College of Charleston students are stepping outside their comfort zones for spring break 2014 to explore new communities and social issues through Alternative Spring Break. Students will be serving in Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Washington D.C., and New Orleans.

“These trips often serve as catalysts for bigger conversations about social justice, the reciprocity of service, and sustainable social change among our students,” explains Maggie Szeman, assistant director of the Center for Civic Engagement. “In addition to traveling during spring break, these students have been preparing for their trips since November and applying the education and skills they’ve gained by volunteering locally. Our local community partners have included organizations such as Green Heart, Cannon St. YMCA, Barrier Islands Medical Clinic, CARES Clinic, and the political science urban garden located on campus. Reorientation and inspiring a commitment to local community impact is a tenant of this program. Alternative Break is so much more than a five-day trip.”

[Related: Watch a video about alternative break opportunities.]

  • Antigua, Guatemala – Students enrolled in health-related majors will work with Maximo Nivel, a healthcare non-profit. Junior and senior Bonner Leaders will also be traveling to Guatemala, but will explore sustainable economic development and economic trade as they spend time at a coffee co-op with organization, As Green As It Gets.
  • Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic – Students will focus on education and English literacy through work with Outreach 360, an organization the Center for Civic Engagement has partnered with for the past five years.
  • La Gran Vista, Costa Rica – Students will explore organic farming as it relates to environmental sustainability while working on an organic farm throughout the week.
  • Washington, DC – This group of students will learn about public health and access to healthcare by working with organizations such as A Wider Circle, Bread for the City, Ronald McDonald House, DC Central Kitchen, and Food & Friends. The group will also meet with politicians and lobbyists throughout the week to better understand legislative aspects of healthcare.
  • New Orleans, LA – Students will work in community gardens and partner with organizations such as Parkway Partners and Green Lights as they learn about urban agriculture, sustainability, and community restoration.

[Related: Learn more about alternative break opportunities.]

For more information, contact Maggie Szeman at 843.693.7353.