Explore culture firsthand
Transformative hands-on learning through global exploration
We are proud to collaborate with our university partners to deliver life-changing global experiences. Through our immersive programs, students gain hands-on experience, cultivate cultural awareness, and develop skills for the real world.
We aim to elevate learning outcomes for every program by bringing your core curriculum to life.
Our global reach and relationships empower us to deliver superior academic-focused programming for a truly global perspective.
Each program is backed by unparalleled risk management and logistical support to deliver true peace of mind.
With hands-on learning, students achieve a deeper understanding of the world around them needed to thrive in an interconnected society.
Experiential learning is at the heart of what we do
HANDS-ON ENGAGEMENTS TO MEET YOUR CURRICULUM GOALS
Our mission is to partner with faculty to create enriching and educational experiences abroad. By incorporating your curriculum goals, we source one-of-a-kind opportunities that better prepare your students for future careers by exposing them to international culture, businesses, and academic engagements.
To do this, we pair your team with one of our regionally-focused Experiential Learning Specialists based on the content and goals of your program. Our Global Experiences team has spent years building networks of industry experts and dynamic organizations that can show your students real-world applications of their studies and immerse them in relevant, interactive projects.
We can incorporate any number of the following academic and cultural experiences to put your students face-to-face with real people and issues:
Core Engagements:
• Government agency
• Company visit
• Plant and factory tour
• Guided city immersion
• University visit
• Panel discussion
Social Responsibility:
• NGO visit
• Service-learning project
• Social impact experience
Sustainability project
Specialized Experiences:
• Strategy challenge
• Customized projects
• Guest lecture
• Cohort-building exercise
Cooking class
• Local market immersion
Our blueprint for success starts with a winning strategy
Our programs are intentionally crafted with an approach that results in richer academic success. We carefully analyze your strategic goals for the course and collaborate with you to design a program that meets your aspirations with a variety of in-country engagements for the most impactful experience.
Key program considerations that factor into our planning strategies:
Program goals & learning outcomes
Curriculum alignment
Global competency & cultural awareness
Thematic approach focused on key industries
Experiential engagements
Leadership & career readiness
Cross-cultural exchange
Social impact
Meet Brandon Victoria Youngman
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, CUSTOM PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Brandon brings over a decade of experience in higher education, with a strong focus on international education, student engagement, and faculty-led program development. She currently leads a team dedicated to designing and implementing customized faculty-led programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. Throughout her career, Brandon has led student and faculty groups abroad, traveling all over the world and cultivating global learning opportunities.
Below, Brandon shares her thoughts on her approach to program design:
"For me, developing a faculty-led program abroad for undergraduate students is all about creating meaningful, accessible, and memorable experiences that meet students where they are while helping them grow into who they want to become."
Q: What is your approach to intentional program design?
A: I always start with listening. Every partner has a unique vision for what they want their students to get out of an experience abroad, and our job is to help bring that vision to life in a thoughtful and practical way. I focus on building programs that are intentional from day one—where each element, whether academic, cultural, or logistical, is designed to support student learning and engagement. It is also important to build flexibility into a program so it can evolve with changing goals or student needs.
Q: How do you design programs that align to a university's unique academic and institutional goals?
A: It is a collaborative process. I work closely with partners to understand their priorities—which outcomes matter most, what kind of experiences they want students to have, and where they may need support. From there, we find creative ways to align those goals with their budget and resources. Whether it’s adjusting the length of a program, integrating local partners, or finding alternative housing options, I help identify solutions that keep the program high-quality, sustainable, and true to their original vision.
Wherever your imagination takes you, we'll get you there
We have the global reach and international relationships to power your programs with the best in applied learning.
THE AMERICAS EUROPE
Networks in
120+ countries
Local staff in 50+ international cities
Partnerships with 100+ host universities
Every program is yours and yours alone
Our approach to program development is personal and comprehensive. We’ll collaborate with you to create an experience that fits specific student profiles, faculty needs, budget requirements, and operational timelines.
Any degree level or group size
Program format, length, and travel dates
Site selection: single or multi-city destinations
Unique & exclusive engagements, both academic & cultural
Navigating budgets & administrative regulations
Accommodations to meet your needs
Meals to fit any occasion
Our team is passionate about supporting you at every turn
From our inception, we have set ourselves apart through our reputation for extraordinary customer care. You’ll work with a dedicated in-house expert to support your team through the entire program process, from recruiting and planning to managing and confirming all program logistics.
Students from the University of North Texas discover the rich culture and traditions of Japan.
Logistics management 360°
We’re with you every step of the way, leaving no stone unturned.
