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HE Worldstrides.com:

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Where education meets exploration

For over 55 years, WorldStrides has mastered the art of crafting unforgettable educational experiences that open the eyes, minds, and hearts of students of all ages. Innovation is how our company was born, how we’ve helped millions of students soar higher, and how we continue to create life-changing moments every day.

A group of friends poses in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

What sets us apart

Since 1975, we’ve proudly collaborated with university partners across the nation to create student experiences and custom global programs that align seamlessly with the academic needs of our customers. Our innovative approach to immersive learning through real-world challenges and experiences continues to set us apart as an industry leader year after year.

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Learning at the core

All of our programs are designed to engage students and enrich learning, from hands-on activities to customized global engagements.

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Proven track record

Our global network and industry-leading infrastructure—with 24/7 support and doctors on call—provide confidence and peace of mind that only comes from 55+ years of experience.

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Personal care

We sweat the details, and it shows. From your dedicated program management team to your expert on-site guides, we have your back no matter where you are in the world.

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Social responsibility 

Each program is a promise to make the world a better place. We’re committed to social, environmental, and ethically responsible initiatives that impact our communities.

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Experience where it counts

We have the experience, options, and support your need for a successful study abroad experience...

50+

years of providing exceptional support and transformational experiences to students, advisors, and faculty alike.

100+

partnerships with international universities in more than 50 cities with local teams to support semester, short-term, and custom programs.

120+

countries with international networks to support short-term, global immersions wherever your curriculum takes you.

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Our Mission

We are committed to inspiring a passion for lifelong learning.

  • We empower students in any phase of life to look beyond the classroom and see the world—and themselves—in new ways through immersive learning.
  • We help them grow as individuals by developing independence, leadership, problem-solving skills, worldliness, and maturity.
  • We help them expand their global citizenship by building compassion, initiative, connections, and perspectives that set them up for future success

Our values

Act as one team with integrity, respect, transparency, and inclusion.

Do the right thing to deliver exceptional results. 

Build education and learning into everything we do.

Care for our people and communities. 

The Worldstrides Higher Education Journey 

Education and personal growth are the heart of our mission, and they always have been. It all began in 1964 when social studies teacher Phil Wendel took his class on a trip to Washington, D.C. Inspired by the powerful effect it had on his students, Phil set out to make experiential learning safe, easy, and fun for even more teachers and students. Fast forward to today: millions of students have experienced the magic of educational travel during a WorldStrides program. Here’s how we got here…

1964

A middle school social studies teacher from Chicago, Phil Wendel brings history to life for his students in Washington, D.C. Three years later, having seen firsthand the power of experiential learning, Phil leaves teaching to create Lakeland Tours.

1990s

Now the first accredited organization of its kind, Lakeland Tours joins forces with other leaders in student travel–American Student Travel, Bowl Games of America, Educational Field Studies, Heritage Festivals, and Wider Horizons–to form WorldStrides.

2000s

WorldStrides’ educational mission broadens to include a commitment to environmental stewardship. The family also expands with the incorporation of Accent Travel Group, New Century Tours, and TravelMBA.

2010 - 2015

WorldStrides welcomes Casterbridge Tours, NETC, WorldPass, Oxbridge Academic Programs, Rhapsody Tours of Kent, CBL International, Excel International Sports, and International Studies Abroad (ISA), expanding our U.K. presence, study abroad, and sports programs. 

2016 - 2023

WorldStrides welcomes Explorica, Envision, The Education Abroad Network (TEAN),  and BrightSpark to the family.

2025

International Studies Abroad (ISA), The Education Abroad Network (TEAN), and WorldStrides Custom Programs combine to form WorldStrides Higher Education, offering education abroad in every shape and size.