CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — WorldStrides, the nation’s largest and most trusted educational travel provider, and the Smithsonian Institution, the largest museum and research complex in the world, are proud to announce a collaboration in support of a unique new collection of educational travel programs for university groups. Smithsonian University Travel Programs itineraries capitalize on the combined experience of WorldStrides and the iconic Smithsonian, offering traveling groups of university students special access to research sites, scientific facilities, cultural landmarks, and a global network of experts for hands-on learning opportunities in breath-taking destinations around the world. From mission control in Moscow, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, or an art restoration lab in Italy, students and their professors can meet with scientists, historians, artisans, preservationists, and other experts as part of a rich travel experience in each destination. These faculty-led travel programs are designed as extensions of the in-classroom experience for students in diverse majors including art history, engineering, physics, math, environmental science, and biology.
The program itineraries were jointly crafted by WorldStrides and the Smithsonian Institution, including the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, Smithsonian Center for Folkways and Cultural Heritage, Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Zoo. The programs engage college students on an academic level and introduce them to experts, sites, and research that will bring classroom learning to life and inspire future careers.
“The Smithsonian’s contribution to research and academics is renowned, and its appeal is universal. We are thrilled to be working with them to offer these distinctive travel experiences.” said Jim Hall, President and CEO of WorldStrides.
“Smithsonian is pleased to be working with WorldStrides, as they have a proven track record developing student travel programs that encourage curiosity about the world,” said Carol LeBlanc, Senior Vice President, Smithsonian Enterprises. “Together we have developed a broad array of transformative learning experiences, allowing Smithsonian to connect to a broader audience in a deeper way.”
Travel dates are custom. The first programs may launch as early as December. For more information, visit www.worldstrides.com/smithsonian.
About WorldStrides
WorldStrides, founded by a middle school teacher in 1967, is the largest student educational travel organization in the United States and is accredited as a school by the regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. WorldStrides specializes in providing educational travel opportunities to approximately 350,000 students annually. More than 5,000 elementary, middle, and high schools, and more than 300 universities choose WorldStrides to provide inspiring lessons beyond the classroom. WorldStrides, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, is headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia. The organization has offices in 22 locations around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Chile, and Canada.
For more information on WorldStrides, visit www.worldstrides.com.
About Smithsonian
Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,400 Smithsonian employees and 5,400 volunteers. Approximately 28 million people from around the world visited the Smithsonian in 2014. The total number of objects, works of art, and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 138 million. For more information on the Smithsonian, visit www.si.edu.
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