The program sends teams of students around the country and internationally to engage in community service and learn about a variety of social issues. Through these service-learning trips, students will be exposed to new cultural experiences while building leadership and teamwork skills as they network with fellow students.

An informational showcase for the program will be held 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 24 in the Student Union鈥檚 Pegasus Ballroom.

Students will have the opportunity to register for one of five alternative break trips at Lottery Knight on Jan. 30. Students who attend this 6-9 p.m. event in the Student Union鈥檚 Cape Florida Ballroom can enter their name in a lottery to determine the order in which they can sign up for the experience of their choice. To RSVP for Jan. 30鈥檚 Lottery Knight, .

To sign up for the Alternative Break Program, you must be a 麻豆原创 student enrolled in at least six credit hours in both Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 semesters. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for undergraduates, or 3.0 for graduates. You also must be free of financial or disciplinary holds on university records, and you may not be on probation for academic or disciplinary reasons.

Domestic trips cost $250 and international trips requiring flight travel cost $550. Prices cover food, lodging and travel for the week.

More information about the program and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at .

Here is a look at this year鈥檚 spring break experiences, which will be March 10-16:

Environmental Awareness

West Jefferson, North Carolina
Students will work alongside community partner Woodland Harvest Mountain Farm. Examples of activities include construction of cabins and greenhouses, water and solar-energy installations, animal care and gardening.

International Children鈥檚 Outreach

Guyana
Students will work to uphold International Children鈥檚 Outreach鈥檚 ideals of providing food, clothing, and medical and educational supplies to underprivileged children.

Youth Education Outreach

New Orleans, Louisiana
Students will work with community partner Apex Youth Center, which serves children, teens and young adults with programs involving academic tutoring, mentoring, recreation, community service of their own and training to become leaders and active citizens.

Refugee Relations

Clarkson, Georgia
Students will work with local organizations offering various service-learning opportunities. In addition to learning from the stories and experiences shared by the refugee community, examples of activities include school programming, housing prep and assisting with local business construction.

Community Support

Sarapiqui,聽Costa Rica
Details of the trip are being finalized.

More than 50 students will travel on one of three trips to Guatemala, Dominican Republic or Costa Rica as part of that connects students with volunteer opportunities across the U.S. and the world.

The program offered its first international volunteer trip in 2013 to San Miguel de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica, and since, there鈥檚 been a high demand for more, said David Oglethorpe, assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement.

鈥淕oing abroad gives students such a change of perspective,鈥� said Danielle Soto, student coordinator of the Costa Rica trip. 鈥淚t shows us the privileges we have here, how deep some social issues can run and how these issues vary in different parts of the world.鈥�

One of the forefront animal-rights issues in the United States, for example, is a push to adopt rescue animals instead of buying from pet stores or a breeder, Soto said. However, in Costa Rica, the focus is on curtailing illegal trade of exotic animals and habitat deforestation, she said.

Students volunteering in San Miguel, Costa Rica will work in an animal-rescue center dedicated to the rehabilitation of wildlife. In Antigua, Guatemala, students will help teach English, build tilapia ponds so the community can have a direct food source, and will help build stoves that use less wood to reduce the burden on the Guatemalan forests. In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, students will work with at-risk children and women to help teach them new art skills and how to sell their art.

About another 60 students will travel across the eastern United States to volunteer with organizations that address homelessness, hunger, human trafficking, refugee resettlement, the environment and more. These trips span from Roanoke, Va., to Nashville, Tenn., to Key West, Fla.

The Alternative Break Program has been offered at 麻豆原创 for about 20 years, said Haley Winston, assistant director of the Office of Student Involvement. It鈥檚 run by Volunteer 麻豆原创 and is funded by the Student Government Association, which sponsors a portion of the trips. Students pay $250 for domestic spring break trips and $550 for international trips.