BEFORE
Dedicated Account Manager
Booking of travel arrangements: accommodations to meals and everything in between
Planning of academic, cultural, and social engagements that deliver immersive experiences
Venue outreach for meetings, classroom space, and special events
Marketing and recruitment support
Registration, payment, and emergency contact data collection
Instant visa-needs evaluation
Pre-departure orientation and materials
Management of international group air booking
Assistance with additional services, like extended hotel stays and private transfers
DURING
Monitoring of all group flights
On-the-ground transport and transfers
Local guides
24/7 emergency support and English-speaking support on-site
Travel app with real-time updates and group messaging
AFTER
Monitoring departure flights on your journey home
Gather documented feedback on every program aspect
Formal post-program check-in
Incident follow-up when necessary
Financial audit to reconcile program expenses
Proactive planning to develop your next program
Use our travel app to have your program at your fingertips
• View program itinerary and logistics documents
• Include your own university documents
• Review pre-departure information
• Access emergency contact info
Our integrated risk management is best in class
From a dedicated crisis management team to our partnership with Exlog Global, a risk assessment and support agency—our capacity for emergency support and contingency options is unmatched.
Included with every program
24/7 EMERGENCY SUPPORT
Around-the-clock access to highly trained, bilingual in-country support and to WorldAssist, our 24/7 emergency response command center. Plus, all travelers have access to Doctors on Call through our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates. Telehealth consultation with a mental health professional is also available through our relationship with AXA Behavioral Health.
ENTRY REQUIREMENT SUPPORT
Assessment of your group’s visa needs, personalized toolkit for participants, and supporting documentation for WorldStrides services. For the most up-to-date visa requirements, visit the US Department of State website.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Embedded health insurance including emergency care, repatriation, emergency reunion, and trip interruption benefits.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
We have long-standing relationships with our vendors, allowing us to negotiate terms and pricing on your behalf. We offer currency exchange protection, as well as liability insurance with your university listed as an additional insured upon request.
PEACE OF MIND
Partnerships with global risk advisory organizations, optional predeparture orientations, destination-specific resources with safe travel tips, and contingency planning for unforeseen interruptions.
TEAM OF EXPERTS
From your Account Manager and Experiential Learning Specialist to our in-country guides, you’ll have a team dedicated to ensuring the success of your program from start to finish.
Meet a few of our key team members:
Patrick Barker Director of Health, Safety, and Security
In crises large and small, Patrick helps manage the details of our response in coordination with your university team.
Dr. Neal Sikka Medical Advisor to WorldStrides
Our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates provides 24/7 access to medical care for all traveling participants.*
*Dr. Neal Sikka, The George Washington University Department of Emergency Medicine, and The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates are independent medical providers. WorldStrides is not a medical service provider and its employees do not render medical care or treatment, nor does WorldStrides control the selection, training, or supervision of any medical provider.
"The program was very accommodating and we were able to make last minute changes to the itinerary to keep all activities when our incoming flights were canceled. That was very helpful and working with WorldStrides was great."
Valerie Watson | West Virginia University
How inspiration begins
Building the perfect program together, from idea to reality.
ITINERARY DRAFT
MERCY UNIVERSITY IN COLOMBIA
Course Objectives: To create a travel participation with long-term positive impact across local communities in Colombia.
Day 1
Travel
Day 2
Cultural Immersion #1: Medellín
• Guided City Tour
• Local Food Tour
• Comuna 13 Visit Group Dinner at Andrés Carne
Day 3
Cultural Immersion #2: Arvi Park
• Cable Car Ride '
• Farmer’s Market
• Zipline
Day 4
Cultural Immersion #3: Guatapé
• Peñol Rock
• Piedra del Peñol
• Guided Boat Tour
Day 5
Academic Engagement #1: Ruta N Botanical Garden Visit Lunch at Via Cocina
Day 6
See how an itinerary draft can develop into a real-world program.
Tell us your focus, and we can source the right engagements to enhance the curriculum
Travel to Sopetran Guided Visit to Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day 7
Academic Engagement #2: Granja el Chacal Service-Learning Project at Cacao Farm Attend Local Theatre Production
Day 8
Service-Learning Project Travel to Medellín Group Farewell Dinner
Day 9
Cultural Immersion #4: Moravia Planting Project
Day 10 Depart for home
Cherie:
Can we include outdoor activities that feature the native plants of Colombia?
Account Manager:
Yes! The Jardin Botanico in Medellin features over 1,200 species of fauna from the Antioquia region. Your group can also plant new seeds in Moravia, the former trash heap-turned-green oasis.
MERCY UNIVERSITY IN COLOMBIA
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Destination: Medellín, Colombia
WorldStrides Higher Education partnered with Mercy University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences to create a program that combines meaningful community engagement with authentic cultural immersion for a comprehensive exploration of Colombia.
