Frequently Asked Questions

University of Miami Alternative Breaks (UMAB) is truly an “experience that lasts a lifetime.” It’s a movement that aims to open your eyes to different communities and develop active citizens who will choose to integrate community service into their lifestyles. The trips also serve as great ways to meet and bond with peers and expand the network of Alternative Breakers. Participants return from their trips with a new perspective and understanding of our world that few experiences can provide.

Each year, nearly 150 undergraduate students participate in four trips during fall break and ten trips during spring break. Groups consist of eight to ten members, including one or two site leaders who are responsible for facilitating individual trips.

Trip locations vary depending on the issue. All fall break trips take place within Florida, while spring break trips take place throughout the contiguous United States. We work in a variety of locations around the country, including urban, suburban and rural areas. Trip prices are all-inclusive.

Placements are based on your application and interview. You’ll be able to rank your preferences for social issues and locations in your application. Please note that there are a limited number of slots available and that applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Although we will do our best to assign participants to one of their top issues, we cannot guarantee first-choice placement.

Fall Break trips cost $85 per participant and Spring Break trips cost $250 per participant. This fee is all inclusive: it covers transportation, lodging, food, accommodations and any program fees.

One of our goals at UMAB is for you to have a completely new experience and go beyond your comfort zone. It is best to participate individually so that you allow yourself a greater opportunity to bond with your group. Group dynamics are a crucial component of UMAB trips, and we strive to help forge new friendships before trips take place through weekly group meetings.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict what any student's chances are for being selected given our limited number of trips.

For general participants, 1-2 hours per week. Weekly meetings with site leaders and occasional UMAB programming (Kick-Off, Bon Voyage, and Welcome Back) will contribute to your schedule before the trip. For site leaders, 3-4 hours per week. Weekly meetings with your group, occasional UMAB programming, and meetings with Site Leader Education Coordinators will influence your schedule. 

Flight reservations are made for groups travelling outside the state of Florida. Groups volunteering within Florida take rental cars or a bus. All participants travel together as a group. 

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UMAB groups are lodged in churches, hostels, or agency-provided housing following the simple-living philosophy. All accommodations include sleeping places, bathrooms, and a kitchen. 

Each site is different, but the service itself generally takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the week. Trips also include various educational and community involvement activities, and groups will engage in reflection every evening. Trips also include one free day, which group members may spend as they choose.

You will have free time on your alternative break, although participants must travel with a site leader at all times. Group members are expected to make decisions regarding free time together and to stay together. Past groups have gone sight-seeing, ice skating, toured their host city or town, and spent time playing games.

You will need to contact us as soon as possible. Refunds are awarded on a case-by-case basis, and refunds will not be available at all after a certain date. The later you inform us, the less likely you will be to receive a refund, as travel reservations may already have been booked.

Alternative Breaks Issue Showcases will highlight all of our available social justice issues. Informational cards and posters can be found around campus, and we will also be tabling in the UC Breezeway and at the Residence Halls. Feel free to email us and visit our Facebook page, too.