Alternative
Spring
Break

at University of Illinois at Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions


Do you have trips during BOTH Winter and Spring breaks?
Yes, although our name is "Alternative Spring Break," we also do Winter Break trips which are the week after Finals before the week with Christmas.
Can anyone apply for ASB trips? Even if I have never volunteered or fundraised with ASB?
Yes. Any student (both undergraduate and graduate) at UIC can apply for the Winter and Spring trips even if you have never done anything with ASB in the future.
Do I have to be an "official member" to go on an ASB Winter or Spring service trip?
No. You do NOT have to be an "official member" to go on the trips.
What does it mean to be an "official member"?
An "official member" is simply a person who has volunteered and fundraised with ASB two times per semester. If they complete these activities, they can get ASB listed on their transcripts as well as become eligible to apply for the trip award/trip fee waiver.
What is a trip award/trip fee waiver?
A trip award/trip fee waiver is a award given to 4 students who have the "official member" status. This award lets you go on an ASB trip for free or for half off.
What chance do I have at getting selected for a trip?
Although we anticipate a lot of applications this year, you will have a great chance of being selected for a trip as long as you are genuine in your interest to help marginalized communities in the United States. Just write a good application and have a good interview.
Where is the application? I do not see it online.
There is ONE application for ALL of the trips. You can find it online here: http://www.asbuic.org/apply When you look at the application, you will be able to pick which trip you prefer to go on.
What date are the WInter trips?
December 11 to 18.
What date are the Spring trips?
March 19 to 26.
How much do each trips cost?
Each trip will not cost more than $150. This is how it has always been done at ASB. The reason why each trip costs this amount despite the different locations and issues is because you are paying for the experience, and all of the experiences are valued at the same price. And if the cost is too much, we offer 4 trip awards/trip fee waivers for people to win. In addition, the $150 you will pay will cover food, housing and transportation.
I am in the Honors College. Can I use an ASB service-learning trip as my honors activity?
Yes. Many students have used their ASB trip as an Honors Activity. You can only do it once though, so please pick up the appropriate form at the Honors College and use your site leader as your contact.
Can I go on multiple ASB trips? As in can I go on both a Winter trip and then a Spring trip? Is there a maximum number of trips I can go to while I am at UIC?
No. There is no maximum number of ASB trips you can go on. You can go on as many as you want throughout your time at UIC as long as you pass the application process.
Do I need my Passport to go on any ASB trips?
You will only need a passport to go on an ASB trip if you are going to Mexico or Canada, but we will notify you of this before you go on the trip. However, for the 2010-2011 school year, we will probably not have any trips that go to another country except Mexico during the Spring.