Alternative Breaks

Supporting justice work and community-identified projects both globally and locally, Naz Alternative Breaks connects students, faculty, staff and community partners through an immersive service and education experience during school breaks. Spend time with your team preparing to enter a new community in the weeks leading up to Winter or Spring Break, committing to purposeful and empathetic conversations, understanding reciprocity and the nature of service, and participating in self-reflection. Travel locally or globally where you will learn and serve alongside peers and community members. Upon returning to campus, apply what you learned to social issues in Rochester and consider how to become a more active citizen in your daily life.

2023-2024 Programs

In 2023-2024, Alt Breaks are preparing to travel during January and March breaks. Alt Breaks are led by two Nazareth student team leaders trained in the Break Away model, and accompanied by two Faculty or Staff advisors. Undergraduate and Graduate students are eligible to apply.

Apply now

Community & Resilience along the US-Mexico Border

Ecosystem Recovery and Community Resiliency in Puerto Rico

A Cross-Section of the Social Systems of Chicago

Practices of a Sustainable Living Community in Pennsylvania

Naz Alternative Breaks strives to be equitable and accessible in its programming. If accommodations are needed to complete the application or interview process, please contact Jennifer Canning, Naz Alt Breaks, 585-389-2304, jcannin6@naz.edu to make arrangements. 

Alternative Break Parameters

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Naz Alternative Breaks is part of the nationwide Break Away organization and follows its guiding principles of trips that include intentional preparation, continuous reflection, and a commitment to service beyond the trip experience.

Experiential Learning

Some short-term opportunities are an approved pathway for Experiential Learning, which is one component of the core curriculum at Naz.

Learn more

Students plant vegetables at Terra Madre gardens in San Diego, California

Chicano community in San Diego

"I was able to have the experience of a lifetime discovering the beauty of the Chicano community in San Diego, California — as well as the systemic inequities that affect people there."

Read: Karlee Robb's blog post ≫

Students and staff in white aprons and masks in the kitchen at Central Union Mission, Washington, DC

Why You Should Go On An Alternative Break With Nazareth

"As I have become increasingly involved in Nazareth Alternative Breaks, it has become the glue of my undergraduate experience, and has set the tone for my life's work."

Read: Elena Baugh's blog post