FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW AWESOME IS ATWB?

ATWB will be one of the greatest weeks of your college life! You are thrust into a group with 11 strangers and are asked to transcend personal boundaries, state lines, and comfort zones as you travel to a new city (or small town or desert or national park) where you’ll be of direct service to that community, learn more than you could ever imagine, and return to Vanderbilt with 11 new friends.

WHY IS ATWB CONSIDERED “ALTERNATIVE”?

ATWB is considered “Alternative” because it allows students to spend a week of their break engaging in service and learning about complex social issues instead of more traditional break activities.

ARE THERE NEW SITES ADDED EACH YEAR?

One of our goals is to create a lasting relationship with the communities we serve. However, we also want to be able to have an impact on a variety of issues. Thus, we typically return to at least 75% of sites and add new sites based on interest and feasability.

DO STUDENTS FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIES JOIN US? 

No. ATWB is exclusively for Vanderbilt Students.

HOW MANY PEOPLE GO ON EACH SITE? 

Each site has 12 people consisting of two site leaders and 10 participants. Some sites may have fewer due to last minute cancellations.

WHO MAY APPLY?

ATWB is for Vanderbilt Undergraduate and Graduate students.

CAN I GO WITH MY FRIENDS?

You may not request to be placed on a site with another individual. We try very hard to make each site’s group is as diverse as possible, pulling students from as many different graduating classes, majors, greek organizations, hometowns, etc. in order to give each site a truly unique experience.

HOW LONG SHOULD MY RESPONSES FOR EACH QUESTION IN THE APPLICATION BE?

The purpose of the application is for us to get to know you and understand what you’re passionate about and why you want to do AWB. There is no set length. Site placements are based on your application and interview.

CAN I APPLY TO BE A SITE LEADER IF I’VE NEVER DONE ATWB BEFORE?

Of course! You’re more likely to be selected as a site leader if you’ve had previous experience going on or leading an alternative break trip for another organization, but we accept applicants of all experience levels.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE? 

Yes. There is a separate application on our AnchorLink page. Aid is based on need and your aid applications are made anonymous to everyone except our Treasurer. Drivers will receive a small discount.

HOW WILL WE GET TO OUR SITES?

For most sites, you will be driving. Each site will have designated drivers. Rental vans are provided for you. Some sites will require flying. For these sites, the cost of the plane ticket is included in the site cost.

DO I HAVE TO TRAVEL WITH THE GROUP TO AND FROM THE SITE?

We strongly encourage everyone to travel together in order to foster the full ATWB experience. If there are any extenuating circumstances, contact your site leader or board member.

WILL FOOD BE PROVIDED?

Each site will have a food budget. Site leaders are responsible for planning meals, and the site members work together to cook for the week. You may also choose to purchase additional food or bring your own snacks.

WILL I BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS/HANUKKAH/KWANZAA? 

We value your time with your family and any traditions that you celebrate. Our winter break trips are only during the very first week of winter break, ensuring that you are home into for Christmas and Kwanzaa. This year our trip dates do not overlap with Hanukkah.