Global Routes International
global routes
Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of value-driven, experiential-based, international programming. Since 1967, they have led over 10,000 students around the globe on meaningful, fun, and growth-oriented summer programs. They offer our students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves into small rural communities, develop long-lasting cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that will last a lifetime. This includes reciprocal exchange and participating in community-driven service on every program.
Age Range:
16-17 year-olds
Location:
Guatemala
Tanzania
Cambodia
Trip Duration:
10-12 days
Dates:
See specific program for dates
ID Needed:
US Passport
participation Requirements
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Complete the Student Application to begin your enrollment journey. Click here for a video walking you through the process!
After submission, you’ll be directed to schedule an optional informational call with your Global Routes Enrollment Advisor, where you can ask all your questions, prepare for the journey ahead, and learn about your final enrollment steps. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be invited via email to create a student page. There you’ll find packing lists, reminders, best practices, and all the information you’ll need to prepare for your trip.
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Required secondary paperwork for this program partner includes:
Waiver and Release
Health History
Additional Site Release - PNW only
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There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. However, Global Routes will be contacting you for a short, 15-minute phone call to go over any medical questions, to connect, and to help establish a baseline of your goals.
Make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
About the Programs
Guatemala
From the Sierra Madre mountains of interior Guatemala, to the sea turtle havens on the coast, from the tranquility and splendor of Lago Atitlan and her surrounding volcanoes, to the breathtaking coral reefs offshore, Global Routes takes you to a region that merges the complexities of socio-political realities with the hope of a more sustainable future.
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Welcome to Guatemala! The first days of a Global Routes program are about orienting. Get to know your new surroundings, program leaders, and take your first steps into understanding the history and cultural context of Guatemala. With its historic colonial buildings, colorful markets, and surrounding volcanoes, Antigua is a beautiful and friendly base from which to start exploring Guatemala.
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Available Sessions:
TBD
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Students will share a private dormitory or twin/triple sharing in a hostel or guest house of a purpose driven organisation (depending on availability) in Antigua, and also at Lake Atitlan.
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This program will be Summer Searchers from NYC and other sites with the potential for some open enrollment students to join as well. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in Hawai’i with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. You will have 2-3 optional opportunities for you to call home throughout the trip. These calls will be scheduled, and the program will attempt to notify families in advance.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. There will also be weekly blog posts and social media updates, which parents and guardians will be notified of via email.
In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.
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Departure Information:
TBD
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We recommend bringing a debit or credit card for snacks or unexpected baggage fees. You may also want to purchase souvenirs.
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Click here to view the Global Routes x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
Tanzania
East Africa is where Lucy was found, the first human, and is the source of humanity. We will spend the entirety of our program in Northern Tanzania, in and around Arusha and the Usa River, in sight of Mt Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in all of Africa), and surrounded by national parks.
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Welcome to Tanzania! The first days of a Global Routes program are about orienting. Get to know your new surroundings, program leaders, and take your first steps into understanding the history and cultural context of Tanzania. With its rich earth, historic influences, surrounding connections to nature, and struggles with independence. We will have meals in town, and slowly get to learn how to use public transportation in and around Arusha.
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Available Sessions:
TBD
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While in Arusha, students will share a private dormitory or twin/triple room with a private mattress. Students are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags as the nights can get cold so close to the mountain. Depending on overlapping Summer Search programs, Global Routes may be able to provide a sleeping bag to Summer Search students.
While at homestays, students will get their own bed, typically sharing the room with another student so there are 2-3 students in a homestay. Valuables can either be stored or locked at the UAACC nearby, or carried throughout the day.
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This program will be mostly Summer Search students with some open enrollment students. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in Hawai’i with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. You will have 2-3 optional opportunities for you to call home throughout the trip. These calls will be scheduled, and the program will attempt to notify families in advance.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. There will also be weekly blog posts and social media updates, which parents and guardians will be notified of via email
-
Departure Information:
TBD
-
We recommend bringing a credit or debit card for unexpected baggage fees at the airport and purchases of souvenirs. You may also want to buy snacks along the way!
-
Click here to view the Global Routes x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
Cambodia
Lemongrass and incense greets students as students enter Siem Reap. Golden light spills over temple spires and banyan roots coil around stones that have witnessed centuries of human history and society. Students experience the community, hum, and laughter of markets, the clang of woks, and the sweet smells of mangoes, creating a live-tapestry of Cambodia’s contrast -, a sacred stillness beside bustling streets, with deep historical scars alongside a remarkable spirit of renewal.
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This first day is about grounding and arriving, not only in a new country but in ourselves. Through intentional circles and guided reflection, students begin building a foundation of trust, safety, and shared intention, setting the tone for meaningful engagement in the days ahead. Siem Reap will serve as the starting canvas for this journey, with accommodations in a student-only hostel or guesthouse run by a purpose-driven organization. All meals will be thoughtfully planned in advance, either at the accommodation or nearby local restaurants, ensuring a smooth and welcoming transition into Cambodia’s rhythm.
Guiding Question:
What stories of my life am I carrying into this space?on text goes here -
TBD
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Students will share a private dormitory or twin/triple sharing in a hostel or guest house of a purpose driven organisation (depending on availability) in Siem Reap. During homestays in Khnar Po two/three students will be in a family together
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Students will mostly be from Summer Search with the potential for some open enrollment students as well.
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You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in Hawai’i with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. You will have 2-3 optional opportunities for you to call home throughout the trip. These calls will be scheduled, and the program will attempt to notify families in advance.
Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. There will also be weekly blog posts and social media updates, which parents and guardians will be notified of via email
-
TBD
-
We recommend bringing a credit or debit card for unexpected baggage fees at the airport and purchases of souvenirs. You may also want to buy snacks along the way!
-
Click here to view the Global Routes x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
“I think I came out of this with so much willingness and confidence that I’d never experienced...I’d say I was fairly confident before, but this trip changed everything.”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Rice-picking!
Learning traditional techniques
