Winter Service Experiences

Winter break ASE programs provide an immersive service and cultural experience. Led by trained student Peer Leaders, each ASE involves service alongside community partners, purposeful reflection, and new experiences. Winter break programs often offer the chance to travel internationally.

Cost

The cost for winter programs is $1,800. This participant fee covers your flight, transportation at your destination, lodging, and food for the week. It does not include any fees associated with applying for or updating your passport or identification needed to fly. A $300 deposit is due at sign up.

Payment plans are available to all students who sign up for ASE programs. Students who need additional financial support can complete the Leigh Lane Memorial Scholarship application, which will be open in August. Submit your application through the ASAP Portal to be considered for financial support.

Fall and Winter Info Night

Learn more before signing up by coming to our ASE Fall & Winter Info Night on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 7:00 – 8:00pm in Price Lake (PSU 201A). The event will include a brief presentation about ASE programs and an opportunity to hear from this year’s student Peer Leaders. Students will be able to sign up and pay their $300 deposit at Info Night as well.

For students who have already signed up before September 3, Info Night is optional. You are welcomed to come, but it is not required for your participation. Info Night is geared towards students who are considering signing up for an ASE program, have questions, or prefer to sign up in person.

Travel Information

• Please note that as of May 2025, TSA began enforcing the REAL ID Act. This means U.S. travelers age 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure you have necessary identification to board your flight. If you do not have the proper identification to travel, you may be unable to board our flight. ASE is unable to issue refunds for participants who fail to obtain necessary identification.
• Prior to departure, the Community-Engaged Leadership team will send out a document that includes flight information, lodging address, emergency contact information, and other important details. Participants are encouraged to share this document with parents, family members, or any other relevant parties.
• Each group will work out its own plan to carpool and arrive at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. If the group has an early departure time, they may travel to Charlotte the evening before. In these cases, the program will coordinate a
• lodging option.
• All participants must fly with the group to the program’s destination and return to the Charlotte airport. However, students are not required to return to Boone with the group. Students are welcome to book other travel from Charlotte following the group’s return. If you do so, please note that you are responsible for your own travel plans following our return to Charlotte. If you plan to book another flight following our return, you are highly encouraged to purchase flight insurance in case our group flight is delayed.
• Participants are encouraged to pack light, utilizing one personal item and one carry-on that meets guidelines for American Airlines. Each group will travel with one shared checked bag, where group members are welcome to store toiletries or other items unable to be packed in your carry-on. As you pack, be mindful of TSA restrictions regarding bag size, liquids, and other items. 
• ASEs are alcohol and drug-free events. This includes time traveling to and from our destination.