THE EXPERIENCE

Adventure. Explore. Learn.

In the welcoming company of curious peers, each participant embarks on their own supported journey. Our programs engage students in a variety of activities and experiences that lead to personal growth, concrete travel and leadership skills, and a widened perspective of the world. There’s something for everyone on our programs. Students will thrive in a supportive group environment, see the world in new ways, and perhaps struggle at times, but always reflect back without regrets.

Holistic Programming

Hands-on ways to deepen your immersion, our Program Components are the building blocks of every experience we offer. Each program blends a diverse range of activities and themes that help you immerse yourself and meaningfully connect with your surroundings. These components are a great way to find a program that best fits your individual interests. No prior experience is needed.

Homestay

Tajik yurts, Bedouin tents, or Taiwanese apartments, every homestay is a uniquely immersive experience. Homestays welcome students into their homes as part of the family allowing for fast and lasting connections. Though students are often nervous for this part of the experience, we’re told this is the highlight of our programs. 

Language Study

All programs include varied levels of language learning. Students do not need to arrive with any level of language experience—there’s no expectation to know Hindi, Spanish, or Mandarin. The fun is in trying out your new vocabulary.

Independent Study Project

Get paired with a local mentor and dive into a question, craft, or cultural tradition of interest. The ISP is a great way to individually pursue your passions on your program. Past projects have focused on traditional weaving, Ayurvedic medicine, martial arts, and spearfishing to name a few, all enriched by a one-on-one apprenticeship.

Trekking

From mellow day hikes to epic mountain ascents, trekking and wilderness exploration varies on each program. Hiking between remote villages, traversing alongside the Mekong River, or trekking through different ecological zones gives students the opportunity to explore nature and learn about pressing environmental issues firsthand.

Religious & Spiritual Traditions

Spiritual beliefs can give meaning to daily reality. Instructors help students explore local belief systems while living with their homstay families, visiting religious monuments, and observing local rituals. Our programs give firsthand introductions to practices such as Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, or other religious contexts.

Focus of Inquiry

Each of our programs are thoughtfully and intentionally built around a set of regional themes exploring pertinent topics such as the impacts of climate change, cultural survival, or the dynamics of grassroots activism. We dive into the focus of inquiry experientially by hosting guest speakers, visiting local events, and engaging in lively group discussions.

Learning Service

Our learning-centered approach to service helps ensure that community engagement is truly positive for all those involved. We listen, assess, act, and then evaluate: a framework that can be applied to successful learning service ventures in the future. We believe in having the humility to listen and learn first, and to act second.

Social & Environmental Justice

What variables contribute to quality of life? How does privilege shape our sense of global responsibility? What is our social and environmental impact on the world? These questions are central to conversations about equity and justice. Instructors introduce students to local activists and community members dedicated to these issues.

Rugged Travel

We respect cultural norms by staying in family-owned accommodations, practicing low impact travel, and piling into tuk-tuks, train cars, and camionetas—side-by-side with the local community. Slow and locally inspired travel gives students room to really sink in and experience where they are, engaging in daily life as travelers, not tourists. 

Travel Differently

We are a global community united by a passion for meaningful engagement and authentic cultural immersion. As life-long learners, educators, storytellers, and guides, we’re committed to creating the most enriching travel experiences possible. We truly love this work—and we can’t wait to share it with you!

Find the Program for You

Summer Travel

Ages 15-22

Dive into another culture, build lasting friendships, and develop real-world skills to navigate your future with confidence.

Explore Summer Travel

Gap Year Semester

Ages 17-22

Continue your education beyond the classroom. Explore your interests, build confidence, and return ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Learn About Gap Year Travel
People posing in front of donkey mural

School + Educator Travel

All Ages

Invest in the long-term success of your Global Education initiatives. Build your school’s knowledge, skillset, and capacity to deliver relevant, high-impact programming

Explore School Travel