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.
Sign up
Complete the ASE Winter Interest form! Our staff will then send you an email to confirm your placement on a program (or waitlist) and provide instructions for paying your deposit.
Sign-up period
August 1 – September 20, 2024
(or until all programs have filled)
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 Scholarship application, which will be open through Thursday, August 29th at midnight. Submit your application through the ASAP Portal to be considered for financial support.
More program info
Learn more before signing up by coming to our ASE Fall & Winter Info Night on Wednesday, September 4 from 7:00 – 9:00pm in the PSU Solarium.
Winter programs
Dominican Republic: Focus on Clean Water Supply & Storage
December 14 – 21, 2024
Peer Leaders: Asher Fazal and Sherri Rajesh
Community Partner: Service for Peace
Join us for a week of intentional service and learning with Service for Peace. Their programs are designed to promote the growth and development of individuals in their communities through the shared experience of volunteer service. The program provides deep cultural immersion and a meaningful service experience. They hold that sustainable community development is possible through active citizenship, collaborative leadership, and intercultural exchange. The service work focuses specifically on access to clean water for local communities.
St. John, USVI
December 15 – 22, 2024
Peer Leaders: Dezirae Britton and Ella Harris
Community Partner: Friends of the US Virgin Islands National Park
Join us as we work alongside the US Virgin Islands National Park to preserve historic sites and landscapes and learn about West Indian culture and history. Discussions will encompass environmental issues as well as some of the complex and lasting effects of colonialism. Through hands-on work and mindful conversations, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a greater understanding and appreciation of this region.
Costa Rica
January 3 – 10, 2025
Peer Leaders: Devin Axtell and Annel Idaly Ochoa
Community Partner: Villas Mastatal
Work and stay on a sustainable farm, Villas Mastatal, located in the heart of the Costa Rican forest and neighboring a national park. Through engaging service opportunities on the farm, participants will learn about the importance of sustainable agriculture and a range of practices such as composting, plant propagation, permaculture, and more. Participants will also parktake in ecotourism and learn about its significance on local and national economies in Costa Rica. This program includes a tour of a local family farm, La Iguana Chocolate Factory, and allows folks to make chocolate of their own to enjoy. Join us on this immersive, meaningful exploration of the Pura Vida way of life!