American University students can become an Alternative Break leader by proposing a social justice trip partnering with a community organization in a destination of your choice.

You must meet with the Alternative Break coordinator to discuss your ideas, then turn in your proposal by the deadline listed on the homepage.

The Alternative Break Advisory Board (made up of students and staff), will review all proposals to determine if they meet the required criteria in order to be approved as an Alternative Break trip. 

Required criteria:

1. Essential conditions for student trip leaders:

• Leadership skills
• Dedication to social justice
  
• Participant on an Alternative Break program or comparable travel experience
• Knowledge of area/destination country
• Language ability (if applicable)
• GPA 3.0 is required for all leaders
  

2. Looking for in a trip:

• Social justice theme articulated
  
• Social justice theme represented in proposed itinerary and activities
• Proposal well-planned and well-thought out
• Trip is feasible
• Trip is safe
• Students have connections to high quality community partner organizations, individuals or trip service providers

3. Requirements for Staff/Faculty Advisor (students choose appropriate staff or faculty to accompany trip):

• Experience in country or region
  
• Expertise on the issues being addressed
  
• Experience with Alternative Breaks and service-learning/social justice a plus
• Full-time staff must have "exempt" status
  

Leader proposal: Please download and fill out this form in order to obtain preliminary approval for trip. Limit each answer to 250 words per person in Profile Section I and 300 words in Trip Proposal section II.