Bobcat Break

Frequently Asked Questions

• WHEN DO TRIPS HAPPEN?

  Bobcat Break trips occur during university breaks in the Winter, Spring, and/or potentially Summer depending on project availability.

• WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

  All students, currently enrolled undergraduate or gradaute, are eligible. Keep in mind that, per university policy, students must be enrolled at Texas State University at the time of their experience. Students graduating before the trip dates are not eligible to participate.

• WHEN DO APPLICATIONS OPEN?

  Applications to participate in our Bobcat Break experiences typically open every Fall semester.

• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?

  Participants are required to pay a participation fee that helps cover general room and board, and transportation. This does not include the cost of additional items bought on the experience. Fees do vary and are non-refundable unless an emergency situation is communicated to the program coordinator.

  • Out-of-State Alternative Break Experiences | $350
  • In-State Alternative Break Experiences | $175

  We do not want cost to be a prohibitive factor in your participation. All accepted participants are automatically enrolled into a payment plan to help pay in increments.

• WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

  On these experiences, you will work with a group of 8-12 members of the Texas State community throughout the week as you build community, create collective impact, engage in service, and practice socially responsible leadership. Projects during the week depend on what is asked by your site. All we ask for in return is flexibility! Rain happens. Travel hiccups happen. Whatever the case may be, just participate! Sometimes that's when the best and unexpected things happen! All in all, you will laugh, work, play, and grow throughout your Bobcat Break experience.

  In addition, Bobcat Break is a commitment from beginning to end - from the minute you submit your application to the day you return. Aside from pre-trip group meetings, community-building activities, and engaging in service outside of Bobcat Break, you can expect to participate in the Bobcat Break Opening Retreat and a Reunion.

• DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHERE I GO?

  Applicants can select preference in their application, but we look for participants who are open to the entire experience regardless of their placement. That said, while we try to match you to a trip based on your application, we do not guarantee that you will be placed on your first choice.

• IS IT SAFE?

  Safety is our top priority no matter what. As with any travel there are risks involved, but the sites we partner with are screened carefully and measures are taken to ensure your safety.

• WILL I HAVE FREE TIME?

  Each experience has a different schedule, but we always have some free time either to explore or rest. To promote community and ensure safety, participants are not allowed to leave the group, even if a friend or family is nearby. Every day, there will be time to take some personal time to reflect or simply just be. It will be up to you to communicate your needs to the group.

• AM I ALLOWED TO BRING TECHNOLOGY WITH ME?

  Yes, of course. We fully understand that being a student does not stop. Participants can bring their personal laptop and phones with them to use during free time if needed. It is entirely up to you to talk about your involvement in the program with your professors to see if they can excuse you for the week from any assignments. Please recognize, however, that we are not responsible in the event any personal technology are stolen or broken.