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Alternative Breaks
Whether it's working in community gardens around Buffalo, NY or teaching English to children in the Dominican Republic, UB students are making a positive global impact.
Alternative Break programs let you volunteer, perform community service and have unique learning opportunities during your winter or spring break. By spending time immersed in a new community, you’ll learn about your role as a global citizen, make new friends and connections, and discover how you can become an agent of change.
After your trip, you’ll be able to share the lessons you learned with your classmates, and continue volunteering in the local community.
The Student Engagement office offers Alternative Break Trips that engage students in direct service to address community needs. Each trip will focus on a social justice issue and allow students to learn about themselves and others while volunteering locally, nationally, and internationally. Trips may vary year to year depending on the availability of community partners and the prevalence of social justice issues to be addressed.
Below are descriptions of the trips for the 2025 programs.
January 12 - 19, 2025
Even before Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, hunger and food insecurity were more common among Puerto Ricans than among their fellow U.S. citizens in the 50 states. Housing reconstruction projects in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria are crucial for addressing immediate humanitarian needs, promoting community resilience, fostering economic recovery, and building a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents. Join UB staff and students to learn more about disaster relief efforts and make a difference in Puerto Rico.
Estimated cost for this trip is around $1,500.
March 17 - 21, 2025
Poverty continues to be a significant concern in Buffalo, NY, affecting a considerable portion of the population, including children and other minoritized groups. The city's poverty rate exceeds the national average, with approximately 30.1% of Buffalo residents living below the poverty line according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2019. Join this team to learn about community-driven initiatives and collaborative efforts that are crucial in providing support, advocating for policy reforms, and striving to alleviate poverty and homelessness for all residents.
Estimated cost for this trip is free.
March 16 - 22, 2025
On this alternative break trip, students will explore how and what it means to be more civically engaged. Participants will learn about critical challenges facing our nation, interact with community leaders, and perform short-term projects with community agencies that work to enact positive social change. Join this team to develop the skills and connections necessary to become life-long active citizens.
Estimated costs for this trip can range from about $200 to $500.
March 16 - 22, 2025
Toronto’s sustainability initiatives aim to reduce environmental impact, boost resilience, and create a sustainable urban environment. Through detailed planning and collaborative efforts, including partnerships with Indigenous communities, the city is advancing significantly towards greater sustainability. Join this team to explore urban sustainability strategies and learn how these initiatives profoundly impact the public by enhancing environmental quality, economic opportunities, public health, and social well-being.
Estimated costs for this trip can range from about $200 to $500.
Apply for an Alternative Break
There are two (2) steps to applying for an Alternative Break program:
- Complete the Alternative Break Program Application on UBLinked
- Complete a virtual interview with staff and student leaders for the trips
The application on UBLinked will prompt you for some basic information and ask that you provide the name and contact information of one (1) reference person who can speak to your interest in volunteering, personal commitment to giving back to the community, and your overall character. Eligible students will be emailed to schedule a virtual interview.
Applications are Closed!
Applications for the 2025 Alternative Break Trips are closed! Please check back in September 2025 for information about the 2026 Alternative Break Trips.
Who Can Go?
Any UB student can apply for the Alternative Break program. Each Alternative Break trip typically has 8-15 student participants, two student team leaders and two staff advisers. Students travel as a group to their specified destination with the staff advisers.
How Much Do These Trips Cost?
The cost for Alternative Break trips ranges widely depending on the trip. The cost per trip is mostly determined based on location and transportation needs. Applicants can request an estimate from the Student Engagement office to determine if the trip is affordable for them. Please note that we are only able to provide estimates when they are available - the actual cost of a trip will still vary.
Students who are accepted on trips will receive a detailed estimate of the cost of their trip and can discuss financial options with our team then. Financial support may be available; please contact the Student Engagement office for more information.
For more services and opportunities like this:
Student Life
University at Buffalo
150 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260
Email: Contact form
Phone: (716) 645-6469