Each summer, thousands of North American high-school students travel abroad with organizations that specialize in educational travel programs.
Many of these lucky students return home with increased self-confidence, a heightened understanding of global issues, fabulous photos for Facebook, and a college essay topic that will impress even the most ruthless Ivy League admissions officer.
Parents and students who decide to invest in an educational travel program should be applauded, but choosing the right program is a daunting and complicated task. Dozens of organizations specialize in youth travel, and among these organizations there are tremendous variations in travel style, educational philosophy, and overall quality.
When it comes to youth travel programs, making the right choice requires extensive research and careful consideration. The following questions will help you make sense of your options.