Alternative Break Program also connects students with volunteer trips during winter break and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity for students to experience places outside of 麻豆原创 and Orlando,鈥� Oglethorpe said.

That sense of optimism can be felt in 麻豆原创 students, many of whom are forgoing sandy beaches during spring break this week in favor of participating in one of the 11 service activities of the a initiative, or working with independent groups.

Two years ago, finance and economics senior Casey Field was working with orphanages in Guatemala to help disadvantaged and disabled children. This year she will travel to the Dominican Republic with Project Esperanza, rebuilding more than 62 homes burned down by fire, working with local craftswomen, and leading sex-education classes.

“When presented with the opportunity to go, I immediately said yes,鈥� Field said. 鈥淏eing able to learn from a community of women in the DR, experience a new culture, and serve with so many fellow Knights is the most rewarding way I can imagine spending my spring break.”

Nhu Nguyen, a human resources major and SGA senator, is volunteering her time in Alabama packaging healthy meals for hungry children in the United States and refugees at the Syria-Turkey border as a part of Feeding Children Everywhere.

鈥淚 joined FCE for experience but I stayed for another semester because I believe in their mission,鈥� Nguyen said. 鈥淔or each ‘hunger project,鈥� we get to assemble between 30,000 and 100,000 meals for children, for both local and international food pantries. It is quite an experience seeing the direct impact of what we are doing.鈥�

It鈥檚 not just undergraduate students joining in the spring break volunteerism.

Graduate volunteers from the DeVos Sport Business Management program are headed to New Orleans as part of the , founded by the program director, Richard Lapchick.聽Fourteen students will help rebuild homes in the Lower Ninth Ward that were affected by Hurricane Katrina and assist with drywall, painting and flooring.

鈥淰olunteering allows me to leave my personal worries behind and see that there鈥檚 a greater need out there, and that I can make a profound difference in people鈥檚 lives,鈥� said graduate assistant Sara Sanchez.

If you鈥檒l be traveling, check that all the windows and doors of your home are locked before you leave. If you are leaving your car behind, make sure windows are rolled up and doors are locked.

Remove valuables from your car and take any expensive items, such as laptops, jewelry and electronics with you, or store them somewhere safe and out of sight.

Never post any information about where you鈥檙e going or for how long you鈥檒l be gone on social media.

Buckle up if you鈥檒l be driving. The Click It or Ticket campaign will be in effect through March 14. Nothing will put a damper on your spring break faster than a $114 ticket for not wearing a seat belt. Remember, seat belt enforcement is about saving lives.

If you鈥檒l be drinking, do so legally and responsibly.

Drinking in moderation and always keeping an eye on your drink are key. Never leave your drink unattended, and don鈥檛 accept a drink from someone you don鈥檛 know or trust. Follow the buddy system, and always look out for your friends.

Make plans to get home safely before you go out. Elect a trusted friend to be a designated sober driver, or take a cab.

麻豆原创PD will join other agencies in looking for impaired drivers near campus on Friday, March 11.

As part of a multi-agency DUI enforcement detail, drivers suspected of being under the influence could be pulled over by police and asked to complete a roadside sobriety test. Those found to be driving under the influence will be arrested and transported聽 to jail.

Drivers under the influence who are under 21 will be subject to license suspensions even if they are not DUI.

If you’ll be traveling, double check that all the doors and windows of your home are locked before you leave.

Be sure to take expensive items such as jewelry, laptops and electronics with you, or store them somewhere safe and out of sight. Don’t post information about when you will or won’t be home on social media.

If you’ll be driving, be sure to buckle up. Officers around the state will be paying extra attention to seat belt usage as part of a Ticket or Click It campaign that runs through March 14. Beyond that, seat belts save lives, and wearing them makes the roadways safer for everyone.

Whether you’re near 麻豆原创 or away, keep basic safety tips in mind.

Never travel alone or open your door to a stranger. Continuously stay aware of your surroundings.

