January 13, 2025
Jamaica ABE gives students unique perspective, experience
This May, East Carolina University students will participate in the third annual alternative break experience in Montego Bay, Jamaica, through a partnership with the ECU Honors College, ECU Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, and Amizade.
During this trip, students have the chance to immerse themselves in Jamaica’s culture, while participating in community engagement activities. Throughout their time, students will complete service on projects developed by and implemented by members of the Petersfield Galloway Benevolent Society, Amizade’s partner organization in Jamaica.
Madison Wood, a public health major and Honors College student, knew that traveling the world was one experience she wanted to participate in while at ECU. After completing a public health study abroad in Europe, she was interested in the ABE in Jamaica.
“This trip was the first time I genuinely felt different or even out of place at times,” she said. “However, every person I met made me feel a sense of home and were always eager to teach me something new with a smile. This experience taught me that you can belong and find family wherever you are.”
Wood noted that although the entire trip was unforgettable, one of her favorite memories occurred after a tiring day of service, where she and her roommates played dominoes with their host family and neighbors.
“We all listened to music and shared stories and laughed until it was time to go to sleep for the night,” she said. “In that moment, nothing else mattered. You didn’t notice the heat or the occasional bug flying around. You weren’t nervous to meet other people. You didn’t miss the comforts of home. We all were just enjoying each other’s company and having a good time. That moment is what cultural immersion is all about. It’s about getting to know other people on a genuine level.”
Sign-ups are still available for the May 12-19, 2025, ABE trip, and Wood highly encourages students to participate.
“Take the leap, trust in the experience and sign up,” she said. “This trip isn’t the most glamorous trip you could take through the university, but it will provide you with meaningful experiences that will change your outlook on life.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the trip, join the information session on Thursday, Jan. 16 at noon online by registering on The Pirate Experience. You can also register for the trip through GivePulse.