Global Routes

Crafting purpose-driven, tech-limited summer journeys for over 50 years

leaders since 1967

Start your journey

Since 1967 – Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of value-driven, experiential-based, international programming. We have enjoyed leading over 10,000 students around the globe on meaningful, fun, and growth-oriented summer programs. We offer our students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in small rural communities, develop long-lasting cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that will last a lifetime.

OUR SEVEN PROGRAM PILLARS:

Fun | Service | Cultural Immersion | Integrity & Mindfulness | Community | Leadership | Climate Change

Whether you’re looking for life-changing experiences, or you’re hoping to get off the track and reflect awhile, every student (and parent) of a Global Routes program will agree – this adds direction, purpose, and happiness to your life.

our programs

Immersive, community-oriented and fun travel experiences for 15-18 year olds, that significantly grow the self – it all starts here. Whether trekking the Himalayas, enjoying a meal with your host family, or lending a hand with a community project, our values always lead our programming.

global routes sessions

High School 
Summer Programs​

Our programs curate unique dives into local traditions, culture and history of each community we visit. Global Routes experiences also create profound opportunities to dive deep into yourself, your future, and your place in the world: supported by solid group dynamics facilitated by incredible Overseas Educators.

Global Routes Custom Program Session

Custom School and Camp Programs

For schools and groups, we offer customized programs to align with the goals, objectives, and curriculum of travelers. Through our team of travel experts, educators, and destination partners, we craft experiences that make lessons come alive.

Global Routes Gap Year

Carpe Diem: Gap Years

Through our sister organization, Carpe Diem Education, we offer structured international gap year experiences for students 17 – 22! Each of these gap programs aligns with our Global Routes values and focuses on small-group meaningful cultural immersion. 

global routes sessions

The Global Routes experience

We are a thriving global community built on a foundation of compassion, respect, and mutual understanding. Throughout our programs, students are supported as they gain the skills, tools, and confidence to thrive in an interconnected world by implementing the practices of reciprocal exchange and cultural immersion into every program, students emerge young adults ready to tackle their next challenge.

Cultural
Immersion

Students are travelers, not tourists. Rather than visiting famous sites or traveling by tour bus, students spend the summer traveling rustically and immersed in local, remote communities. With an unwavering respect for our hosts, each program is structured to promote true connection and facilitate meaningful exchange.

Community Engagement

We don’t merely visit communities – we listen, learn, and grow alongside our host communities. This includes reciprocal exchange and participating in community-driven service on every program. These contributions, and the lessons we learn along the way, last a lifetime.

Personal
Growth

Each student is provided a network of support and connection that facilitates their personal growth. As they tackle new challenges and overcome perceived obstacles, students gain confidence, independence, and leaderships skills.

"You guys were relaxed but on it and responsible. You were strict which is great. No devices fantastic 🙂 Noah loved every minute. He came home with lots of stories. I was most happy that he loved being thrown into another culture. He spoke not a word of Spanish but that was ok. He really loved all the people that he met and also those he went with."
Dodi
Parent Costa Rica, Summer 2023
“This experience enabled me to discover a new culture and to confront a group's dynamic and needs to my own. I immersed myself in different types of groups. Seeing my host family's dynamic from an external point of view reminded me of my family's, and made me reflect on my relationship with each of my family's members… Thank you for this amazing experience!
Jacob
Student Costa Rica, Summer 2023
"My trip with Global Routes helped me grow in areas I never would have expected. My confidence in my Spanish, my ability to adapt to new situations, and my confidence in myself all grew. It was life changing. It changed my perspective on life, happiness, the world, and myself, and I could never possibly express how much my trip really has  meant to me."
Eliza
Student Costa Rica, Summer 2022
"Wow. 10 out of 10. The leaders are so skilled in both travel AND teenagers. I can't imagine a better experience for my kid. And neither can he. He came back stronger, smarter, kinder, more confident, and more capable. His anxiety is way down. His joy is up. He discovered he loves travel, friends, adventure, and service more than he loves screens. It's not a cushy trip; they had some hard experiences, but I have never seen my child more alive and present. Bravo Global Routes!!!"
Abigail
Parent Hawai’i, Summer 2022

where could

one summer

take you?

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