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.
Ohio University students connect with South Africa's past at the District Six Museum in Cape Town.
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 Jessica Smith
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL EXPERIENCES
Jessica leads both our Account Management and Global Experiences teams developing customized international programs built around academics and experiential learning. Her international travels have brought her to 29 countries throughout Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, giving her a front row seat to our most popular destinations and engagements. Jessica pairs her passion for helping students see the world in a new light with her expertise of aligning curriculum and career readiness to international programs, striving to help students become global citizens. She works closely with faculty program leaders to ensure engagements are impactful and flow seamlessly from one to another.
Below, Jessica shares her thoughts on her approach to program design:
"Every single program is unique. While I am always happy to pull from past experiences to consult on program design, I prefer to start by asking about the faculty’s course objectives. Once I can understand their vision and the learning objectives that they have for the program, my mind starts to make the necessary connections. Initial planning is key to final outcomes, so I prefer to be involved as early as possible in the conversations about program design. By collaborating early and often through the process, we can deliver a unique and valuable program to your students."
Q: When sourcing meetings, how do you make the connection between program and speaker?
A: We share the same goal as the faculty: find engaging speakers who meet program objectives. We leverage our network and build new connections to find the perfect fit. To resonate with students, we tailor each engagement—we share program goals and guide speakers in exploring their company through a student lens, ensuring their presentations align with program goals and connect with the students.
Q: What would you say is the most important aspect of program design?
A: Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to vary the content and format for each engagement. For instance, by breaking the group out into smaller teams, they learn more about each other, as well as the city they are visiting. Planning for pace and variety help keep the entire group engaged; this has become a greater priority post-pandemic as students look for space to process their surroundings and learnings. I highly recommend incorporating intentional opportunities for reflection to allow students to unpack and digest their experiences.
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
110 countries
Local staff in 60+ 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.
Mississippi State students delve into the rich history of psychology across Europe.
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: website and on-campus visits
Registration and emergency contact data collection
Instant visa-needs evaluation
Pre-departure orientation and materials
Management of international group air booking and payment collection as well as 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 and insurance filing, 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
Trained, bilingual in-country support, as well as access to our exclusive relationship with The George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, providing 24/7 medical care via telehealth consultation.
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, medical evacuation, repatriation, and 24/7 telehealth consultation with mental health professionals.
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:
Robin Reliford Head of Health & Safety
In crises large and small, Robin 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
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
DUB-C AUTISM PROGRAM (D-CAP)
Course Objectives: To provide degree-seeking students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a culturally immersive experience in London, England.
Day 1
Departure
Day 2
London | Orientation & Double-Decker Bus Tour
Day 3
Free morning to explore Academic engagement #1: Company visit
• Autism at Work Programme Dinner at The Gate
Day 4
Cultural immersion #1: Group Activities
• Kayaking on the Thames
• Tour of the London Transport Museum
Cherie:
What unique dinner spot can we walk to from our hotel?
Account Manager: How about the Brazilian steakhouse, Preto Queensway?
Day 5
Cultural immersion #2: Group activities
• Tour of the Natural History Museum
• Afternoon tea at the Harry Potter Studio and studio tour
Day 6
Cultural immersion #3: City Tour of London
• Tour the Tower Bridge during quiet hours
• A Midsummer Night's Dream at the famous Globe Theater
Day 7
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
Cultural immersion #4: Explore the city
• Walk through Hyde Park
• Visit the Borough Market Dinner at Mamma Mia
Day 8
Cultural immersion #5: Group Activities
• Foster community with peers through the National Autistic Society
• Relaxed cinema screening Dinner at The Fox and Anchor
Day 9
Cultural immersion #6: Group Activities
• Tour of the Science Museum
• Visit Park Lane Stables, affiliated with Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
Day 10
Cultural immersion #7: Group activities
• Visit the historic Prime Meridian Lunch at Bill's Restaurant Afternoon to Explore
Day 11 Depart for home
Cherie:
Can we find some sensory-sensitive tours in London?
Account Manager:
Yes, the Tower Bridge has a Relaxed Opening that would be a perfect tour for this program.
West Chester University
Population: Undergraduate D-CAP Program
Faculty Leaders: Amanda Martin and Beatrice Adara
Destination: London, England
Program Length: 10 days, 9 nights
Cultural Highlights:
• “The Making of Harry Potter” studio tour
• Kayaking on the Thames
• Afternoon tea
• London Transport Museum tour
• London city tour
WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY D-CAP PROGRAM
Destination: London, England
WorldStrides Higher Education partnered with West Chester University to launch their first-ever international program for degree-seeking students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as part of the Dub-C Autism Program (D-CAP). This faculty-led program immersed students in the rich culture of London, England—a top sensory-friendly city.
