ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK

Looking to make a difference while having fun?

Alternative Spring Break trips not only provide the opportunity for rich cross-cultural interaction but also allow students to develop greater self-awareness, learn about other countries and the unique challenges they face, while reflecting on their own role in the global community.

In March 2008, the inaugural ASB trip saw 17 Education City students travel to Nepal.  The primary service project involved building a wall around a school playground for the mountain village of Dhampus outside Pokhara.  Other trip highlights included visiting religious and cultural sites in the capital of Kathmandu, whitewater rafting on the Trisuli River, as well as an elephant safari through the jungle of Chitwan National Park. 

In March 2009, Qatar Foundation Campus Life initiated a partnership with Reach Out To Asia (www.reachouttoasia.org) and led a service-learning trip for 17 Education City students to Cambodia.  There the service project focused on outreach to the Working for Children orphanage outside Siem Reap.  EC students led fun and educational activities for the children as well as constructed a fence around the property of the orphanage and prepared several large garden areas for planting.  Other trip highlights included visiting the amazing historical temple complex of Angkor, the floating village of Tonle Sap, and a countryside bike tour.    

ASB 2010

We are currently planning our next service-learning trip to Indonesia with our partners from Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) during Spring Break from 26 February through 5 March. More details to come. If you are interested in participating or have questions please contact Lindsay Coco, Student Activities Officer, at lcoco@qf.org.qa.  Here are a few details about our service-learning trips:

• Trips are limited to a maximum of 18 college student participants
• If you are selected to participate you will be required to pay a deposit to reserve your place - cost of the trip will vary depending on the country selected, length of trip, and included activities
• Prior to departure, you will also be required to attend three mandatory orientation sessions to prepare you for the experience
• In addition to student participants from various Education City campuses, several Qatar Foundation and ROTA staff members will also accompany you on the trip as chaperones and facilitators

If you would like to participate but have financial concerns please contact Curt Kenoyer, Campus Life Coordinator, at ckenoyer@qf.org.qa to inquire about scholarships.