Not everyone's spring break looks like beer, bikinis and a picturesque view of the sunset on the beach.
Several Ohio University organizations are providing alternatives for students ranging from international service work to an Arizona adventure.
The OU chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity, organized two spring break trips for students, one to the Dominican Republic and another to New Orleans.
Sophomore Christina Conrad is going along with 26 others to the Dominican Republic with Alpha Phi Omega to volunteer for Glendale, Ariz.,-based Orphanage Outreach. A social work major, Conrad said she has always wanted to do international service work.
A group of nine OU students also organized by Alpha Phi Omega is driving to Louisiana to gut houses that were hit by Hurricane Katrina.
John Gedeon, the group's organizer, said the trip is affiliated with Relief Spark, a New Orleans-based organization that coordinates disaster relief projects. Students are paying $150 for housing and some meals, plus travel expenses, Gedeon said.
There is still so much work people don't know about
said Gedeon, who also went to New Orleans during Winter Intercession to help with relief. After the winter break trip I had to go back.
The OU chapter of Habitat for Humanity is taking 14 people on a 14-hour bus ride to Slidell, La., another Katrina-affected area. Chapter vice president and group team leader Amanda Estok said they are participating in Collegiate Challenge, a program that allows students to spend a week of their school break building homes in partnership with a Habitat for Humanity affiliate. The OU chapter will work with the East Saint Tammany affiliate in Louisiana, Estok said.
Volunteering is not the only unique experience students can find during spring break. OU Campus Recreation and Outdoor Pursuits has organized a spring break adventure for 12 students to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, Ariz.
Beth CQ*Urbanik, outdoor pursuits coordinator, said students are paying $350 plus airfare for the trip.
For a more standard destination but still a unique trip, Surf Club is going to Waikiki Beach in Oahu, Hawaii, said Ashley Luther, Surf Club president.
The 18-person group is staying in a youth hostel, and the estimated cost of the trip is $1,000 per person, Ashley said. 17
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