Destination Guide (High Schools AUS)

Supporting the

DESTINATION GUIDE: SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMS

www.challengesabroad.com.au

Transformative Global Citizenship Experiences

13+

Years’ Experience

100+ 11,000+

Trusted Global Partners

Global Participants

We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation.

It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet.

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About Us Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment.

A More Secure World for Everyone.

Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.

Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours.

The Challenges Abroad Difference

Student Impact Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.

Community Impact Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.

Enviornmental Impact We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.

Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, the FutureSense Foundation.

Supporting sustainable development in low-income, underserved rural communities, the FutureSense Foundation works towards achieving a ‘Fairer World’; where each person has the opportunity to meet their aspirations for a better future.

Participants on a Challenges Abroad program are therefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.

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Service-Learning Programs Our Service-Learning Programs enable students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community. Our programs are carefully curated to have three core elements:

Community Engagement: Students will share skills and contribute to long term, sustainable projects by delivering a variety of workshops at our local partner schools. Themes could include conversation English, STEM, creative arts, sports leadership, wellbeing and more.

Cultural Immersion: Students will engage in cross-cultural exchange and participate in cultural activities throughout their program. All our destinations boast an incredible culture and history, and students will delve deeper into this vibrant heritage through various activities.

Global Citizenship By experiencing how different communities live, broadening cultural awareness and enhancing global perspectives, this program aims to inspire students to continue learning about the wider world and making a positive impact through their future endeavours.

We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:

Confidence

Communication skills

Ability to handle challenges

Cultural awareness

Resilience

Leadership

Teamwork

Cross-cultural communication

Problem Solving

Adaptability

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Real Experiences. Real Growth. Real Impact.

Community Impact & Real-World Learning Students work alongside local communities to address real-world challenges, gaining firsthand experience of creating meaningful, measurable impact.

Cross-Cultural Understanding & Global Perspectives Through immersive, cultural experiences and daily interactions, students build genuine connections and develop the skills needed to communicate and collaborate across cultures.

Personal Growth & Resilience By stepping outside their comfort zones, students build confidence, adaptability and resilience, discovering strengths and capabilities they didn't know they had.

Empathy & Global Citizenship Students critically reflect their own perspectives of privilege, equity and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of social responsibility.

Leadership, Teamwork & Collaboration Students strengthen leadership and teamwork skills by working with peers and community partners toward shared goals in unfamiliar and dynamic environments.

Environmental Action & Sustainability Through hands-on environmental initiatives such as tree-planting and sustainable community projects, students contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Where We Work Our 7 key community hubs with permanent in-country teams.

We also offer a diverse range of destinations for study tours, providing students with the opportunity to further enhance their learning through practical experiences that bring their courses to life.

Panama

Peru

Tanzania

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Nepal

Cambodia

India

Thailand

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Location: Battambang

Arrival Airport: Siem Reap

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Visit Siem Reap and watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat

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Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder Cambodia offers students a rich and meaningful destination for global learning. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Angkor complex, including the iconic Angkor Wat, the country showcases the remarkable legacy of the Khmer Empire and its enduring cultural significance. From traditional towns to vibrant cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia provides insight into a complex history shaped by both ancient achievement and more recent challenges. Today, the resilience and warmth of the Khmer people define the nation, offering students powerful opportunities to develop cultural understanding, empathy, and Global Citizenship through immersive international experiences.

Our Cambodia program is based at our hub in Battambang, in northwestern Cambodia on the Sangkae River. The city is known for having some of the best-preserved French Colonial architecture in the country. There are a number of unique experiences and things to see in and around Battambang, such as the bat caves, killing fields and the floating village.

Students will support our FutureSense Foundation Cambodia team who supports 715 students and their families and provides free daily education for over 500 students who cannot afford this themselves.

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Location: Mae Sariang

Arrival Airport: Chiang Mai

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Visit Chiang Mai Spend a week in an ethical animal sanctuary

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Thailand: The Land of Smiles Thailand is a vibrant and culturally rich destination. Deeply influenced by Buddhism, which shapes daily life for much of the population, Thailand provides meaningful insight into spiritual traditions, cultural values, and community life.