If you’ll be drinking, do so responsibly. Moderation and keeping an eye on your drink are key. Don’t leave your drink unattended, and never accept drinks from someone you don’t know or trust.

Follow the buddy system, and look out for your friends.

Dial 911 immediately if someone needs medical assistance or if you see activity that looks suspicious or makes you feel unsafe.

“Our relationship with Rosen College and its students is very important to us as we prepare the next generation of cruise industry leaders,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. “Through this unique class, we’re able to educate them, answer questions and share Disney’s commitment to service and the guest experience.”

Hospitality management and event management students boarded the Disney Wonder in Miami and departed on Sunday, March 2. Immediately after check-in, their study aboard experience began. Over the five-day cruise, the group聽ventured behind the scenes to experience the inner workings of a cruise ship and attend a series of educational seminars by Disney Cruise Line executives on a variety of topics. They met representatives from various operations areas, including the terminal manager, assistant cruise director, guest services manager, hotel director, restaurant manager, crew activities manager, groups manager and human resources manager. They also toured the medical area and even visited with the captain.

“I’ve been on cruises before, but never like this,” said Zachary Tranter, a senior majoring in event management. “The cruise on the Disney Wonder my Cruise Operations class took me on聽a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Not only did I meet some amazing crew members, gaining tons聽of knowledge about leadership, dedication and the cruise industry聽along the way, but I got to better connect with my classmates while exploring new places and having loads of fun. [This experience] will聽shape my career as I graduate and move forward聽into this聽growing聽hospitality industry.”

Part of Volunteer 麻豆原创, the Alternative Break Program offers volunteer opportunities and trips for students throughout the year to take part in service projects in different communities and learn about social issues.

Each group includes eight student participants, a faculty advisor and a student site leader.

鈥淚 have participated in four trips and am leading the Teach for America trip to Mississippi this Spring Break,鈥� said Brittney Osterhoudt, student director of the Alternative Break Program. 鈥淓ach trip is a new experience that is truly life-altering.”

鈥淚 gain more awareness each time and learn something new about myself. These trips truly change lives鈥攖hose in the communities served and the volunteers. One thing that amazes me is every time I serve, I gain much more than I give, which I think everyone who attends a trip would agree with.鈥�

This Spring Break, the Alternative Break Program offers 14 different trips in eight states and Guatemala.

Some of these trips include:

Learn more about the and future trips.

Olson and eight other students will travel to San Miguel de Sarapiqui to volunteer on an organic coffee farm and work with children at three primary schools as part of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Alternative Break Program.

The program sends teams of students around the country鈥攁nd for the first time this year, international鈥攖o engage in community service and learn about social issues as they grow as individuals and impact lives.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important for students to be involved with service, no matter whether it is a week-long experience or a day-long experience,鈥� said Olson. 鈥淭aking a week to do something for others is a great way to learn about yourself and reflect on what you want out of your future.鈥�

Olson, who is active in community service through Volunteer 麻豆原创, created a partnership with the organization Dressed in Hope, which sews handmade dresses and dolls for impoverished young girls. Through the partnership, students on Olson鈥檚 trip will donate dresses prepared at October鈥檚 Knights Give Back campus service day to the girls in Costa Rica. The students have also collected soccer balls for the young boys.

The Alternative Break Program offers a variety of volunteer opportunities during spring and winter breaks and a long weekend in the fall. This year, there are 12 spring break trips.

Each trip includes eight participants, one student site leader and a faculty advisor. Students must apply for the programs online and attend group and individual interviews.

Several students are repeat volunteers, including Alternative Break Program Director Sammantha Pendergast.

鈥淚 fell in love with the ideas and potential the program had to offer,鈥� said Pendergast, a senior who will make her third trip next week. 鈥淪tudents gain a deeper understanding of the various social issues that surround us on a daily basis. They become empowered to raise awareness and provide higher quality care to the community.鈥�

For more information about the Alternative Break Program, visit .

