Keyan MacCune traveled to Mexico on her first Alternative Spring Break three years ago expecting to just volunteer at a hospital.

She came back with a better understanding of life.

"You go down expecting to give by doing service but you always bring back more than what you have given through the experiences and knowledge you gain," the elementary education senior said. "You gain a better understanding of your own life."

MacCune spent her alternative spring break in Merida, Mexico working at St. Vincent Hospital, a facility for people who could not afford treatment at the larger hospitals in the area.

"While we were there we spent time taking a man to his chemotherapy treatments each day," she said.

"The last day we were there, he had been moved to intensive care and he had wanted something to remember us by."

MacCune and other volunteers signed a U.S. dollar bill for the man, who lived in the United States prior to moving to Mexico. He died a few weeks later, she said.

This year, MacCune will be working to clear foot trails for visitors to the park. She said she hopes to gain a better understanding of environmental issues.

"Also, since I have never been to Puerto Rico, I hope to learn more about the Puerto Rican culture," she said.

Along with MacCune, 300 students, including site leaders, will travel to various locations in and outside of the United States.

The Alternative Spring Break program gives students a chance to learn about other cultures and perform different types of community service.

"Alternative Spring Break gives students a sense of accomplishment for time well spent and a heightened sense of awareness for critical human and environmental issues," said Carlos Fuentes, assistant director of the MSU Service-Learning Center.

Interdisciplinary studies in social science junior Dawn Wesner will be traveling to Puebla, Mexico, to work in two local orphanages and a home for children with cerebral palsy.

Wesner, who is going on her second spring break with the program, worked in orphanages in Mexico during her last trip.

"The kids we worked with went to school every day but you can tell it's a blessing," she said.

The trip was as hands-on as it gets, Wesner said.

"Alternative Spring Break was a real-life experience where every day we see what the issues are people have to face," she said. "It opens your eyes."