While Thailand is well known for its stunning beaches and the dynamic city of Bangkok, its landscape is also home to more than 70 ethnic minority groups, many living in rural regions near international borders. These communities often face greater challenges due to geographic isolation, language barriers, and limited access to opportunities. For students, Thailand presents a valuable opportunity to explore cultural diversity, understand social inequality, and engage thoughtfully with issues of Global Citizenship through immersive, educational experiences.

Our programs are based north of Chiang Mai in Mae Sariang - a district in the Mae Hong Son province which is referred to as the land of nature. It is a small and quiet town surrounded by green mountains and during the farming seasons, the green paddy fields.

Mae Sariang is full of different cultures and is a beautiful area for exploring. Most local people in the town are farmers, planting mainly rice and other crops throughout the year.

Students in Thailand will work with the FutureSense Foundation team, who support over 1300 community members.

From £2995

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Location: Palampur

Arrival Airport: Dharamshala

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Tour of Delhi Visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal Visit Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Llama.

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India Rediscovered India is an extraordinary destination, shaped by its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and deep spiritual traditions. From world-renowned cuisine and hundreds of languages to iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - India provides a powerful setting for cultural discovery and global understanding.

As the world’s most populous nation and a rapidly growing economic power, India is home to the largest youth population globally. While the country experiences significant economic growth, many young people face challenges related to access to education. For students, India presents a meaningful opportunity to explore the intersection of tradition, development and social change.

Our programs are located in India's northern state of Himachal Pradesh in Palampur. Palampur is a rural hill station that is famous for its aromatic tea gardens and colonial-era architecture. Located just 1 hour from Palampur is Dharamshala, a city surrounded by cedar forests on the edge of the Himalayas and home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Students in India will be contributing to the work of the FutureSense Foundation India team who support over 100 students and 200 community members!

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Location: Kathmandu Valley

Arrival Airport: Tribhuvan

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Trek in the foothills of the Himalayas Visit Kathmandu

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Nepal: Land of the Himalayas Nepal - often referred to as the Himalayan Kingdom - is home to the world’s highest mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, known locally as Sagarmatha or “Goddess Mother of the World,” Nepal provides an inspiring backdrop for exploration, reflection, and cultural understanding.

At its heart lies Kathmandu, the country’s cultural and historical centre, rich with art, tradition, and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, widely known as the Monkey Temple. Despite its location between the global powers of India and China, Nepal remains one of the world’s least developed countries, with many communities facing ongoing economic challenges. The country continues to recover from the devastating 2015 earthquake, making it a powerful setting for students to learn about resilience, development, and Global Citizenship.

Our programs are based in the Kathmandu Valley, at the foothills of the Himalayas – the world's largest mountain range. Kathmandu Valley is a bustling and vibrant area of Nepal where thousands of tourists each year visit before attempting to climb Everest. It is home to more than six UNESCO World Heritage sites including the historical city of Bhaktapur. It is is a hub of history and culture which makes it the perfect place to explore.

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Location: El Valle de Anton

Arrival Airport: Panama City

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Panama Canal 1 week reforestation in the Pedasi region

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Panama: Immersive Biodiversity Panama serves as a natural bridge between North and South America, offering students a destination rich in diversity, history, and global significance. Its strategic location has shaped the nation’s identity, most notably through the Panama Canal - a vital link in global trade and an impressive example of human engineering.

Beyond the canal, Panama is home to an extraordinary range of environments, from lush rainforests filled with wildlife to Caribbean beaches and dramatic Pacific coastlines. The country’s multicultural identity reflects a blend of Indigenous communities, AfroPanamanian heritage, and European and Asian influences. For students, Panama provides meaningful opportunities to explore cultural diversity, environmental sustainability, and global interconnectedness through immersive international learning experiences.

Our programs are based in El Valle de Anton, a quaint town nestled within the crater of an inactive volcano. In Panama, we actively support youth-led climate action and social change. Participants will contribute to community projects which may involve facilitating workshops on climate action and environmental awareness to local children, supporting Eco Clubs, engaging in STEM and creative arts initiatives, and participating in our conversational English sessions. You will also facilitate workshops and practical sessions such as tree planting and community clean-ups, and get the chance to explore the history and beauty of Panama by visiting historical sites.

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Location: The Sacred Valley

Arrival Airport: Cusco

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Visit Machu Picchu 1 week in the Manu Amazon National Park

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Peru: The Inca Experience Peru offers students a rich and inspiring destination for global learning, shaped by ancient civilisations, breathtaking landscapes, and deep cultural traditions. Home to part of the Amazon Rainforest and the iconic Machu Picchu - one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Peru provides powerful insight into the legacy of the Incan Empire.