The Global Experiences and on-site teams meticulously developed a sensorysensitive itinerary and adapted activities for individuals with autism. Highlights included horseback riding, kayaking on the Thames, “The Making of Harry Potter” tour, high tea, and exploring Hyde Park.
For many students, this program marked their first time traveling internationally, some even venturing beyond Pennsylvania for the first time. These experiences provided a culturally immersive introduction to the world.
Take a look at some of the unique engagements students experienced
London offered a diverse range of experiences for the students. At Park Lane Stables, a riding school affiliated with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), they learned about the company's work with individuals with physical and learning work with individuals with people with physical and learning disabilities and autism. Students had the option to participate in horseback riding with instructors, carriage driving, or simply spend time caring for the gentle horses. Here, they witnessed firsthand the stables' dedication to creating inclusive experiences.
Beyond the stables, the group explored the iconic Harry Potter Studio Tour, stepping into the magical world of the beloved books and films. However, some of their most cherished moments were simply watching ducks and playing with dogs during a stroll along Hyde Park's expansive grounds. These unexpected moments of connection highlighted the joy of travel and being together as a group.
“I would love to see more opportunities like this for autistic people to travel abroad for international study,” said Melanie Schwartz, an interdisciplinary studies major. “Just that little bit of support can mean so much.”
“The growth I have observed in our students was astonishing. We don’t have a single student who didn’t love the trip. They are already talking about next year!”
Cherie Fishbaugh | West Chester Program Leader
Global leadership in Peru
Destination: Peru
Designed especially for incoming freshmen prior to the start of their first year, Purdue University’s Global Leadership program prioritizes skills like cultural awareness, empathy, and mindfulness in pursuit of intercultural growth with an interdisciplinary approach to study abroad. Traveling throughout Peru in the last two weeks of July, the students experience a diverse set of activities designed to engage students in Peruvian culture, from hiking and canoeing to meeting with indigenous communities and participating in sustainability projects. These activities are paired with intensive on-program engagement from the faculty leaders, including journaling, facilitated discussions, and readings throughout the program.
This approach is paired with intensive pre-program preparation and extensive post-program mentorship, designed to sustain the experience through the students’ first few months on campus. Prior to departure, students are assigned readings and videos as a foundation to travel. Upon their return, students complete classroom coursework through an 8-week module that aims to translate what was learned abroad into life on-campus. The program model aims to adjust the mindset of students and place emphasis on what happens before and after, as much as during. By stretching the study abroad experience, faculty can work to more fully implement learning outcomes and thoroughly evaluate them over time.
To bring the experience full-circle, past participants are encouraged to be teaching assistants for the following year, allowing them to apply the leadership and intercultural skills they learned throughout the course.
Purdue University
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Leaders:
Michael Bittinger
Destination: Peru
Program Length: 13 days, 13 nights
Cultural Highlights:
• Game of Sapo
• Inka ruins
• Sacsayhuaman ruins
• Machu Picchu
• Cusco Historic Center
“WorldStrides, and especially the local staff in Lima, make all the difference. They provide the assurance that I can confidently focus my attention on the students and my course objectives. They handle the rest, and they do so impeccably well.”
Michael Bittinger | Assistant Director, Purdue Study Abroad
“Many of the things we learned could not have been effectively taught in a classroom. Being in Peru was not only the best time of my life, but also made me think in an entirely different way.”
Student | Purdue University
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 expand their global exposure.
To support this vision, we make over $2 million in funding available each year for traveling students seeking financial support. Students registered for a WorldStrides university travel program can apply here: worldstrides.com/ifa
In addition, we are proud to offer scholarship opportunities for student travelers each year. This scholarship program evolved from our belief in the value of creating future global leaders and citizens through transformational international experiences. Students currently registered for a university travel program (excluding executive students) can apply online: worldstrides.com/higheredscholarships
Andrew C.
Scholarship: Higher Ed Traveler
School: University of Georgia
Program location: Oxford
“Honestly, I couldn’t even believe I got this scholarship! It has been a dream of mine since middle school and the fact that I can fulfill one of my most sought-after goals and have it almost completely financed is unbelievable. I'm so thankful for this opportunity.”
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 Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is about creating a sense of belonging and access to opportunities. It’s an appreciation for diverse communities and a recognition that DEI is a key ingredient to innovation.
"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 diversity, equity, 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."
Nadia S.
Scholarship: Diversity & Inclusion
School: Purdue University
Program location: Morocco
“With the financial support this scholarship provides, I can fully immerse myself in my studies without the added stress of figuring out how to fund my upcoming study abroad trip. In this pivotal last semester of college, it has granted me the opportunity to make the most out of my academic experience!”
Yolanda Golden | Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
