About Us

A group of teenagers poses for a photo on a boat in front of the Statue of Liberty.

Our Mission

Learning beyond the classroom

We are committed to igniting a passion for lifelong learning, enabling learners to see beyond the classroom and to discover the world — and themselves — in new ways. We help our students grow as people by developing independence, problem-solving skills, worldliness, and maturity. We help our participants grow as citizens by building compassion, initiative, connections, and perspectives that set them up for future success.

Programs for Everyone

We have programs for learners at every stage, including K-12 and university students, and every interest, from the rising soccer star to the first chair violinist.

Four teenagers taking a selfie at the Jefferson Memorial

K-12 Teacher-Led Programs

Our K-12 teacher-led programs offer educators the chance to bring lessons to life outside the walls of their classrooms. We offer a wide variety of educational travel tours for students of all ages and can tailor any program itinerary to fit your needs.

Two students practice phlebotomy on a model arm.

K-12 Student Programs

We know how important it is for young students to explore their passions outside of the classroom. That’s why our K-12 Individual programs create the opportunity for eager elementary, middle, and high school students to test-drive a future career. Students team up with like-minded peers from across the country to develop personal, professional, and academic skills as they discover countless potential career paths.

Young Woman Sitting in a Rickshaw Smiling

Higher Education Programs

Our higher education programs include options for individual exploration as well as opportunities for university faculty to lead targeted educational tours for their students. Each revelatory travel experience – including opportunities for study abroad, service learning, internship, and research – is a chance to gain real-world skills, fuel personal and professional development, and become part of a meaningful global community.

Measuring Our Impact

There’s a reason seasoned educators, coaches, and administrators trust WorldStrides to create unforgettable experiences for their students.

10.5 million

lives transformed

55+

years of experience

40+

countries with on-the-ground support

Young adults marvel at the Pantheon's dome in Rome.

Our Values

Our values aren’t just words, we live by them.

We act as one team with integrity, respect, transparency, and inclusion.

We do the right thing to deliver exceptional results.

We build education and learning into everything we do.

We care for our people and our communities.

“Our tour was nothing short of amazing. The hotels were awesome, the food varied and authentic, the itinerary and guide were beyond top-notch. Great value; total safety at every moment. Exemplary communication at every stage of planning. I would never take my students and families out of the country with any other company.” –Paige Marsh, 2024 educator

Vintage photo of a large group of teenagers and adults in formal wear, posed before the U.S. Capitol Building.

Our Story

It all began in 1964…

We were founded by Phil Wendel, a social studies teacher who witnessed firsthand the impact of immersive educational travel on his class. We’ve been chasing that electric feeling ever since.

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Our Leadership Team

Providing safe, once-in-a-lifetime educational travel experiences is our passion. Meet our enthusiastic team of senior leaders working to create life changing moments for generations of students.

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Go Beyond the Classroom

Talk to us about how WorldStrides can help you bring learning to life.

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