The historic city of Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique blend of Incan archaeology and Spanish colonial architecture, with the Plaza de Armas at its cultural heart. While Peru has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years, disparities between urban and rural communities remain, particularly in access to education and healthcare. For students, Peru offers meaningful opportunities to explore development, inequality, and cultural resilience while building global awareness through immersive experiences.

Our programs are based in Urubamba, in the heart of the Sacred Valley with the imposing Andes mountain range and rich Quechua culture. It is called the Sacred Valley because it contains some of the best lands in the region. The Sacred valley is home to colonial towns and isolated weaving villages. Top attractions include incredible colourful markets with traditional handicrafts, and the Inca citadels of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Learners will support the FutureSense Foundation Peru team who support over 700 students.

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Location: Arusha

Arrival Airport: Kilimanjaro

Program Length: 17 Days

Additional Activities: Weekend Safari

Visit Masaai Tribe

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Tanzania: Maasai Land Tanzania is renowned for its extraordinary natural environments and cultural diversity.

Home to the vast plains of the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest peak in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain - Tanzania provides an iconic setting for exploration and discovery.

The country is culturally rich, with strong Swahili influences alongside Arab and African heritage, and many Indigenous communities, including the Maasai, living in rural regions.

As a developing nation, Tanzania continues to face challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. For students, Tanzania presents meaningful opportunities to understand global development issues, cultural resilience, and responsible global citizenship through immersive, educational experiences.

In Tanzania, our programs are based in the city of Arusha, located at the base of the incredible volcano Mt. Meru. Arusha is a gateway to safari destinations and Mount Kilimanjaro. To the west of Arusha lies the Serengeti National Park. Tanzania has a very mixed culture, predominantly Swahili with an Arab/African mix and Tribes that tend to inhabit in rural areas including the Maasai. Learners on the Tanzania Maasai Land program will have the opportunity to explore Tanzania and support the FutureSense Foundation Tanzania team who support over 1800 students and provides clean drinking water for all students and teachers in partner schools.

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Hear From Our Global Community From chemistry class to life-changing adventures: how one teacher is transforming students through global challenges.

Marcus Rutland, a chemistry teacher at Queen Mary's College, has led four Challenges Abroad expeditions, taking 68 students to Cambodia, Panama, Nepal, and India. With a fifth trip now in the planning stages, Marcus shares why these trips matter far more than any classroom lesson ever could.

What Marcus has discovered resonates deeply with today's challenges. The trips promote "an optimism in them that the students often didn't have before... not because we've shown them that life can be so much shinier than anything they've seen but, in a bizarre way, that we've shown them that the glamorous things they’ve seen online aren’t actually what matters."

Instead, students discover something more valuable: "The simple things of people living and working together, being part of a community that supports each other, eating and sharing life together – those things are amazing and accessible and real and out there, and they can be a part of that."

The impacts last far beyond the trip.

Some students have gone on to overseas work directly because of their experience. Others stay in touch and talk about their trip as one of their happiest memories and a real turning point in their lives.

After four countries and 68 students, Marcus sums it up as an "unrivalled experience." The combination of robust preparation, the right partnerships, and genuine commitment creates something special:

Young people who return home not just with stamps in their passports, but with an expanded sense of who they are and what they're capable of in this "amazing planet with all of its opportunities."

As Marcus puts it simply: "It's gold dust."

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Eye-Opening

“This program pushed me to be uncomfortable which allowed me to overcome my fears of failure.

I was put into some many challenging situations that provoked growth. The connections I've made with everyone will last forever and have opened my eyes to the vast world.”

Global Citizen, Rommie Cambodia

Life-Changing “This trip has been an amazing and life changing experience for me... it’s really made me grow as a person, it’s greatly improved my confidence and independence, and I have made some incredible memories!”

Global Citizen, Sarah Thailand

Growth “My trip to Peru was incredible!

Not only was I able to help make a difference, but I was able to learn about and connect with the traditional culture.

I also learnt how easy it can be to communicate with others even when you don't share a language as long as you are open and friendly which was a beautiful experience.”

Global Citizen, Charlie Peru

Contact Us: Email: hello@challengesabroad.com.au Website: www.challengesabroad.com.au