What are Alternative Breaks?
Alternative Breaks are service immersion trips where college students participate in service and learning opportunities during their fall or spring breaks. Each destination highlights a particular social justice issue that students spend time exploring and learning about long before the trip itself. AB trips are a central part of the Xavier experience!
Connect with Us
Xavier University's Alternative Breaks envisions a worldwide community of active citizens living in solidarity, perpetuating dignity and justice in their daily choices. Find more details on EngageXU and follow us on socials!Topics and Destinations for Trips
Alternative Break topics and destinations change from year to year. Past destinations have included Selma, AL, Detroit, MI, El Paso, TX, Denver, CO, Chicago, IL, and San Salvador, El Salvador. Past topics have covered civil rights, homelessness, mountaintop removal, preserving ecosystems and food insecurity.
Apply for an Alternative Breaks Trip
First-year students, sophomores, juniors and seniors are welcome to apply to attend a Xavier Alternative Breaks trip or to apply to become a site leader. Applications for spring break trips are typically accepted from early September to January.
Donate to Xavier Alternative Breaks
Thousands of Xavier students have participated in Alternative Breaks programs since it was first organized in 2000. Xavier alumni, friends and family can help keep the tradition alive through supporting our students as they live lives of leadership, service and achievement.
Alternative Breaks FAQs
Interested in participating in an Alternative Breaks trip as a student, professor or staff member? Find more information about the Alternative Breaks program at Xavier by reading through our FAQs.
