much I like volunteer as well a great way to meet others who have similar interests me.

And I don't know if they'd want volunteers in Haiti just yet, as of right now they're denying volunteers. I have a feeling it's going to be that way for a while.

 

[NickNaylor]

I haven't personally done an ASB trip, but my girlfriend spent a week in Chicago working at (I believe) a food shelter. This year she'll be going to Boston. She seemed to really enjoy it, so based on her experiences I'd recommend it. Her university has a pretty well-developed program that goes to multiple places, so that's how she took the trip.

 

[htg2010]

I went to Costa Rica my sophomore year to work in a clinic and loved it. It was by far the most eye opening and rewarding experience i have had to date, and was a major focus point in my applications/personal statement. I can also say that it sparked an interest in international medicine, and I plan on volunteering overseas once I'm a doctor (eg doctors with out borders). I regret not being able to go to Haiti right now.

While the trips are expensive, if you can afford it, definitely go. dont go though just for the resume builder...go because you genuinely want to help.

on the trip i made really good friends, had a blast, and also got to help people (cliche, i know, but its all true)

 

[mdeast]

I went to Costa Rica my sophomore year to work in a clinic and loved it. It was by far the most eye opening and rewarding experience i have had to date, and was a major focus point in my applications/personal statement. I can also say that it sparked an interest in international medicine, and I plan on volunteering overseas once I'm a doctor (eg doctors with out borders). I regret not being able to go to Haiti right now.

While the trips are expensive, if you can afford it, definitely go. dont go though just for the resume builder...go because you genuinely want to help.

on the trip i made really good friends, had a blast, and also got to help people (cliche, i know, but its all true)

I did a week volunteering at a HIV clinic/fundraising group in Manhattan...and ending up getting about $1200 from our college president to pay for our hotel, travel and food while we there (and there was plenty leftover to fund some broadway shows at night). It was a great experience...especially if you can arrange to do it in a place that's also a tourist destination (like a big city NYC). Haiti would be incredible right now though...a very meaningful experience indeed. And since it's international...it's also a travel experience so you're still getting out somewhere for Spring Break. I'd highly suggest doing it.

 

[Longshanks]

Why are so many individuals on this forum this past week seeking to exploit what is occuring in Haiti as a "positive or incredible experience" and to beef up their ECs, while dismissing the facts on the ground there.

You would be useless. Unless you're a disaster relief worker, actually have medically related credentials and skills, or speak French, you're just getting in the way. The Haitians need people now who can help them, not a bunch of middle class pre-meds seeking a life affirming experience or to garner the attention of admission committees, while diminishing the capabilities of actual relief efforts.

When the acute disaster is over, then your unskilled volunteer labor becomes useful for rebuilding houses and schools or distributing supplies.

 

[Mackey]

Why are so many individuals on this forum this past week seeking to exploit what is occuring in Haiti as a "positive or incredible experience" and to beef up their ECs, while dismissing the facts on the ground there.

You would be useless. Unless you're a disaster relief worker, actually have medically related credentials and skills, or speak French, you're just getting in the way. The Haitians need people now who can help them, not a bunch of middle class pre-meds seeking a life affirming experience or to garner the attention of admission committees, while diminishing the capabilities of actual relief efforts.

When the acute disaster is over, then your unskilled volunteer labor becomes useful for rebuilding houses and schools or distributing supplies.

This post is amazing. Wow. I wholeheartedly agree.

 

[lstone13]

I participated in Alternative Spring Break for 3 years at my school. Two of those years, I was a site leader on a particular trip.

I loved the experience, and each of my trips were significant to my life. It's a glimpse into the hardships faced by the people or the area you visit. Please feel free to PM me if you would like to know more about my experiences with the program.

I see you're interested in going abroad, and I must agree with some posters above that unless you are trained in disaster relief, it might not be wise for your to travel this upcoming Spring. Your time and energy could be better used to address issues in other areas, domestically or abroad. However, once the immediate disaster relief has completed in Haiti, you might be able to travel there to help in the aftermath.

 

[metalgirl14]

I did ASB my senior year (we helped out at a local place that distributes medical supplies overseas). I loved it! I actually wish I would have realized how interesting it is a little earlier in my college career! I would highly recommend it. Several people I know went on overseas ASB trips and every single person loved their trip as well.

You can usually get information about it on your school's website. Just do a search for ASB and you should come up with something. 🙂