Why Am I Qualified To Talk About High School Travel?
I have had both the experience of traveling myself as a high schooler and guiding current high school students during their time abroad.
My trips to Tanzania and Thailand as a seventeen and eighteen year old opened my eyes to the beauty of traveling abroad as a teenager.
Five years later, I spent a summer leading high school travel programs in Thailand for fourteen to eighteen year olds. This was where I truly saw the benefits and transformation that comes from experiencing the world and leaving your comfort zone at such a young age.
Affording to travel the world, especially at a young age, is a privilege. I will leave resources to scholarships and opportunities at the end of the article.
It is important that high school travel happens within a safe, supportive, and reputable group. (I’ll discuss what to look for in groups further down the article).
Why Travel as a High School Student?
There are so many benefits to traveling abroad while you’re young. High school students are at an age where they’re starting to figure out who they are as people. They’re establishing their values and the things they want out of life. They’re learning what they like and what they don’t.
And the best way to learn about yourself? Trying new things.
Traveling in a safe and supportive group gives teenagers a gentle push out of their comfort zones, while knowing that there is a safety net there to catch them.
It’s a type of introduction into the world of travel and cultural immersion that is much harder to find as an adult who is already seen as “independent”.
Young travelers who have the opportunity to experience different ways of life around the world are opened up to entirely new possibilities. They then take ideas and learnings home to share with those around them. What does this create? A more understanding and globalized world.
From these types of programs, students often realize what they may want to study in university is different than they once thought. They realize how beneficial it is to have friends scattered all around the globe. They realize the value in leadership and speaking up about difficult topics. Students grow because PEOPLE grow when they’re outside of their comfort zones.
Teenager who travel grow their empathy and compassion twofold.
However, like everything in life, no two organizations are the same. So, how can you be sure to choose the right one for YOU?
How To Choose The Right Organization
Choosing the right organization to travel with is the MOST important thing.
For the parents out there, I’m sure it can be scary to send your kid out into the world. I know my parents were hesitant and I have been on phone calls with worried parents whose child was thousands of miles and a sea away.
There are seemingly endless options of organizations to choose from. So how do you know which one to pick?
What Do you Want out of the Experience?
This is the first thing you’ll have to decide in order to find the right organization.
Questions To Ask Yourself:
- Do you want to to volunteer or not?
- Do you want a religious or secular organization?
- Where are you interested in traveling?
- How long do you want to go for?
- Is language learning a priority?
- What’s your ideal group size?
- Who are the leaders of the trip?
- What are the safety protocols?
Once you’ve created your dream trip, it’s time to search for programs.
When You’ve Found a Potential Organization:
- Check to see if they have online webinars/events to join
- Email/Call and ask to discuss questions or concerns you or your parent may have
- Read reviews. Most organizations will have a ton of reviews from both past students and parents
- Check to see if there are any open houses around you. Some orgs have past students who will share their experiences with potential students
Seek resources. A good, quality organization will have them and will tell you where and how to find them. example
What Do I Do if my Parents Say No??
If you’re a high school who wants to have an experience abroad, but your parents aren’t on board: this is my advice for you.
First, you should be empathetic and try to understand that it’s scary for a parent to send their child to a foreign country (sometimes one on the other side of the world). Tell them that you understand why they might be hesitant.
Then, show them how much you want it.
How?
- Do the research for them. Know the answers to the questions they might ask you and explain why you think the organization is safe and reputable. Know the website and show them. Find reviews from past students and parents and share them. Become an expert.
- Come up with a financial plan. Many organizations are quite expensive. You’ll likely get to do some really cool bucket list items… plus, there is a whole team to support you. This expense adds up quickly. If you really want to go, you should show your willingness to contribute financially. This could look like getting a part time job, having this trip go towards birthday/holiday presents, etc.
- Prove your own capability. This may look like taking on more responsibilities at home to show that you are capable and confident in your ability to take care of yourself and problem solve. Think about it… parents who trust their kid’s judgement are parents who will be more comfortable sending them abroad.
- Talk to them about the “tens ways high school travel is transformational” above. Show them this article and talk through it. Again, show that you’ve done your research and know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Be patient! Allow your parents to process the information. Let them look through the websites, make phone calls to organizations, and wrap their head around letting you go. Again, come at them with empathy and understanding.
What if they still say no?
Many programs accept students up until 18 or 19 years old. If they say no when you’re 14 or 15, try again next year. Spend the time proving to them that you are capable and that this is still a passion of yours and something that you are more than willing to work for!
While On Your Trip
Embrace the feeling of discomfort and unfamiliarity as you step outside your home country (maybe even for the very first time)!
Tips for a Successful Trip
- Have a plan. Know how to navigate the airport & where you’ll meet your trip leaders when you arrive.
- Bring comfort items. Are there things that bring you ease when you feel stressed? Book, journal, earphones, art supplies, etc.
- Talk to your trip leaders! Remember that there are people there to support you. Ask for help when you need it.
- Journal! Helps to process emotions & to remember all the little things that happened that you may forget about one day.
- Be Open Minded. There may be parts of the trip you’re less excited about than others. Go into each activity with an open mind. You may be surprised to find an interest in a new activity!
- Take your trip home with you. What did you learn while you were away and how can you transfer it into your day to day life? This is how you grow as a person!
- Have fun!! Ask questions, make friends, try new foods, and go into every activity with excitement. Not everyone gets to travel, especially as a high school student!
Resources and Scholarships
Global Leadership Adventures Scholarship/Financial Aid
Where There Be Dragons Scholarship/Financial Aid
Teen Travel Network Financial Aid