Global Routes

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

Global Routes

Your journey starts here

Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of value-driven, experiential-based, international programming. Since 1967, we have led 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 into small rural communities, develop long-lasting cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that will last a lifetime.

our programs

Discover your potential with an immersive, cross-cultural summer experience – it all starts here.

High School  Summer Programs

Although each program is uniquely curated to focus on the unique traditions, culture, history, and community of each destination, every Global Routes experience includes opportunities to dive deep and explore…

Custom 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.

Gap Year

Through our sister organization, Carpe Diem Education, we offer structured international gap year experiences for students 18 – 22! Each of these gap programs aligns with our Global Routes values and focuses on small-group meaningful cultural immersion.

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.

about Global Routes

Whether trekking the Himalayas, enjoying a meal with our host families, or lending a hand with a community project, our values are the centerpoint of our programming.

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.

Meaningful
Growth

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

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

The Global Routes experience will teach you about the world and yourself. You will leave a different person. I would highly recommend a Global Routes program.

Daliah
Student Leaders in Action, Summer 2022