READ THIS PAGE IN FULL BEFORE APPLYING

Applications due September 25th by midnight!

Welcome to the Winter Alternative Service Break (ASB) application. You may start to fill it out and save it to come back and finish later (only if you are logged into your VandalSync account). You will be asked to upload several short answer questions. First and foremost, take some time to put effort into your application. The amount of effort put into each short answer question is very clear, and is an important factor in the ASB selection process. Students should be able to reflect on their experience, know what they hope to gain from the program, and how they will use it to enhance their future experiences at the University of Idaho.

The Alternative Service Break (ASB) Program offers students the opportunity to develop as leaders on a local, regional, national and global level. The ASB program encourages learning and critical thinking through hands-on service, community involvement, civic and social justice education. These trips can be extremely transformative experiences for students.

We hold high expectations for participants and also ask them to have high expectations for themselves. If selected you will be part of a very small group of people with the opportunity to participate in a remarkable experience.

Applicants should consider the following when applying:

While rewarding, you may experience situations that are unfamiliar and possibly uncomfortable for you. You will work hard, get your hands dirty, sweat a lot and be challenged physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
The ASB program puts service at the forefront of everything we do. This is not a vacation. Facilities can be less than what you are used to at home with limited access to showers and running water. You should expect limited comforts.
The ASB program is open to all University of Idaho full-time, fee-paying students.  The cost to participate is $1,350 for Togo and $950 for Puerto Rico for full time UI students.

You will be expected to cover any additional costs and expenses not covered by the program. Including but not limited to vaccinations, visa cost, food during travel days, meals not covered by the ASB program (travel and excursion days), gifts, clothes, baggage fees.

Service activities may involve an element of risk.

The Center for Volunteerism and Social Action will provide a faculty/staff advisor and two student leaders for each team; however, students are empowered to make wise decisions in regards to their own safety and the safety of others.
Pre and post trip meeting attendance is mandatory and absences will not be accepted. Many more students will apply for this program than we are able to accommodate and it is expected that you will fully participate in all components of the ASB program, including meetings and trainings. If you miss any meeting, we reserve the right to replace your spot with another student.

Alcohol consumption is prohibited during Winter ASB for all participants (whether or not you are of legal drinking age). Your actions on this trip will not only reflect on you, but also the ASB program and the University of Idaho.

Mandatory meetings/events will occur on October 24th, November 14th, November 21st, and December 5th from 5-7pm.  A local service event will occur on Saturday, November 9th and Saturday, January 25th from 9am-noon.

All participants will travel to and from the University of Idaho together.

Puerto Rico Travel Dates: December 31 - January 13
Togo Travel Dates: December 28-  January 13 (Passport Required)

Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 25th at midnight.

Process Details: Due to the high number of applicants, the ASB leadership team will review and evaluate all of the ASB applications and then select teams. The ASB leadership team will do everything it can to keep you informed of the process. We hope to notify all applicants in early October.

If you are selected, the program deposit of $300 is due 6 days after being offered, in addition a the mandatory paperwork, to join an ASB team.  This deposit and the paperwork secures your spot.  Failure to pay the deposit or completing the paperwork will result in a loss of your spot in ASB.