What is Alternative Spring Break (ASB)?

Santa Anita, Guatemala, 2024

ASB is an experiential learning program that concludes with a week-long trip during the winter reading week each academic year. Students spend months actively preparing for their trip by conducting research on their destination, attending pre-departure sessions, participating in local community-engaged learning, and fundraising for their trip.

We are excited to share that our ASB 2025 destination has been announced, more information can be found below!

Why Participate in Alternative Spring Break?

Reflect on yourself, your experiences and your position within society.

Apply what you’ve learned in your studies to real-world experiences

Share what you’ve learned with your own communities and help be a part of social change.

Work alongside your peers and community partners in a meaningful and impactful way.

Learn about global issues while engaging with international communities

Build networks with individuals, organizations and communities across the world.

ASB 2024-2025

The Student Experience Office is excited to announce that Alternative Spring Break will be returning to Guatemala for the 2024/2025 academic year!

Santa Lucía, Sololá, Guatemala 

Cost: $2600 (approximately) 

The Guatemala experience will occur in Santa Lucía, Sololá, partnering with La Guadalupana Association and Reto Juvenil Internacional. This non-profit association implements development initiatives in Latin America, Africa and India and have participated in over 3,560 social and community development projects. The project in Guatemala, titled “Indigenous Rural Poverty, Climate Change and Family Migration” aims to improve the social conditions of Mayan primary students and their families by supporting vulnerable populations, reducing rural poverty, and promoting environmental conservation. For more information, visit the ASB Destinations webpage

For more information and highlights on the program, read stories from past ASB participants.

Apply for ASB

Applications for ASB have closed for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Questions can be directed to asb@carleton.ca