Alternative Breaks
APPLES Alternative Breaks provide an avenue for students to perform service activities across North Carolina. It is a great way for students to be away from campus during the university break periods each semester. Students have the opportunity to travel beyond Chapel Hill and serve a different community while also forming lasting friendships with other Carolina students.
Each group is led by student organizers and works collaboratively to engage in a chosen focus area and learn more about their destination community before the trip component occurs. Once arriving at the destination, students are able to explore a new culture, make new friends and carry out meaningful community service. Throughout the alternative break experience, students will also have the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences and to explore deeper issues relating to the community. For all breaks, there is a participation fee, which may be non-refundable. Need-based financial assistance may be available upon request.
For the 2023-2024 school year, APPLES will only be hosting Alternative Spring Breaks. Applications closed on October 27th. Please email apples@unc.edu with any questions!
Please email APPLES if you are interested in learning more.
Read more about previous alternative breaks:
- 2021: Reflections on virtual alternative breaks
- 2019 Alternative Winter Break: ‘A Hidden Gem of the School’
- 2019 Alternative Fall Break: ‘An Eye-Opening Experience’
- 2017 Alternative Fall Break
Alternative Spring Break 2016
Sally-Irene Ngeve could have spent her spring break almost anywhere. But the Carolina senior chose not to relax on a beach all week, wander around a quieter Chapel Hill or head back home to Cameroon to visit her family.
Alternative Winter Break 2016
Alternative winter break participants reflect on their experience serving communities impacted by hunger and homelessness.
The Carolina Center for Public Service at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for its events and programs. If you need accommodations, please contact apples@unc.edu or call 919-962-0902. Every reasonable effort will be made to implement accommodations in an effective and timely manner.