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Through its faculty-led Alternative Break Programs, Adelphi’s Center for Student and Community Engagement has redefined the student break experience, transforming traditional vacations into purposeful service learning journeys.
By partnering with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), Adelphi has successfully coordinated four immersive Alternative Break programs across four diverse countries, challenging students to step out of their comfort zones and expand their global horizons. These programs go beyond sightseeing; they empower students to develop vital leadership skills and social responsibility while providing invaluable services to communities in need.
Adelphi University’s Alternative Break Group Trips with IVHQ
This ongoing partnership allows students to explore new cultures while applying their skills to specific local needs. Each trip is designed to blend service learning with travel and cultural immersion.
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IVHQ Program Destination
|
Program Timing
|
Project Focus
|
|---|---|---|
| Trinidad & Tobago | Winter Break 2024 | Animal Care & Shelter Support |
| Portugal | Winter Break 2025 | Food Waste Rescue |
| Argentina | Spring Break 2025 | Childcare & Underdeveloped Community Support |
| Galapagos Islands | Winter Break 2025 | Environmental Conservation |
| Romania | Spring Break 2026 | Community Gardening |
The Alternative Break Model: Blending Service and Sightseeing
The 2025 Portugal program exemplifies the unique nature of the Alternative Break. Based in the coastal city of Estoril, students utilized the week for academic and cultural exploration in Lisbon and Sintra, visiting landmarks like the Pena Palace.
However, the core of the volunteer experience happened in the evenings. Students partnered with an organization that combats food waste by “rescuing” surplus food from local supermarkets and restaurants. This specific timing allowed students to:
- See the “Hidden” City: Engaging with local business owners and volunteers after hours provided a realistic view of urban challenges.
- Direct Community Impact: Preparing and distributing meals provided immediate, tangible benefits to the Estoril community.
- Reflective Learning: The transition from the “beauty of Sintra” to the “necessity of food rescue” sparked deep discussions on wealth inequality and global food systems.
The Roles of the Local Teams
A critical success factor for Adelphi is the quality of the local coordination. Kelsey D’Andrea, Assistant Director for the Center for Student and Community Engagement, noted that local leads like Sara (Portugal) and Alejandro (Argentina) act as cultural bridges.
Sara was absolutely incredible. She was efficient, organized, and took the time to educate our students on the culture. As she drove us to service sites, she would point out buildings and tell us about the history. She genuinely cared about each student. Kelsey D’Andrea
By providing historical context and ensuring safety, the local teams allow faculty leaders to focus on student development rather than logistics.
Student Outcomes: Resilience and Global Awareness
Across every destination, the feedback remains consistent: students return with enhanced “ethical skills” and a broadened worldview. Whether navigating resource-strained animal shelters in Trinidad & Tobago or working in underdeveloped communities in Argentina, the experience builds significant resilience.
As one student noted, the experience of seeing a local animal shelter “get the job done” with very few resources provided a perspective on life that stays with them forever.
