Alternative Spring Break

For generations there has been a tradition among college students of traveling to beach parties and hanging out with friends for Spring Break. This rite of passage is archived in the media. There are countless movies based on this tradition as well as an annual television special on MTV. All of these frame Spring Break in a very fun and innocent light. The reality of Spring Break is quite different.

In the realm of Spring Break, binge drinking is standard and "hooking-up" is expected - sometimes demanded. On average amount men consume 18 alcoholic drinks per day, while women consume 10.  As Penn State students know, via the mandatory alcohol awareness class, SAFE, these levels of alcohol intake can be deadly. 

For ages, the students' Spring Break choices have been to stay home, go on a family vacation, or go to the beach with friends. However, there is a paradigm shift emerging among college students. Many colleges and universities have been introducing Alternative Spring Break programs. Often times, these programs are supported by NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) such as the United Way. Another type of work program is offered through Habitat for Humanity. Their program is called Collegiate Challenge. This organization offers trips throughout the year, not only during Spring Break. The Habitat for Humanity website lists many locations in which volunteers can work ranging from Delaware to Hawaii.

Penn State Berks has a similar program. During Spring Break 2012, twenty Penn State Berks students travelled to San Jose, Costa Rica to perform volunteer work and learn the island's culture. The students built a community center for at-risk children and volunteered at an orphange. For Spring Break 2013, Penn State Berks students will travel to San Ignacio, Belize. The students will be embarking on their trip on March 1, 2013. The program they will be working with is called ProWorld.

As part of their trip, Penn State students will be helping to construct or renovate educational facilities for at-risk children. They will also be helping at daycare centers, assisting teachers in schools and helping with adult education. In addition, students may be teaching about health education and environmental conservation.

Once we are aware of these alternative options, it seems selfish to make decisions based on our hedonistic desires and peer pressure. The option to give your time to make the world a better place is more and more appealing to our generation these days. These programs also look very good on a resume and the experience is invaluable. These types of experiences are a great way to travel while also helping people that are need of services provided by one of the many groups that offer alternative Spring Breaks.

~ Victoria Johnson, Austin McCue, Brittany McGee, William Wagner

Posted in: Media, PSU Berks, Travel