Alternative Spring Break, coordinated by Volunteer 麻豆原创, gives students the opportunity to use their spring break to benefit society. ASB places teams of students in amazing locations throughout the Unites States and beyond to engage in community service and learn about significant social issues.

Tiffany Greenis, the Assistant Director of Campus Life at 麻豆原创鈥檚 Rosen College of Hospitality Management, served as the advisor of the seven-day ASB trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

鈥淎SB is such a great program because it gives people the opportunity to help communities that they wouldn鈥檛 otherwise be able to travel to,鈥� said Greenis. 鈥淲hile the ASB program helps different communities in so many different ways, from human rights to disaster relief, our group wanted to help stray animals.鈥�

Greenis鈥� group, who each paid $300 to help fund their trip, flew from Orlando, Fla. to San Juan to volunteer at the Save a Sato rescue shelter, a聽non-profit organization dedicated to easing the suffering of Puerto Rico’s homeless and abused animals.

鈥淓ach day our group would volunteer four-hour shifts at the shelter,鈥� said Greenis. 鈥淥ur job was to clean the cages, feed the animals, play with the puppies, and walk the dogs. Basically, we just helped care for these homeless animals.鈥�

The goal of the shelter is to eventually help find loving homes for these animals, which the Alternative Spring Breakers went beyond their ASB requirements to do.

鈥淲e took some photos of the shelter and posted them on Facebook to help find homes for these animals,鈥� said Greenis. 鈥淎 friend saw the photos and is currently in the adoption process of two puppies.鈥�

In addition to their duties at the rescue shelter, the Alternative Spring Breakers led an impromptu beach cleanup during their leisure time.

鈥淒uring our downtime, we were walking along the beach and we were surprised to see how dirty some of the beaches were,鈥� said Greenis. 鈥淭he resort beaches were amazing, but the local ones needed to be cleaned up, and that鈥檚 just what we did. Really the entire trip was very rewarding.鈥�

All ASB participants documented their trips in a reflection journal, which is reviewed by Volunteer 麻豆原创.

Physical Therapy Instructor Jennifer Tucker will lead nine Physical Therapy students and two others on a trip to Kingston, Jamaica. 麻豆原创 students have traveled to Jamaica to help orphans for the past six years, and they are part of an ongoing partnership with the Florida Hospital Outreach program SHARES International.

Tucker鈥檚 team will provide aid at two homes for special needs children, where they will hold educational sessions for the caregivers and interact with the children.

Zachary Walker, who is earning his doctorate degree in Exceptional Education, will lead a different group of students to Jamaica through the group Students for the Poor. The organization gives students from the United States the opportunity to raise awareness and provide support for the poor in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Fifteen other students and a faculty member from the College of Education will spend six days in Kingston, where they鈥檒l visit orphanages, schools and hospitals and help build a house for a family in need.

Additionally, teams of students and faculty advisers will make 13 trips to seven states and Puerto Rico as part of Alternative Spring Break, which is coordinated through Volunteer 麻豆原创. ASB places teams in communities across the nation to take part in service projects and learn about social issues.

More than 130 students and 15 faculty members will make ASB trips. Projects this year include:

— Students volunteering in Chestertown, Md., will assist with the rescue and placement of abandoned border collies at the Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue.

— In San Juan, Puerto Rico, students will rescue homeless and abused dogs and groom, feed and play with them.

— In Key West, students will work with Team O.C.E.A.N. to inform boaters and other visitors about the region鈥檚 unique coral reef habitat and how to best protect it.

— A team will travel to Virginia Beach, Va., to assist with EQUI-KIDS鈥� efforts to help those with disabilities learn freedom and self-awareness through therapeutic horseback riding.

— Other ASB projects include helping the YMCA of Savannah, Ga., participating in the reconstruction of New Orleans and working toward hunger relief in Charlotte, N.C.