Alternative Breaks (AB) at SMU invites you to make a positive impact in communities across the nation by engaging in quality service, learning about important social issues, and reflecting on what you can do to create positive social change. AB trips are offered during Fall and Spring Break to encourage you to #dosomethingmorewithyourbreak!
Tricia Tsang, Executive Director
Dani Palomo, Staff Advisor
Executive Board
Dani Palomo, AB Staff Advisor
Social Change and
Intercultural Engagement
Hughes-Trigg Student Center Suite 218
Instagram (@alternativebreakssmu)
Facebook (smualternativebreaks)
Mission
To provide quality service experiences and awareness to all members of the SMU community while creating active citizens through education, direct service, and reflection.
Vision
To inspire the entire SMU community toward active citizenship by offering world changing service and life changing experiences.
Values
Love | Hope | Equality | Diligence
To register, complete the online application on Connect. Due to the limited number of spots per trip, members are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
After you register, check your emails for the automatic application confirmation email from us. The AB team will follow up with you after the application deadline to confirm your trip placement status. If you wish to accept your trip placement, follow the instructions on the email to submit your trip payment.
Complete all the required online forms in the Member Packet to complete your application. Completed forms and payment will confirm your position on the trip.
Your trip leaders will follow up with you about pre-trip meetings, during which you’ll learn more about the social issues and travel details of your trip, as well as meet the other trip participants and your trip advisor.
AB trip costs vary by location and are subject to rare changes once established. AB trip costs cover transportation, housing, food, and group entertainment.
Please see current costs per trip on our Connect page
Yes! If you need assistance paying for your trip, sponsorship may be available. Please contact AB Advisor, Fernanda Reyes (freyes@smu.edu), for more information.
The AB team will reach out to you after the application deadline to confirm your trip placement status. If you wish to accept your trip placement, follow the instructions on the email to submit your trip payment.
This deposit will reserve your spot on the trip and will go towards your total trip payment. This deposit is refundable ONLY IF we are able find a replacement. Otherwise, it is strictly nonrefundable.
There are three levels of involvement in AB. Here is how you can get involved:
Join one of our trips and travel to somewhere across the country. Serve alongside nonprofit organizations, reflect on your experiences, and explore a new city.
Enjoyed your experience as a participant? Take your experience to the next level and take a group of students on a life-changing trip.
Want to create unique experiences for students? Join the Executive Board and plan several trips throughout the year.