While many Penn Staters will be travelling to exotic beaches and foreign countries for a week come Friday, a few students have chosen to take the non-traditional route for Spring Break 2012. Not to say that there is anything wrong with taking a week off to enjoy yourself and participate in potentially regrettable activities for seven straight days, but some students, like Claire Steiner, have decided to make a difference in the lives of others next week.

Claire, along with about twenty other students, will be making the trip to Argentina with Penn State Hillel to participate in community service activities. This funded trip seemed like a “cool experience and great opportunity” for her and the others who decided to sign up.

Hillel started this program just last year, planning an alternate spring break trip for Jewish students who wanted to travel and help people in need at the same time. Since it was such a success, they paired up with a related Hillel organization in Argentina to plan a trip to a Jewish community over there and work with a center who helps families with young children get through their day to day life.

Penn State Hillel is not the only one organizing trips like this. Many other student organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, provide similar opportunities. Participating in an alternate spring break is a great opportunity for college students to travel the world and do good for others simultaneously.

Are you participating in an alternate spring break trip? Share your plans here!