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Lives Transformed

We believe in dreaming big.

For over 55 years, we’ve pushed the limits of education to create programs that empower and inspire, partnering with learners of all ages to bridge cultures and break through boundaries. 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.

Why WorldStrides?


1

Learning at the Core

Everything we do is designed to engage students and enrich learning, from on-tour LEAP activities to world-class performance adjudication to customized global engagements.

2

Proven Track Record

Our network, knowledge, and industry-leading infrastructure—complete with 24/7 support and Doctors on Call—provide the confidence and peace of mind that only come from 50+ years of experience.

3

Personal Care

We sweat the details, and it shows. From your dedicated trip-planning team to your expert Tour Director on the ground, we have your back no matter where you are.

4

Socially Responsible

Each program is a promise to make the world a better place. We’ve committed to social, environmental, and ethical responsibility with initiatives that meaningfully impact our communities.

What We Believe

We are committed to inspiring a passion for lifelong learning. We enable students in any phase of life to look beyond the classroom to see the world—and themselves—in new ways through immersive learning.

We help them grow as people by developing independence, leadership, problem-solving skills, worldliness, and maturity.

We help them grow as citizens by building compassion, initiative, connections, and perspectives that set them up for success in the future.

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 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 brought 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 all.

Fast forward over 55 years, and millions of students have discovered the magic of educational travel with us. Now, backup. Let’s see how we got here…

1964A 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.

1990’sNow 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.

2000’sWorldStrides’ 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.

2010-2015WorldStrides 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 as well as our study abroad and sports capabilities.

2016-2023WorldStrides renews its accreditation as a school from AdvancED, and receives high marks for its commitment to educational transformation for students. Additionally, Explorica, Envision, TEAN Abroad, and BrightSpark joins the WorldStrides family.