AC Students take Alternative Spring Break
Posted on Tuesday, March 15th, 2016
AC’s Alternative Spring Breakers pose for a group selfie atop El Morro (Photo via: facebook.com/algonquinsa)
Forget tanning on the beach or catching up on sleep. Nine Algonquin College students spent their reading week teaching English to primary-age students in the Dominican Republic.
This annual service trip, which is a partnership between the AC Hub and the Algonquin Students’ Association, gives students the chance to volunteer internationally. The trip was run through Outreach360, an organization that relies primarily on volunteers to teach English to the children.
“You’ll see lots of people now travelling with a purpose and a desire to connect with the country they are visiting on a new level. This often includes an authentic cultural experience, and a component of sharing and giving back in some way,” said Rox Chwaluk, the AC Hub‘s Volunteerism Coordinator. “This trip is important because it gives students a way to use their educational experience for something hands-on, as well as allows them to make connections to global issues on a more immediate level.”
Most of the time in Monte Cristi was spent teaching, but when they weren’t at the school the Algonquin students participated in cultural activities and excursions. This included a trip to the market at the Haitian border, a visit to the Cuban Museum, a tour of the salt flats, hiking, and swimming.
The Algonquin students began working towards the Alternative Spring Break back in October, meeting regularly to plan fundraising efforts to finance the trip, bond as a team, develop their teaching skills, and prep for any culture shock they may experience upon arrival.
Interior Design Merissa Reed poses for a picture with her primary-age students.
“This was the most positive experience I’ve ever had. It was completely life changing. I learned so much about myself and my tendencies, as well as how to express myself more clearly, the importance of reflection and the opportunities which I have been given in my life which many others may not ever receive,” said Interior Design student Merissa Reed. “I became significantly more aware of my privilege and thus more willing to share my experiences, opportunities, and knowledge with others. The community was so giving of their time, energy, love, and abilities.”
Interested in learning about next year’s Alternative Spring Break? Visit the dedicated webpage and fill out the form to be contacted when details become available!
The above content was adapted from the AC Hub Newsletter, a monthly publication produced by Student Services.
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