1. Travel helps teens to identify interests and passions
When teens have a better understanding of their interests and passions, and how they can apply those interests in a real-world context, they’re able to make better choices about what they want to study in college and pursue professionally.
Related reading: 5 Things You Should Do Before Applying to College
2. Travel helps teens gain a global perspective
Exploring a new culture helps students better understand their place in the world and how their decisions impact others. It’s essential that all future leaders develop a global perspective that will enable them to find creative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
This skill is validated by Rustic’s research partnership with the Boston College Center for Student Formation on adolescent development.
3. Teens can develop cultural sensitivity
During their Rustic experiences, students will meet and have conversations with locals, try new foods, and learn about cultural practices. Partnering with local community members on service projects also provides students an invaluable opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds, experiences in a harmonious and productive way.
As Rustic’s local experts (like Hugo in Guatemala, 43 years local experience) guide every interaction, students learn empathy rooted in genuine, decades-long community partnerships.
Read: Why Middle School Is the Perfect Time to Start Traveling
4. Student travel programs can create a real, positive impact
As our world becomes increasingly connected, traveling responsibly is essential to being a global citizen. Understanding how to work with local communities to develop and implement initiatives that improve lives is an important part of Rustic programs that we believe gives students the ability to continue their impact after returning home.
Rustic’s service projects are locally driven and sustainable. In fact, 95% of your program fee stays local, and our students have contributed over 1.2 million service hours
5. Teens can hone important non-cognitive skills
Non-cognitive skills like independence, empathy, and self-awareness are essential to future academic, professional, and interpersonal success. Structured travel experiences allow students to exercise these capabilities in supportive and safe environments, resulting in immense personal growth and skills they can apply in the classroom and their personal lives after returning home.