Take on your world by serving your world.
The Service Break Experience program provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to practice their beliefs through service to communities around the world.
Rooted in the four pillars of building community, doing justice, living simply, and engaging spiritually. Pre-COVID the program boasted one Winter Break, ten domestic Alternative Spring Break, five International Immersion, and one Summer of Service experience. As we enter into an endemic period, our goal is to host 6 SBEs!
Participants engage in a long preparation process learning about the social justice and community issues of their site, volunteering at a local nonprofit, and building community with their group before the one or two-week service-immersion experience.
More Information
Who can participate?
All St. Edward's University, undergraduates currently enrolled full-time are eligible. December graduates can participate in the December experience.
Do I have to be Catholic to participate?
No, but we will encourage you to think about the connection between your spirituality and social action in the pre-immersion meetings and during the immersion. We will ask you to participate in Mass but are also open to attending services of other traditions, depending on the desires of the group.
How much does it cost to participate?
The fee helps to cover general room and board and transportation. It does not include the cost of immunizations, passport, or additional items bought on the experience. All payments are non-refundable.
Fundraising is also required and supports the site; it doesn’t defray your out-of-pocket cost.
However, we do not want money to be a prohibitive factor in your application. If you have a financial need, you can apply for a grant from the Campus Ministry Service Break Experience Fund.
- Alternative Spring Break, Winter of Service & Summer of Service | $450
- Disaster Relief Experience | $500
When are applications due?
Winter of Service | Nov. 5
Do I get to choose where I will be going for my Service Break Experience?
Yes and no. We look for participants who are open to the entire experience regardless of their placement. Therefore, although we cannot guarantee your first choice, we try to match you to a service site based on your application, interview and year in school.
What can I expect?
You will work with a group of 8-12 members of the St. Edward’s University community throughout the school year and at your service site to build community, do justice, live simply and engage spiritually. The specific service depends on your site placement. Flexibility is key! Rain happens. Traffic happens. Don’t be discouraged. Sometimes, that’s when the best and unexpected things happen! In short, you will laugh a lot, work a lot, play a lot and grow considerably. #SBErocks
What is the time commitment?
In addition to group meetings, fundraisers and community building activities, you can expect to participate in an Opening Ceremony, SBE Gathering, Commissioning and a Reunion.
Will I have free time?
Each site has a different schedule, but we always have some free time. Groups will work together their time off. To promote community and ensure safety, you may not leave the group even if you have a friend or family nearby (they can visit you!). Every day, there will be time for you to take personal time to reflect or just be. It will be up to you to communicate your needs to the group.
Is it safe?
Safety is our top priority. As with any travel, there are dangers, but each of our sites are screened carefully and measure are taken to ensure your safety. Participants are never allowed to travel alone.
Are COVID-19 vaccinations required?
Full vaccination (completed course) is required for most sites. We volunteer among people and communities who are most vulnerable, and the communities have asked that we be vaccinated.
Can I bring my cellphone or other technology?
No. As a part of the pillar of living simply, we ask you to disconnect for your experience. Student Leaders and Advisors will have their phones in case of emergencies on site or at home.
For more information, contact Liza Manjarrez.
Alternative Spring Break provides students with the opportunity to engage in complex social and cultural issues through direct service, group discussion, experiential learning and individual reflection.
In the Holy Cross tradition of service, we hope that students are transformed by the experience, becoming agents of change in the world.
Gulf Coast Recovery
Focus: Rebuilding efforts
The Gulf Coast has been hit with some hard times, including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ida and The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Tens of thousands of volunteers have flooded the area in the rebuilding efforts, but more work needs to be done. Currently, organizations are shifting their efforts to create opportunity housing to meet the important needs of life-rebuilding. You'll visit, volunteer and learn from local non-profit organizations leading the efforts for recovery.
Homelessness & Hospitality
Focus: Direct service with people who are experiencing homelessness
You'll work side-by-side with other volunteers, Holy Cross religious and guests to make a difference. Among the opportunities you can do at André House:
- Assisting in the soup kitchen
- Sorting and distributing clothing items
- Providing laundry services
- Lending a compassionate ear and companionship
We understand that the school year may not be an ideal time for all students to explore their passion for service. Winter or Summer of Service opportunities provide a different timeline than traditional SBEs with preparation and travel in one semester. So whether you're studying abroad, playing a sport, or just want to use your break in the service of others; these provide another option to serve!
Winter of Service | ~December 16-23, 2023
Disaster Relief Experience
Focus: Rebuilding efforts
The island of Puerto Rico has been recently devastated by massive hurricanes, from Hurricane Maria to Hurricane Fiona. Working with SBP, you'll volunteer with locals to help shrink the time between disaster and recovery for residents.
Homelessness & Hospitality
Focus: Direct service with people who are experiencing homelessness
You'll work side-by-side with other volunteers, Holy Cross religious and guests to make a difference. Among the opportunities you can do at André House:
- Assisting in the soup kitchen
- Sorting and distributing clothing items
- Providing laundry services
- Lending a compassionate ear and companionship