Alternative Breaks FAQs
More about Hillel/City Year Alternative Break Program
What is Hillel's City Year Alternative Break?
The City Year Alternative Break is an immersive experience in which a student travels with their peers from campus to one of five US cities to participate in tzedek or social justice work. The trip is 7 days long and includes 5 days of physical volunteer work, in addition to nightly programming, interactive discussions, and Shabbat observance.
Is this a religious program?
All Jews, regardless of background, affiliation or practice, are welcome on the program. Hillel's program will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together, though you will not be required to join in organized religious activities. In order to be as inclusive as possible, kosher food will be served and no travel will be required on the Jewish Sabbath.
What is the cost of the program?
The fee for participation is $200/participant, plus travel. Additionally we strongly suggest an additional $15 for tips for the bus driver.
What expectations are there upon my return to campus?
The expectations are that you have a great experience that hopefully will inspire you to get involved in social justice and Jewish life when your return. If you would like to get involved in Jewish life on campus or help recruit others for this great experience, contact your campus Hillel.
Will there be time to visit my friends and family if they live in the area?
Participants must participate in all program activities and will not be able to leave the group to visit with friends and family during the trip. If you would like to extend your trip you may visit with friends and family at that time.
Participation and Eligibility
If I apply, am I automatically accepted into the program?
Your online application is the first step in the process, after which you will be contacted by your local campus Hillelprofessional for a personal interview. The interview will acquaint you with details of the program, and we expect that the majority of individuals will qualify.
Where do I apply? Do I have to submit my application on line?
Yes, you need to apply and the application will be available online in the fall.
Who decides whether or not I am accepted? When do I find out if I am accepted?
Your application is read by the staff of your local Hillel. They will contact you for an interview and then make a decision. You will hear within two weeks of the registration deadline.
Will my $200 be refunded if I am not accepted?
Students not accepted to the program will be reimbursed the $200 fee after the Alternative Break Program is over.
What if I am unable to participate at the last minute, and the deadline for withdrawal has passed?
All cancellations must be made in writing to abcityyear@hillel.org at least 4 weeks before the trip departs.
You will receive written confirmation of your cancellation by return email. Cancellations received after this date will not receive a refund. For example: If my trip departs Sunday, March 7, my last day to cancel my participation is Sunday, February 7.
What is the $200 fee for?
The $200 is used to secure work sites, materials, transportation and accommodations.
Travel and Logistical Arrangements
Booking your flights
Every participant is responsible for his/her own travel to Miami. All participants must arrive in the airport (FLL) by 2pm on Sunday, January 2, and depart Sunday, January 9, no earlier than 10 am. Flights must be booked into Ft. Lauderdale (FLL). Hillel will arrange for a group bus to and from the airport.
If anyone wants to arrive in the city earlier or leave later, or travel from a different airport, they can arrange for their own transportation either to or from the housing sites.
Before the Trip
How much luggage can I bring? Is there a limit to the size of my bags?
One bag will suffice. The accommodations are basic and will not fit excessive luggage. Please see the packing list to get an idea of how much to pack. Do not bring valuables.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes, you can extend your stay. Please be aware that if you do arrive early or extend that you are responsible for your travel and accommodations.
What happens when I arrive at the airport?
When you arrive at the airport, there will be a meeting place for the group. Please get your baggage and go to the assigned meeting place and look for a Hillel or City Year representative. There you will check in with a staff member. Transportation from the airport to the accommodations is already arranged.
During the Trip
What is the work like?
Each day students will participate in hands-on volunteer work including, but not limited to: painting, building, preparing and serving meals and tutoring children.
Do I need to have previous experience in skills above?
You do not need to have previous construction skills and/ or experience. Participants will be trained on-site in all areas of work. If you do have skills in these areas, please inform us during your interview.
What are the housing accommodations like?
Participants will be staying at either camps, youth hostels or a volunteer center.
Are there any expenses while on the trip that I am responsible for?
All food, accommodation and travel are covered. There may be some free time on the trip so $20-$30 for food or souvenirs is recommended.
What if I get sick? Do I need my own health insurance?
If you get sick during the break, doctors and hospitals are available. It is necessary to have your own health insurance. Please see the application for details on health insurance.
What if I'm unable to go at the last minute?
It is your responsibility to notify your Hillel representative as soon as you are aware that you are unable to attend. Refund of fees will be dependent on the withdrawal date.
Program, Meals, and Free Time
Where is the program taking place this year?
The program will take place in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York, depending on your campus.
What are the dates for the program?
It depends on your campus. Some campuses will be participating during winter break and others during the week of your school’s spring break.
Where will we stay?
Participants will be staying at either camps, youth hostels or a volunteer center.
Who are we working with?
We will be working with a variety of work partners that City Year will coordinate. As soon as we have specifics for each week and city, we’ll let you know.
What will the meals be like?
All meals will be kosher (in accordance with Jewish dietary laws) and the kitchen will be overseen by a mashgiach (someone who oversees Jewish dietary laws in the kitchen throughout the cooking process). Breakfast is cold (cereal, biscuits, fruit), lunch is packed and eaten on-site (PB & J sandwiches, granola bars, fruit), and dinner is hot.
What does a typical schedule of a day look like? How much will we work?
We will work between six to eight hours a day - roughly 35 hours over the course of the week, and have exciting evening programs after the work day.
What happens on Shabbat?
Shabbat is observed as a community beginning at sunset on Friday and lasting until sunset on Saturday. There are many options ranging from traditional prayer to yoga to drum circles. No work project is scheduled on Saturday but students may be creative in designing Shabbat to reflect their interests.