What is an alternative spring break?

By Jay Munro | January 6, 2025

For many college students, spring break is about escaping reality — but what if you chose to embrace it instead? 

Imagine trading beaches and boat parties for shovels, sweat, and service – joining local projects to support communities and conserve environments in meaningful ways.

It’s not for everyone, and that’s exactly why it’s called Alternative Spring Break. Here’s the lowdown on what it’s all about — and why stepping up instead of checking out might make this your most rewarding spring break yet.

What is an alternative spring break?

Regular spring break took off in the United States during the 50s and 60s, and by the 80s, it had become a nationwide tradition, with college students flocking to beach resorts in Florida and, later, Mexico. 

Alternative Spring Break (or ASB) emerged in the 1980s through student-led initiatives to embed community service and civic duty into high school and college education — and it has been growing in popularity ever since. For a detailed overview, check out this guide. 

Types of alternative spring break

Community development and housing 

This has been the most traditional form of alternative spring break since the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity pioneered the movement, giving students hands-on experience in building homes for communities in need. 

For those seeking meaningful spring break ideas, these trips offer a chance to give back while gaining valuable skills. Today, approximately 10,000 students participate in these volunteer trips annually, many through Habitat’s well-known Collegiate Challenge program.

Environmental Conservation

Prefer the great outdoors? There are plenty of opportunities for high school students looking to plant trees, learn about sustainability, or clean up beaches and rivers. The American Hiking Society offers students the chance to maintain trails and protect natural spaces while experiencing the beauty of the wilderness. 

Education and youth development

Tutoring and mentoring children from underserved communities is a popular way to make a difference. College students can help organize arts and creative programs, STEM workshops, and even teach English. The majority of programs take place in the United States but there are plenty of international initiatives too. 

There are many other types of ASB that students can participate in, like helping communities recover from natural disasters, volunteering at food banks, caring for animals, and working to preserve indigenous rights and culture. Kagumu offers a wide-range of programs that are aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and inspires students to live, travel, and work in a more sustainable way.

What to expect

This all depends on your spring break plans. The American Hiking Society’s trips serve as a good yardstick — they typically last one week, with group sizes of 6-15 staying in basic accommodations like campsites or dormitories, and cost around $500. While each program differs, they all share a common focus on teamwork, community impact, and personal growth.

Benefits of an alternative spring break

Grow as a person: You’ll develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while stepping out of your comfort zone.

Make a Difference: You can contribute to meaningful projects that create positive change for communities in need.

Broaden Your Horizons: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of social, environmental, and cultural issues through hands-on experience.

Forge Lasting Connections: You’ll build lasting relationships with like-minded peers and community members.

Boost Your Career: You can enhance your resume with valuable service experience that demonstrates commitment, initiative, and social responsibility.

Choosing the right alternative break program

It’s important to think carefully before deciding on what type of service project is right for you. Do you prefer physical activity over teaching English? Would you rather work in hot or cold weather? Are you drawn to nature-based projects or helping people?

However you choose to spend your spring break, preparation is key. You could learn a bit of the local language, study the history and culture of the area, or familiarize yourself with the specific issues the community faces. 

Students in need of more information should speak to someone in their study abroad office for help with international placements, whereas a student affairs or volunteer services office will be best placed to advise on domestic service projects.

Reflecting on your trip

The end of your volunteer trip is a great opportunity to reflect on your experience. What did you learn? What skills did you develop? Has your perspective changed? 

There’s nothing stopping you from continuing your impact once you’re home. You can become an advocate for the communities you worked with, volunteer locally, or even organize your own events to support the cause.

An Alternative Spring Break isn’t just a trip — it’s a chance to learn, grow, and make a difference. Choose purpose over parties, and return with memories that will last forever!

Contact Kagumu today to start planning your own Alternative Spring Break.