Accommodations are basic
Alternative Breaks are simple lifestyle experiences that value practicality. We often stay in religious buildings, community centers, and campgrounds. In other words, bring a sleeping bag and pillow—we generally sleep on the floor. These free or very low-cost accommodations help us maintain our program’s status as a low-cost experience for you.
If you need to request special accommodations, email jagbreak@iupui.edu. For example, some students make religious and/or culturally based requests such as to not sleep in the same space as students of the opposite sex.
Showers are sometimes located on site, but may also be at a nearby YMCA.
Food is simple but delicious
To make our $100 per participant fee work, we plan frugal—but tasty—meals.
Trip leaders plan out each meal using a “simple living” budget and go grocery shopping to purchase the necessary ingredients before your trip. Each participant is allotted $6 per day ($1/breakfast, $2/lunch, $3/dinner). So a 12-person trip will budget $12 for breakfast each day, $24 for lunch, and $36 for dinner.
Breakfast usually includes toast, cereal, fruit, and oatmeal. Lunch will include a sandwich and additional items like granola bars, fruit, or chips. Dinners often include pasta, tacos, chili, and other low-cost options. All participants work together to cook each meal, set up, and clean up.
Dietary restrictions should be reported in your application. We will work together to make sure meals are safe and welcoming for all participants.
