Branch Out International
William and Mary's Branch Out International alternative breaks provide opportunities for students to work for social justice and become active citizens through the process
of mutual service in collaboration with communities outside the United States.
About Our Alternative Breaks
Each BOI alternative break is led by a student group that has visited their site before and worked closely with partners in the community to determine beneficial and responsible projects. Team sizes range from 8 to 20, and trips take place over winter, spring and summer breaks.
Student groups join Branch Out through an application process each spring. Because we expect your commitment to your alternative break (in terms of time, focus and fundraising efforts), Branch Out requires that students participate in only one Branch Out International alternative break each year.
BOI alternative breaks are open to new membership through an application process. Many BOI teams recruit for new members in both the fall and spring; please watch the OCES Events page for updates about recruitment. Leadership for each Branch Out International alternative break team is determined by that team's membership. You may learn more about each trip by contacting the trip's team leaders. Also, check out 2011-12's PowerPoint from our information session.
All Branch Out alternative breaks are alcohol and other drug free. See more about our policy.
Leadership & Support
Staff Advisor: [[mcporter, Melody Porter]]
Student Directors: [[e|mjmcdonough, Molly McDonough]] and [[e|lmrubino, Lily Rubino]]
The Office of Community Engagement and Scholarship supports about ten international alternative breaks each year through the Branch Out International. BOI trains site leaders for each trip through a retreat in August and weekly trainings through the fall semester. We also offer monthly advising, fundraising assistance through the annual auction and online donations, and the opportunity for individual participants to apply for need-based financial aid.
Paying for Alternative Breaks
BOIs are an important component of a William and Mary education for many students. As such, they are immensely valuable - but unfortunately, they can be expensive. Students often take on part-time jobs to save money for their alternative break, and fundraise through contacts with family and friends. Council members work together on fundraising endeavors to support their teams.
Individuals are responsible for covering the cost of their participation in the program. A deposit is required upon acceptance for BOIs and payment in full is required well in advance of the trip. Need-based financial aid is available to individuals by application.
Support Branch Out International alternative breaks
Branch Out International Financial Aid Program
Branch Out values socioeconomic diversity in our teams, so we offer need-based financial aid to lower the barriers for students to participate in our alternative breaks. Applications are available online, and the process is confidential. All BOI team members must contribute at least $300 toward their alternative break. For those who have financial need, financial aid can help close the gap between team members’ contributions and fundraising, and the final cost of their trip.
All recipients of financial aid are asked to contribute a small project to Branch Out in return for their aid, such as a blog, coordinating a local service project post-trip, or putting together a film about their experience. These projects deepen student learning and show our funders and supporters the impact of Branch Out International.
Those seeking financial aid must apply for financial aid online by October 3, 2011 at noon. They will be notified of their status approximately two weeks later, and checks are released approximately 30 days after notification.
Forms and Information
All participants in Branch Out International Alternative Breaks must:
- Read the Branch Out International Health & Safety Guidelines (.pdf)
- Submit the Participant Emergency Information form within 48 hours of acceptance on your trip.
- Secure international travel, health and evacuation insurance. We offer this service through Cultural Insurance Services International. To purchase this insurance, bring $34 (check made to W&M or cash) with you to Blow Memorial Hall 326 and tell Liz Gentry you'd like to sign up. Brochure from Cultural Insurance Services International (travel health insurance) (.pdf); Brochure for CISI Comprehensive Security Evacuation Coverage (.pdf)