What inspired you to go abroad?
As a high school student, there were not many opportunities to travel to a new place, experience a different culture, and step outside of my comfort zone. School the World immediately caught my attention because it combined my desire to explore the world with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Going into my sophomore year, I was eager to branch out, try new things, and find a way to help others while learning from new experiences. When I was introduced to School the World, I was immediately interested and signed up for the next trip in February.
I was excited not only to see a new country, but also to connect with communities, learn from the people I met, and better understand the importance of education and service. I enjoyed my trip so much that I signed up for the very next trip in July as well as Panama the following year.
Why did you choose School the World?
Many students from my town had participated in School the World’s programs, and they all came back with incredible stories and only positive things to say about their experiences. Hearing about their trips introduced me to the organization and the impact it was making through education, service, and cultural exchange.
I was especially drawn to School the World because it provided the opportunity to travel alongside other students my age while stepping into a new environment and learning from the communities we were working with. I was excited to be part of an experience that combined adventure, personal growth, and meaningful service, something that many students my age do not have the opportunity to experience.
What was your favorite part about your host country?
Through my trips with School the World, I have had the opportunity to visit Panama twice and Honduras once. Both countries offered endless beauty, not only through their landscapes but through the people and communities I was fortunate enough to meet.
My favorite part of each experience was the genuine kindness and welcoming nature of the communities we worked with. They welcomed us with open arms, shared their stories and traditions, and allowed us to build meaningful connections despite our different backgrounds.
I loved being able to find common ground with people who had different experiences than my own and learn from their perspectives. These relationships and the connections I made are what made my time in both countries so memorable.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
One element that made my experience truly extraordinary was the meaningful connections I was able to create with the students and members of the communities we worked with in such a short amount of time.
Despite language barriers, cultural differences, and age gaps, I was able to build relationships rooted in trust, respect, and appreciation. Some of the most memorable moments came from simple interactions, where a smile, a game, or a shared experience was enough to create a genuine connection.
These experiences reminded me of the power of human connection and showed me that people from different backgrounds can come together in meaningful ways. My time abroad not only allowed me to serve others but also helped me grow, gain a deeper understanding of the world, and become even more grateful for the opportunities I have.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff were the backbone of my entire experience and played an essential role in making the program successful. From locally based officials and engineers to administrative staff, every person contributed to creating a meaningful and well-organized experience.
They ensured that our safety, care, and comfort were always a priority while still allowing us to have an authentic connection with the communities we were serving. Their knowledge, guidance, and dedication helped us better understand the culture and impact of the work we were doing.
The support and encouragement they provided made it possible for us to fully engage in the experience and create lasting memories.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
During my trips, one thing I wish I had done differently was initiate connections with community members and students right from the beginning. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed at the start of a trip with the new environment, the project goals, celebrations, and the many tasks that need to be completed.
Looking back, I realize how important it was to take a step back and focus more on the relationships I was building rather than just the work we were accomplishing. The people we met were the most meaningful part of the experience, and I wish I had spent even more time learning their stories, sharing moments with them, and creating deeper connections from the very first day.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day on a School the World trip began with an early wake-up followed by breakfast with the group. After eating, we would board the bus and make our way to the community we were working in. The drive could range anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, but it always went by quickly because of the excitement and anticipation for the day ahead.
Once we arrived, we would jump right into the project, whether that meant painting, helping with construction, or working on the playground. Around midday, we would take a break for recess, which was always one of my favorite parts of the day. The kids would be eager to play soccer, blow bubbles, or teach us their favorite games.
After the workday ended, we would head back to the hotel, where many of us would spend time together by the beach or pool if available. The day would end with dinner and a group reflection where we shared our highs and lows, something that surprised us, or a moment that made us smile.
These conversations were a meaningful way to reflect on the experiences we shared and the connections we made throughout the day.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Much of my free time during my trips was spent enjoying the beautiful surroundings and spending time with the group. In Panama, I loved swimming at the beach down the road from where we stayed, while in Honduras, many of us spent our afternoons relaxing by the pool.
Whether we were playing games in the water, starting friendly competitions, or simply sitting around a table talking for hours, these moments became some of my favorite memories. My free time was not only a chance to relax after a busy day of service but also an opportunity to get to know my fellow travelers better, strengthen friendships, and reflect on the experiences we were sharing together.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
On all of my trips, we stayed in small, locally run hotels that provided a comfortable and welcoming environment throughout our experience. From the moment we arrived, the owners and staff made us feel at home and ensured that we had everything we needed. I appreciated how personal the experience felt compared to staying in a large hotel, as we were able to build relationships with the people who were hosting us.
They took great care in preparing our meals, making sure we were comfortable, and creating a warm atmosphere for our group. One of my favorite memories was when the hotel owners joined us for karaoke one night, showing the genuine kindness and hospitality that made our accommodations feel like more than just a place to stay.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Before going on a School the World trip, one of the most important things to know is the value of staying open-minded and embracing every new experience that comes your way.
Traveling to a new country and stepping outside of your comfort zone can feel intimidating at first, but the experience becomes so much more meaningful when you are willing to try new things, meet new people, and learn from the community around you.
The moments you may not expect or plan for often become the most memorable parts of the trip. Future participants should go into the experience ready to be present, challenge themselves, and fully commit to everything the program has to offer.
Would you recommend School the World to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend a trip with School the World to anyone who is open to the experience. These trips truly changed my outlook on life in the US and allowed me to understand just how much I can accomplish when I make use of the opportunities I had previously overlooked.
Traveling with this program opens your eyes to perspectives you simply cannot gain at home, and the connections you build, both with the communities you serve and the people you travel alongside, stay with you long after you return. This is an opportunity you should not pass up. Don't lose the chance to make a difference in your own life and in someone else's.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling with School the World is the new perspective you gain, but also the one you provide. It is not only you learning from the community, but also the community learning from you.
Travel has a unique way of dismantling assumptions you didn't even know you held, replacing them with a deeper appreciation for different ways of life. You return home not just with memories, but with a genuinely shifted worldview that influences how you approach challenges, relationships, and opportunities in your everyday life. The exchange is mutual, meaningful, and lasting.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Since returning home, I find myself practicing more gratitude for all that I have and all that I am offered each and every day. I am now able to appreciate the small things I previously left unnoticed and take advantage of the opportunities that are within my reach.
The experience reminded me that access to education, resources, and community support are gifts, not guarantees, and that mindset has motivated me to show up more fully in everything I do. I am more intentional, more compassionate, and more driven to make a positive impact in my own community, inspired by the people I met abroad who do so much with so little.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means being able to return home changed. The addition of a new experience, a new relationship, or a new perspective is enough to classify a trip as a success.
But beyond that, meaningful travel involves a genuine exchange, one where both you and the people you encounter walk away with something valuable. It is about stepping outside of your comfort zone with an open mind and a willingness to listen, learn, and grow.
When travel leaves a mark on your heart and quietly reshapes the way you move through the world, that is when you know it truly meant something.
