Closer to home With the pandemic halting most national and international travel, Boston College reexamines its signature service learning trips Students in BC’s Appalachia Volunteers program participate in a community service project at St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children in Dorchester. Photos by Frank Curran. For decades, early March has seen Boston College students travel throughout the United States and to other countries, assisting people and communities affected by poverty-related problems or the aftermath of natural disasters. While these service learning experiences can take place just about any time of the year, spring break week is arguably the peak period for such activity.