Overview

Carleton University’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program is an immersive community-engaged learning experience that connects students to international communities. This year-long experiential-learning program culminates with a trip during the winter reading week, in February each year. Through this experience, students explore the social, environmental, and economic challenges impacting their partner community, while supporting meaningful, community-led projects.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, students will have the opportunity to travel to Guatemala and will focus on the ongoing issues of impoverishment, education and environmental sustainability.

Students spend months actively preparing for their ASB experience by attending pre-departure sessions, conducting research, participating in local community-engaged learning, and fundraising for their trip. The 2024/2025 ASB experience costs around $2,600 which includes flights, accommodations, and meals for the week. Students accepted into the program are required to cover these program costs. Funds from this campaign will make this opportunity more financially accessible to students who otherwise may not have been able to participate.

The Background

The purpose of Alternative Spring Break is for students to gain real-world hands-on experience outside the classroom. The main learning factors of the Alternative Spring Break directly relate to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where students will have more opportunity to learn about within their chosen region.

In Guatemala, Students will learn about Indigenous rural poverty, climate change and family migration. Partnering with Reto Juvenil Internacional, participants will travel to Santa Lucía, Sololá in Guatemala and learn about the social conditions of Indigenous primary students and their families by supporting vulnerable populations, reducing rural poverty, and promoting environmental conservation. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage with local Indigenous communities and participate in activities that emphasize the importance of education and ecological preservation.

The Rollout

The funds from the donors will be used to contribute towards students being able to participate in this trip at a lower cost. Students will be traveling to a new country for a week to participate in certain initiatives. As they are students, many of them will not be able to afford to pay the full cost for the trip. Subsequently, funding from the donors will allow for Alternative Spring Break to be more accessible for students that would like to participate in the event. The funding from donors will ensure that students have access to transportation, food, and a place to stay during the week in Guatemala.

The Impact

Students in the past that have participated in Alternative Spring Break have gained life-long memories and lessons. Students have had the opportunity to learn about the culture of other communities, long-lasting impacts of natural disasters, and gaining new learning experiences. During a student’s time in university, it is significant for them to have the opportunity to gain experience outside the classroom.

Student testimonials:

“The ASB program has humbled and enriched my worldview… I have made profound connections which have inspired me to find parallels within my own society and challenged me to start conversations.” Georgia, ASB Ecuador

“My eyes were opened to many of the issues being faced worldwide; from the impact of plastics on the environment to how most of us take our education for granted.” Catherine, ASB Nicaragua

“As an environmental studies student, being in Banff and carrying out volunteer work alongside Parks Canada workers was a wonderful experience.” Mitch, ASB Banff

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