Here are some frequently asked questions! Hopefully they were “frequent” enough where we answered them below. But if they aren’t anwered, send us an email at ABatUCSD@gmail.com or leave us a comment below!
FAQ’s (More to be added!)
**GENERAL QUESTIONS**
What is an Alternative Break @ UCSD?
Alternative Breaks @ UCSD is a student-run community service organization at UC San Diego whose mission is to promote critical community service through social action, and continued community involvement by combining education, reflection, and direct service on the national, and international levels.
Although you have to pay program fees and travel fees, the experience of an Alternative Break is awesome! The program fee requried by non-profits we work with are used for planning the projects and purchasing the necessary materials. Fees pay for transportation at the site, food, insurance, and lodging. You are also responsible for transportation to the site. Nothing in life is completely free, but the gains that you get out of an Alternative Break are much greater than any dollar value. In addition, we try to offer need based scholarships every year to make trips more affordable.
What is an Alternative Break group made up of?
**APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM**
Can I become a member now?
Check out our Get Involved page to find out how to become part of AB@UCSD. But, we only do member recruitment during Fall Quarter every year. Only in very extreme circumstances do we ever do informal recruitment other times of the academic year.
How do you pick members?
We pick members based on a variety of reasons. Yes, we like experience, but no, it is not the main thing we look for. We enjoy having “newbies” to AB@UCSD because we think it will benefit you for the rest of your life! Giving this experience to students who have never been abroad, only know one language, or have never been out of the state is something that we actually enjoy doing! However, don’t every think you are over qualified. We try to ensure that each AB team consists of a dynamic and diverse group of students (male/female ratio, year in school, majors, age, etc). So, be yourself and that’s all we ask.
How do I interview?
After attending a mandatory informational session during Fall Quarter, you are eilgible to fill out an application. You must attend a mandatory mixer during Fall Quarter, sign up for a maximum of two interview times for two different sites, and turn in your application. You interview for each specific site you apply for and rank your sites (1st choice and 2nd choice). After interviews are over, selections are made on a specified deadlind (notification night). You have a chance of getting into either choice, or none. But, you are then waitlisted. Congratualations to those who made it into the program!
What if I’m not accepted initially?
If you’re not accepted as a member immediately upon our notifications, know that it is nothing personal against you and that there are always more applicants than spots available. In addition, keep in mind that although you didn’t make it into a trip, your skills and qualifications are still highly valued. We maintain a waitlist when/if spots become available on sites. We occassionally need to fill spots that are vacated, but may require an interview (at the discretion of site leaders). If you would like to still volunteer nationally or internationally, we encourage you to seek other organizations on campus or non-profits that can serve your individual needs and provide you with a similar experience that you are looking for.
Can I go with friends?
Although you allowed to go as friends, note that we will not purposefully send two friends together for the sake of sending two friends on a trip together. Alternative Breaks are not vacations, but service oriented volunteered trips that challenge the individual to think critically about community service and about social issues that affect the world. With this in mind, we believe you will grow immensely with a group of people no matter who is in your group! On the plus side, you’ll make 11 new friends outside of the friends you already have! If you happen to get on a trip with a friend, you are good.
Can I still apply if I am currently studying abroad in the Fall Quarter?
Unfortunately, we do not accept participant applications from those who will be missing the recruitment process, our Welcome Retreat, and all the weekly group meetings during Fall Quarter. If you would like to apply for a leadership position within Alternative Breaks@UCSD, please email abatucsd@gmail.com for inquiries about any open Executive Chair positions.
**SITE SPECIFIC**
Is there a language requirement?
No. There are no language requirements. However, speaking different languages does certainly help in some sites that do not provide translators! Check with site leaders to find out about language skils and training.
Do I get credit/units for doing this trip?
Unfortunately, you do not get any acedmic credit for doing an Alternative Break. However, you do get the satisfaction that you have created social change in the world. If that isn’t enough credit, then what else is!?
Do you go to a specific site every year?
Unfortunately, we do not return to every site every year. However, we make an attempt to try new sites and return again to those sites we have had good experiences with. This creates a sustainable relationship between host organizations and AB@UCSD. We then would like to keep offering these sites every year. We will try to return to popular sites as site leaders select sites during their recruitment period.
**FUNDRAISING**
Will fundraising with my group and collaborative actually help?
Fundraising is at the discretion of your own group. The harder you work personally, the bigger the gains. There are a variety of ways to fundraise, such as doing food sales, working concession stands, and doing a letter writing campaign. More effort = More Money! But, do NOT rely on us to fundraise your funds for you! We have had some people pay or their trips completely by fundraising and scholarships, but some who pay completely out of pocket.
I already have the money to pay, can’t you just let me go on any trip I want to go on without fundraising?
Well, that’s good to hear you have the money. However, a big part of fundraising is that you learn work ethics, make bonds with your group, and learn about what it takes for non-profits to continue money with little or no start up money! This is as real as it gets!
Good Morning,
I am an alumna from the Class of 1979, Thurgood Marshall. I spent my youth in Mexico, returned to the States to attend UCSD and had remained in San Diego ever since. I have a had a varied career, ranging from marketing/advertising, bilingual teaching and recently retired as as the volunteer coordinator at a non-profit working with the homeless and mentally ill. I have also traveled extensively. I would love to get more involved in your program. I sure wish they had something like this when I was at UCSD. I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Lisa DeLucchi ’79
858-354-8930