In collaboration with members of the Global Experiences team, this facultyled experience introduces students to Medellín and the surrounding Antioquia region and facilitates collaboration with local leaders, social enterprises, and grassroots changemakers.
Rather than participating in activities that have a short-term impact, Mercy University students contribute to initiatives that evolve over multiple years, respond to locally identified needs, and create lasting value for the community. This program stands as a model for responsible global learning.
Mercy University in Colombia
Population: School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Faculty Leader: Stuart Sidle
Destination: Medellín, Colombia
Program Length: 10 days, 9 nights
Cultural Highlights:
• Immersion in Arvi Park
• Exploration of Peñol Rock
• Service-learning project at a local cacao farm
• Moravia planting project
Some of the unique engagements students experienced
Colombia offered a diverse range of experiences for the students. At a mountainside cacao farm outside Medellín, the cohort helped farmers design a more efficient way to transport cacao pods downhill, ultimately installing a zipline system. Another community engagement opportunity came from Moravia, a former landfill transformed into a green oasis. The cohort rolled up their sleeves to clear trash and plant trees, maintaining the beauty of the neighborhood.
Beyond Medellín, the students visited the nearly 500-year-old village of Santa Fe de Antioquia, allowing them to step into the past, but also into the daily lives of today’s Colombians. It was outings like this one that made the biggest impact on the cohort, as they experienced the local life and color firsthand.
“Colombia has been the first trip that has taken such an emotional toll on me—especially our trip to Guatapé. Climbing [Peñol] Rock was extremely rewarding and inspiring. Watching people of every age, background, and identity climbing the rock with their own personal motivations was so touching.”
Mercy University Student
Intercultural communication in Japan
Destination: Japan
Designed specifically for students of the University of North Texas communications program, this tour explored the foundations of intercultural communication. Academic and cultural engagements across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka were curated to deepen understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape communication across societies. Each destination gave these students an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and better their understanding of Japan and the world.
As one of the world’s most innovative metropolitan regions, Tokyo exposed students to a blend of tech-driven modernity and deeply rooted tradition. They explored pop culture districts like Harajuku, known for its unique fashion and youth scene, and serene temples in Asakusa, each revealing a different layer of Japan’s identity. Later, in Osaka, the cohort explored the local food culture that has earned the city the title of Japan’s Kitchen. And Kyoto brought the students to some of the ancient capital’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
University of North Texas
Discipline: Communication
Program Leaders: Brian Lain, Ph.D.
Destination: Japan
Program Length: 15 days
Cultural Highlights:
• Tokyo city tour
• Asakusa temple visit
• Osaka culinary tour
• Kyoto excursion
“It was one of the coolest experiences ever. Getting to explore around historical landmarks and learn so much about a different culture firsthand. It’s one thing to watch videos of people in Japan and another to actually be there and experience it yourself. If you have the chance to go, I highly recommend it.”
Holland McCasland | Student
Stewarding global perspectives across the higher education communities
SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID FOR OUR STUDENTS
WorldStrides is dedicated to providing all students with the opportunity to broaden their worldview and become global leaders and citizens through transformational international experiences.
To support this vision, we make over $2 million in funding available each year for student travelers. Students currently registered for a university travel program can apply here: bit.ly/cp-funding
Neisa B.
Scholarship: Higher Ed Traveler
School: New York University
Program location: Sydney, Australia
"This scholarship [will let me] pursue my lifelong learning goal of developing holistic and reciprocal connections across cultures, cuisines, and religions. It will allow me to fully engage with local communities without the constant constraint of financial uncertainty."
Genesis O.R.
Scholarship: Natalie Shea Memorial
School: Arizona State University
Program location: Japan
“Inspired by Natalie Shea’s passion for travel, exploration, and diverse cultures, being chosen as a recipient for this scholarship has not only made my dreams of studying abroad a reality, but also reinforced the significance of education as a gift that transcends all barriers.”
Setting a proactive tone on Student Support
We are committed to ensuring that every student feels prepared, supported, and empowered throughout their journey abroad.
"After working for many years in higher education where transformative education was celebrated, it gives me great joy to work for an organization where transformative learning also encompasses the upliftment of support and inclusion initiatives. WorldStrides is committed to ensuring that our programs provide students with opportunities to discover their best selves, and it is wonderful to partner with faculty via our partnerships and our academics team to ensure that our staff and program content help them reach that journey."
Joyce G.
Scholarship: Impact scholarship winner School: Texas A&M International University Program location: Málaga, Spain
"Growing up in circumstances that made simply staying in school feel like an act of survival, I never imagined that my hardships would one day be part of the reason someone invested in my education. It is not just financial support—it is confirmation that the journey I was afraid to take is worth taking."
Yolanda Golden | Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility
