Travel is one of the most powerful forms of education, yet only 1% of U.S. high school students travel abroad.
Of the students who do participate in travel programs, 85% are affluent and white. We’re on a mission to make the powerful lessons of travel accessible for teenagers from all cultural, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. See why this matters…
Across the United States, communities are experiencing intense division due to economic inequality, social issues, and a polarizing political climate.
And teens are facing the consequences. Today’s young people are isolated, lonely, and often insulated from different perspectives and world events. Travel can be a powerful tool for addressing these concerns by encouraging connection between peers, providing experiential learning opportunities, and inspiring teens to broaden their horizons. But access to travel is limited, particularly at the high school level.
*High schools and communities across the country are becoming more segregated and isolated, which makes it difficult for young people to form connections with peers from different backgrounds.
*Around the world, issues like war and climate change are challenging leaders to develop global competence and nuanced solutions for large-scale issues.
*In the workplace, employers are seeking a new generation of leaders who can understand and adapt to global complexities and connect and collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
*On average, teens are spending almost five hours on social media every day – enough to trigger feelings of loneliness, apathy, and detachment from the outside world.
*In public schools, recent data shows that 28% of students in the U.S. miss at least 10% of the school year, causing major academic setbacks and knowledge gaps.
*Teens are experiencing an unprecedented level of stress, anxiety, and hopelessness as they navigate social relationships, academic demands, and uncertainty about the future.
At Global Glimpse, we offer the solution of immersive international trips that combine real-world cultural experiences with service-learning projects and core academic themes.
Our model is based on diversity and equity. Through strategic partnerships with schools and youth programs, we bring travel opportunities to students from a range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds who are looking to experience more of the world. Some of our students have traveled internationally before, but many have not. We’re proud to be the only youth travel organization that offers need-based scholarships to all eligible applicants.
Over the course of 11 days in Costa Rica, Panama, or the Dominican Republic, students are immersed in regional culture and community life. That means activities like meeting local artists, spending the day with host families, and working with community partners on service-learning projects that support local initiatives. Our in-country curriculum is designed to build global understanding and inspire students to drive change in their own schools and communities.
Students emerge from our programs as more globally-minded young leaders who are better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of their generation.
We often think of our impact in terms of the head and the heart. Intellectually, students come away from our programs with a curiosity for new perspectives and deeper engagement with academics and global issues. As they think through problems and solutions, they’re able to consider context and connections drawn from their international experience.
Empathy, self-expression, and confidence are key outcomes from the emotional side of our work. After stepping out of their comfort zone while traveling, students return home with the ability to push their goals further and pursue leadership roles in their schools and communities. Perhaps most importantly, students also develop the compassion and cultural sensitivity needed to bridge divides and connect with people from very different backgrounds.
Imagine what our world would look like if every young person had access to the powerful lessons of travel.
We would see empathetic college students who think critically about the issues facing their campuses. Passionate young professionals who rise to leadership roles with a crucial understanding of global issues. Engaged community members who seek meaningful connection and mentor the next generation of global citizens. This vision is possible, but we can’t do the work alone. Join us to help make travel a part of every high school student’s education.
