An Open Letter on Summer Travel
World Leadership School is excited to offer international and U.S.-based travel programs for middle and high school students to embark on a journey, connect with meaning, and lose themselves in adventure this summer. As a parent of two teenagers, I know my kids need this now more than ever.
Our travel programs for middle and high school students are life-changing adventures where young people forge emotional connections, engage diverse perspectives, and take action. When students travel with us, they embark on two journeys: The first is an outer journey to explore the world, and the second is an inner journey to see oneself more clearly.
Over the last 14 years, thousands of students have traveled with World Leadership School to communities around the world. These students return home with new perspectives on the world and excitement to create change in their own lives and communities. So, what makes World Leadership School’s international and U.S.-based travel programs for middle and high school students different?
Learn from local leaders and take action
“When we first came on this trip we thought we were going to this school to ‘help’ the people here, but after going to the school and meeting people and leaders in the community, we saw that they didn’t need our help. Rather, our assistance to improve the children’s school experience and to make meaningful connections with the community members was an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other.”
— Student, Belize Program
We emphasize awareness of self and the study of community leaders, who are powerful case studies in the purpose and impact-driven leadership. Our philosophy of “walking together” teaches students how to take meaningful, responsible, and sustainable action in collaboration with communities and inspires them to do the same in their home communities.
Travel off the beaten path
“This trip was definitely irreplaceable, and not something I’d forget about. It’s not just the activities that we did that were so interesting, also the people I got to know so well made this trip one of the best times of my life. I feel like after this trip I’m even more outspoken and comfortable around my classmates.”
— Student, Costa Rica Program
Our long-standing relationships within local communities provide unique opportunities to experience places and cultures in an authentic way. Working with a farmer in Peru to plow fields with oxen, milking cows to make cheese for breakfast in Costa Rica, and hearing an immigration story from an asylum seeker are experiences that stay with students forever.
Connect with peers from around the world
“I learned how to develop deep and meaningful relationships despite the language barriers we faced. I’m inspired to travel the world and reach out to people of different cultures.”
— Student, Tanzania Program
Students work to cultivate authentic and meaningful relationships both within the community and with other students. Throughout each program, we share stories and perspectives, reflect on experiences together, and work alongside each other. The relationships built on WLS programs are formed in a short amount of time but can last a lifetime.
It has been said time and again over the past few months that travel will look different this year. As a travel provider, we have analyzed the risks that COVID-19 presents for travel this summer, and I am comfortable with the policies and procedures we are putting in place for our students, communities, and instructors to responsibly return to travel. What will not be different this year are the authentic relationships and meaningful experiences that are created through World Leadership School programs. We are committed to providing students with experiences that allow them to cultivate the skills and habits of minds that have prepared them to thrive during this ever-changing time of uncertainty.
As I have seen in my own children, today’s young people are incredibly resilient, capable of understanding the world’s toughest challenges, and excited to connect with peers. The last year has forced us all to work together as never before. Young people are stepping into this pivotal moment of history and are ready to make a difference.
As a parent, I want to see my children laugh, connect, engage, and experience life outside of our home again. I want them to have a chance to transform their experience into new wisdom and lose themselves in joy and meaning.
If you are looking for the same, come take this journey with us!
Ross Wehner
Founder, World Leadership School
