Alternative Breaks Program: Global Service Trip to Nepal

Alternative Breaks offers a chance to raise students' self-awareness, supplement their educational experience with the university, and demonstrate Cal Poly's enthusiasm to make a positive impact outside of the campus community. Students are immersed in another culture, which provides the opportunity to examine social issues, reflect on their own positions of power and privilege, and build intercultural abilities. Volunteer service project trips give Cal Poly students a chance to make a lasting contribution and work together to develop skills as global citizens.

The Center for Service in Action hosts multiple Alternative Breaks trips throughout the year, providing students with a chance to make a difference during their breaks from the academic school year. Cal Poly students have the opportunity to serve their global community.  

Max, a past participant, said, “Seeing how other people live in the world gave me a new perspective on my own privilege.”

We imbed the curriculum for the Global Leadership Certificate offered by our sister unit the Center for Leadership. This provides a framework for pre-trip preparation and in-country critical reflection that allows students to adopt a learner’s posture, avoid the Westerner savior complex, and come alongside communities in solidarity. 

Jacob, another past participant, said, “We learned how to be global leaders in a way where we push back against the ideology of a savior complex. We were there to be with and serve the community how they needed it.”

In particular, the Nepal project will focus on health, hygiene, and nutrition education in a Himalayan village school. We will also focus on sustainable agriculture and the challenging impacts of tourism on these practices. Your gift will make this Global Service Trip to Nepal more accessible to all Cal Poly students who wish to participate!