Departments & Offices » OCES » Community Engagement » Branch Out Alternative Breaks » Branch Out International

Branch Out International

William and Mary's Branch Out International alternative breaks provide opportunities for students to learn through the process Dancing in the Dominican Republic with SOMOS of mutual service in collaboration with communities outside the United States.

About Our Trips

Each BOI service experience 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 10 to 20, and trips take place in January, March and May.

BOIs are open to new membership through an application process. Many BOIs recruit for new members in the early Fall; please watch the OCES Events page for updates about recruitment. Leadership for each Branch Out: International is determined by that trip's membership. You may learn more about each trip by contacting the trip's team leaders.

Branch Out International Leadership

Staff Advisor: [[mcporter, Melody Porter]] - Assistant Director, OCES
Graduate Assistant: [[jmallen, Joey Allen]] - Graduate Assistant, OCES
Student Directors: [[erpurv, Elizabeth Purvis]] and [[mkmullins, Michelle Mullins]]

The Office of Community Engagement and Scholarship supports about ten BOIs each year through the Branch Out International Council, which offers training, education, leadership development and fundraising assistance. Student groups may apply to be a part of BOI Council each spring.

The Council meets weekly to support a spirit of collaboration among teams and offer training in areas such as group dynamics, financial management, reflection on service and other components that lead to a quality service experience.

Paying for the Experience

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 experience, 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 the 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. Deposits for 09-10 trips are due to team leaders on October 30, 2009; refunds will not be granted after November 6, 2009. Need-based financial aid is available to individuals by application. Applications are due October 30, 2009; forms are linked below.