ABSTRACT
Cultural differences, language barriers, and distance introduce particular challenges to international community partnerships, and complicate the already complex task of developing a mutually beneficial relationship. By developing strong relationships on alternative breaks, however, students and community members alike can share resources, build capacity, and show care and solidarity to mutually benefit both sides in the short and long term. The function and basic practices of international community partnerships for alternative breaks are not dramatically different from relationships that students, staff, and faculty develop with domestic or local community organizations. Developing transformational relationships sounds appealing, and, in fact, such relationships are a powerful reason to plan international alternative breaks. To strengthen their partnerships, breakers can implement practices of contextual awareness, sensitivity to culture and language, active citizenship, relationship building and solidarity, and open communication for continued connection.
