So much goes into planning a Global Routes summer. From itinerary planning and selecting the perfect staff, to risk management and safety, along with the little touches that make our programs so special—it’s truly is a labor of love. After a successful summer, the words of our students describing their personal growth and discoveries affirm we are in the right industry 🙂 Read Global Routes student reviews about their incredible summer experiences:
“I was so excited to come on this trip to Costa Rica with Global Routes, but nothing could have quite prepared me for all of the wonderful experiences and amazing people that I met along the way. I am very glad that I went with Global Routes because of how much they emphasized the culture and gave us opportunities to connect with the people and really see what life is like there. I got to improve my Spanish, make connections with so many people, many of whom I hope to stay in touch with, and already am. One of the things that I really loved was how we had a great balance of fun things and hard work. In a way that made all of the fun activities like whitewater rafting, waterfall repelling, zip lining and even a swim in the river all the more meaningful and special. One day we all were working especially hard and it was hot outside, I remember Pablo taking us for a quick jump in the river and out of all of the times we went swimming there, the water never felt as cold and refreshing as it did that time. Doing something like this is a big decision, and sometimes scary but I am so glad to have gone, and this is something I will always remember for the rest of my life. The wonderful people I met, places I saw and things I got to do. I would definitely encourage any one who is considering going on this trip to embark on this wonderful journey. Pura Vida!”
—Abigail, Costa Rica
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to travel amidst the covid-19 pandemic to Hawaii with Global Routes. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone which allowed room for so much growth and knowledge. I feel as though I am a better person because of this experience. I would recommend Global Routes to everyone looking for an experience they will cherish for the rest of their life. I know I will!”
—Ainslie, Hawaii
“This program and the students selected to go on the program have pushed me to be a better version of myself. I learned about other cultures but also learned to value my own. It’s an experience like no other and gives a new meaning and understanding to traveling.”
—Hannah, Hawaii
“I don’t even know where to start. The 2021 Hawaii program has changed my perspective on life, humanity’s relationship with the earth, and the individual’s true potential for impact in issues that may seem absent of it, among others. We dove headfirst into Hawaiian culture and history and learned things from points of view we had not experienced or even considered beforehand. The work we did on various farms and other locations gave us a truly hands-on lesson in Hawaii’s past and the values that Hawaiians have espoused for thousands of years. We explored places of deep historical and geological significance and basked in the sheer beauty of the place. The Hawaii Program was a month of learning, new beginnings, rewarding service, breathtaking surroundings, and cultural immersion; it was a month I’ll never forget.”
—Ryan, Hawaii
“The 2021 Costa Rica trip with Global Routes was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From the very beginning, the staff worked so hard to ensure that we felt prepared for the trip and made sure we knew exactly where to go and what to do. It was so well organized and felt so personalized. The trip was the perfect combination of travel, Spanish and cultural immersion, free time, service and fun activities. I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone who wants to have an amazing summer full of travel and new experiences.”
—Jessie, Costa Rica
“Global Routes changed my mind, my heart, and my life. Being somewhere where the only thing I had to do was be and learn and love and try made me realize how much I truly love doing those things. I love to learn, and school turned me off to that but being in Hawai’i and spending my whole time just learning about the past present and future of such a beautiful place made me want to learn for the rest of my life. Global Routes gave me a hunger for my own life that I had never experienced before. After this summer, all I want to do for the rest of my life is live.”
—Zoe, Hawaii
“As a camper at Windsor Mountain Summer Camp, the beginning and final destination of Global Routes’ St. Vincent program, I always idolized the students who I got to see both before, and after their program. The young students who I’d known for years would leave as campers, having recently graduated from WMI only a year ago, and return as leaders, visibly matured and glowing from their recent experiences. This past summer, I got to experience Global Routes myself in a delayed trip to St. Vincent, that ended up in Hawaii, and it was more impactful than I ever could have imagined. I would encourage any student or parent considering a Global Routes program to step out of your comfort zone and go for it! You will meet so many incredible people, forge so many lasting bonds and learn so much about both wherever you are traveling to, and yourself. Global Routes is truly unique amongst similar programs because of how qualified the leaders are, and how authentically you will get to know the people, land and communities you are visiting.”
—Caroline, Hawaii
“A+! Not only did I gain so much from the trip in forms of laughter, friendship, and knowledge, I also felt the reward of giving, in forms of service. Seeing the beautiful nature, and meeting amazing people gave me a new confidence in myself, and friends I am still talking to daily. If you are on the fence about wether you should choose this program or not, you should absolutely go for it. I personally saw so many people change from the first day to the last, in really positive ways. There are many once in a lifetime experiences I was able to have, that you cannot get access to from a normal family vacation. Please try a program with Global Routes, it is one of the best experiences I have had in my entire life, not exaggerating.”
—Sophie, Hawaii
“Especially following the COVID-19 pandemic and struggling with mental health through it, this trip was everything I could have wanted. It was the start of a new portion of my life, and I could never replace my experience with anything else. I am so grateful I took somewhat of a risk and did something that scared me a little bit. Following my trip, I have a new outlook on life and perspective. In my time in Costa Rica, I discovered so much about myself, as well as the culture in the country. I am so relieved I took the leap and did a trip with Global Routes.”
—Genna, Costa Rica
“I’m not too sure what I was expecting going in, but this summer abroad exceeded anything I could have imagined. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone and expanded my Spanish skill set as I interacted each day with our homestay family. I got a true glimpse into Costa Rican life, and I have no doubt that I will take these memories with me everywhere I go.”
—Zoe, Costa Rica
Summer 2021 was absolutely incredible—especially after a no-travel summer in 2020. Providing life-changing experiences for our students means the world to us, and we can wait to do it again in 2022. Join us!
