NYIT students made a difference in Independencia, Peru, during NYIT's first Alternative Spring Break Project.

During spring and summer breaks, NYIT students find plenty of ways to educate themselves-even in unconventional classrooms overseas.

In March, 10 students from the Manhattan and Old Westbury campuses brought clean water, composting projects, and construction skills to Independencia, Peru, as participants in NYIT's first Alternative Spring Break Project. When not working in the field, they volunteered at a local orphanage and shared their ideas on alternative energy uses, including how to maximize benefits from waste material. 

"The students did an amazing job in representing NYIT and in serving as leaders by contributing their time and efforts to help change the world," says project leader Jeremy Ducos, assistant director of student activities and leadership development.

The trip's benefits were mutual, according to behavioral science student Marisela Nunez, who had participated in other organizations' service projects abroad. She found NYIT's Alternative Spring Break to be particularly relevant because it gave students "the opportunity to forget about themselves and focus on really giving back to a community in need."

Other students found ways to apply new skills and information to their future careers. 

"Social and economic factors affect housing conditions," explains student Cindy Chan, who gained insights in Peru for her architecture studio work. "Culture and other dynamics are harder to grasp when you're not exposed to them."

Computer science major Freddy Germosen Jr., who documented the Peru trip on video, traveled to Europe in June with engineering student Demetrio Lima. The pair attended the IPL International Summer Engineering School in Lyon, France.

"I encourage any student to participate in one of these programs," says Lima.

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