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Scraping paint

Alternative Break

Alternative Breaks provide a unique opportunity for students to participate in an intensive public service experience during their vacation from Bowdoin. Students increase their understanding of significant social and environmental problems by engaging in direct service relating to these problems. Alternative Break participants are able live and work in communities with which they otherwise may have little contact. Being completely immersed in this environment over an extended period of time allows students to internalize their experience and the intensity of this learning can serve as a springboard for a lifelong commitment to social change.

Interested in Participating?

Student with child
Bowdoin student with a child in Guatemala.

Students interested in participating in an Alternative Spring Break Program must submit an application to the Community Service Resource Center each fall. During spring semester, participants attend weekly pre-service meetings to prepare them for their service experience. These meetings include background and cultural information about the site, educational visits from Bowdoin professors, reading assignments, film viewing, fundraising and team-building activities. During the trip, students participate in meaningful service activities, daily reflective sessions, and evening group activities at the site. After returning to campus, students work together to educate the larger Bowdoin community about their issue area and apply their learning through a local service project.

For more information about Alternative Break Programs contact Sarah Seames, Coordinator of Community Service Programs (sseames@bowdoin.edu).