about us
world travelers,
experienced educators,
passionate leaders
Who we are
Seven Pillars of Global Routes Programs:
- Fun
- Service
- Cultural Immersion
- Integrity & Mindfulness
- Community
- Leadership
- Climate Change
At Global Routes, we offer students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in small rural communities, develop deep and mutually fulfilling cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that last for generations.
We believe that travel is transformational! Since 1967, we’ve been leading immersive summer programming around the world, helping students gain perspective and learn more about themselves in the process.
We’re grateful to be here and honored to have the opportunity to facilitate transformative programs with our students and partners.
Thanks for your interest,
– The Global Routes Team
Our story
Crossroads America
Our travel history began when Interlocken created the first travel program for high school students under the name “Crossroads America” in 1967. That program involved several students renting a school bus and hitting the open road as they explored the United States.
Six weeks, no itinerary, no reservations, no limitations. Times have changed, but the same spirit of adventure that inspired the original Crossroads program persists. A passion for stepping outside our comfort zone and connecting with people from different backgrounds remains at our core, and infuses all our programs with a sense of wonder and a genuine desire to learn, understand, and grow.
A new concept is born
Our founders spent years as leaders, program managers, and directors before taking the bold step to launch a new concept: international travel programs with a focus on community service and cultural immersion designed for students 15-18.
Kenya 1986
Our inaugural international program – Kenya 1986 – was the first summer service program of its kind. Over thirty years later, our approach to international travel programs for teenagers is more relevant than ever. Our unique blend of experiential education, community service, and adventure travel combined with an unwavering commitment to and respect for our host communities sets us apart from other organizations in the field.
our mission
Preparing emerging leaders to thrive in society, within themselves, and on the planet, by learning skills, perspective, and confidence through meaningful cross-cultural experiences that are fun and challenging.
our values
- Meet People Where They Are – Growth happens best when individuals are seen and their skills and challenges are acknowledged with love.
- Cultivate Faith in Humanity – Collaboration is essential for progress. Invest in humanity’s future through meaningful connections that show real pathways toward progress.
- Embrace Growth & Transformation – Everything changes. Each day affords the opportunity to inspire ourselves and others with our approach to change.
- Enrich Education Through Accessible Experiences – Strive for experiences that cultivate empathy, understanding, and place-building.
- Connect Authentically – SHOW UP with integrity and include everyone who genuinely wants to share most of our vision.
- Play Wherever Possible – Embrace the absurdity and humor of life, creating new possibilities and encouraging positive impact.
- Start From The Center – Prioritize personal growth to better serve others. We avoid undermining good intentions by poor planning and unspoken issues.
- Combat Climate Change – Promote good acts, amplify their impact, and push for broader systems change on both planetary and societal levels.
our values on climate change
We recognize that Gen Z and subsequent generations are inheriting a society out of balance with the planet we live on. Changes will succeed only with an intersectional approach that empowers each person to embrace the work ahead, in their own capacity and unique genius. This is urgent.
We are working to minimize our environmental and carbon footprints, but recognize our greatest contribution as an organization is educational, and so we are leading by example, connecting students to impacts … but also meaningful solutions and allies.
affect the world
What we do here at home affects people on the other side of the world, and what happens on the other side of the world affects us here at home. The actions we take today determine the shape of the world we leave for our children and grandchildren.
becoming
leaders
Genuine intercultural exchange enables Global Routes students to gain the skills needed to become inspiring leaders and valuable members of their local and international communities.
one human connection at a time
Our goal is to leave our world a better place than we found it. We believe we can achieve this goal one human connection at a time.
our team
we are a global community
Our team of world travelers, educators, and professionals are constantly looking for ways students can go deeper and experience profound transformation – discovering themselves and the world
leadership
Our leadership is intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of Global Routes, ensuring we’re following through on our promises to deliver exceptional experiences for students seeking adventure and meaning!
Field Staff
Superior leadership is critical to the success of our programs. Therefore, a great deal of time and care goes into assembling a superb team of leaders in the field.
In addition to being warm, bright, compassionate, energetic, creative and competent, each leader also has extensive experience working with high school students.
Our field staff hail from all over the world and are an essential part of developing, managing, and improving our programs.
