Alternative break in Latin America
Alternative break programs
Transform your students into impactful global citizens and enhance their career prospects while experiencing a truly life-changing adventure.
Students step out of their comfort zones to immerse themselves in new and unfamiliar cultures, strengthen their leadership skills, and be inspired to continue making a positive impact through homegrown initiatives and their future careers.
Choose from a variety of Latin American destinations such as Colombia, Peru, and Mexico, or even customize your own experience to match specific interests and goals.
Popular alternative break destinations
Benefits of an alternative break with Kagumu
Boost career prospects
Improve problem-solving, leadership, and collaboration abilities that will enhance students’ professional growth and career prospects.
Full immersion
Students will gain hands-on experience in community-driven projects that foster personal growth and reflection, as well as develop the skills to contribute to impactful future initiatives.
Become a global citizen
Students engage with local communities and connect to pressing world issues like homelessness, social inequality, loss of biodiversity, through the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn safely
Develop key skills under the guidance of experienced mentors and community leaders while participating in structured experiences that prioritize safety.
How we have impacted people
Frequently asked questions
What is an alternative break?
An alternative break is a service program for college students where they participate in community-led projects that address social, environmental, or economic issues. These immersive experiences take place during school breaks and focus on meaningful engagement, cultural exchange, and developing a lifelong commitment to social impact.
What role do student leaders play?
Student leaders help plan, organize, and lead service learning experiences. They coordinate with community leaders, facilitate reflection and discussion, and ensure that the group is participating meaningfully. They also provide guidance to fellow participants, helping them engage more deeply with the program’s objectives. Throughout the program, they develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills of their own.
What are the benefits of an alternative break?
An alternative break offers students the chance to gain practical experience in a service-learning project that benefits both the individual student and the community. Students develop a greater sense of social responsibility, deepen their understanding of global challenges, and build transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership, which strengthen career prospects.
During their service projects, alternative breakers work directly with local changemakers and social entrepreneurs to address critical needs. Through ethical service and structured group reflection, students develop a lifelong commitment to active citizenship, inspiring ongoing advocacy long after their program ends.
Where is the best place for an alternative break?
The best location depends on the type of service project the student is interested in. Students can select destinations based on social issues that resonate with them the most. They can support impactful local projects that are addressing housing shortages in urban areas, protecting biodiversity in rural regions, or improving education in under-resourced communities.
Kagumu offers customizable programs across Central and South America.
How much does an alternative break cost?
The cost of an alternative break varies depending on the destination and duration. International projects are generally more expensive than domestic placements due to additional costs like flights and accommodation. An established domestic program is likely to cost around $300 per student for a week. At Kagumu we are flexible to all budgets and can run programs that are affordable for most participants.
How do I sign up?
Students can apply through their university’s alternative break program, student leadership office, or study abroad office. During the application process, students select their preferred programs, destinations, and motivations for joining.
Do I need prior experience to participate in an alternative break?
No, prior experience is not required. Training before the program helps participants understand the community issue, prepare for hands-on work, and develop essential skills. While program leaders may need leadership training, general participants need only an open mind and a willingness to contribute.
Alternative breaks to boost your career
Our alternative breaks not only offer meaningful service experiences but also equip students with career-enhancing skills.
Participants gain design thinking expertise, a deeper understanding of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and practical tools to work in the green economy.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our customizable programs across Latin America.
