Putney Student Travel

As parents of a kid who has always loved camp, we thought we knew what a great summer experience looked like. Then our son went on Putney Student Travel’s Italy & Greece middle school program, and it changed our perspective entirely. He came home a different kid: more confident, independent, mature and excited about the world. He didn’t want it to end, and months later he’s still talking about the people he met. What makes Putney extraordinary is the people. The leaders were exceptional, and our son still keeps in close touch with them, along with the friends he made on the trip. I wouldn’t be surprised if they organize their own reunion over spring break! From the leaders to the directors, everyone at Putney makes you feel your child is genuinely known and cared for, as if he were one of their own. As parents, there is no greater reassurance. Putney gave our son far more than a trip. It gave him room to grow, lasting friendships, a new sense of independence and courage, and a real drive to learn about the world. We’ve even noticed a difference in his engagement at school this semester. We sent him hoping for a wonderful adventure; he came back with something far more meaningful. We can’t imagine sending our children anywhere else. Our son is already planning to return for the next four years, and we can’t wait for our daughter to experience Putney when she reaches middle school. Putney has earned our trust in a way very few organizations ever could, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to any family.

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As parents of a kid who has always loved camp, we thought we knew what a great summer experience looked like. Then our son went on Putney Student Travel’s Italy & Greece middle school program this summer, and it changed our perspective entirely. He came home a different kid — more confident, independent, mature, and excited about the world around him. He loved the experience so much that he didn't want it to end, and to this day, he is still talking about the people he met and the connections he made. What makes Putney truly extraordinary is the people. The leaders were exceptional, and our son still keeps in close touch with them. He also stays connected with the friends he made on the trip, and I wouldn't be surprised if they organize their own reunion over spring break! The relationships that have continued long after the program ended speak volumes about the experience Putney creates. Every person at Putney, from the leaders to the directors, makes you feel that your child is genuinely known, cared for, and treated as if they were their own. As parents, there is no greater reassurance. Putney gave our son so much more than a life-changing trip to Italy and Greece. It gave him room to grow, lasting friendships, a newfound sense of independence and courage, a genuine drive to learn more about the world, and memories and connections that will stay with him for years to come. We have even noticed a difference in his excitement and engagement with learning at school this semester. We sent him hoping he would have a wonderful adventure; we watched him return with something far more meaningful. We honestly cannot imagine sending our children anywhere else. Our son is already planning to return for the next four years, and we cannot wait for our daughter to experience Putney when she reaches middle school age. The fact that we are already planning years ahead speaks for itself. Putney has earned our trust in a way very few organizations ever could, and we wholeheartedly recommend them to any family fortunate enough to experience the magic they create through their programs.

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Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

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Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

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Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

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Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

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I had so much fun at Putney on my Greece and Italy trip. My leaders were well-educated and made the experience so much fun. The students that were with me were kind and inclusive and I came home with so many new friends. Overall, I loved my experience with Putney and am planning to come back next year.

I truly went inside Iceland, I did not just do the superficial or touristy stuff, I felt that I truly went inside and deep into Iceland. I went from the most common city, to some truly unique places. I truly lived Iceland.

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My experience on my trip to Italy and Greece with Putney Student Travel was the highlight of my year! I made many new friends along the way all from different places that made the trip even more enjoyable. I discovered many new foods, places, and cultures. I found a new person within myself that made me into a very out going and living to my fullest person. Having had the opportunity to be apart of the Italy and Greece trip was the best trip to occur during my summer and has filled me with endless beautiful memories that will last a lifetime!

I had the best time of my life during my trip to Argentina. It was something completely different that forced me to make friends and try new things. I met so many amazing people and had so many life changing experiences! At the end of the trip I was not ready to leave. It is a time in my life that I will never forget.

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My Putney Iceland trip was an amazing experience I will never forget. I made many great friends and memories I will never forget. Through Putney’s guidance I was also able to see great personal growth in myself.

There are no words to describe how amazing this program was. To any who are considering it, go for it you will gain a new appreciation for everything around you, make friendships that will last a lifetime and discover a whole new world at the same time.

Writen by the parent of a 16 year old who traveled with Putney in Juley, 2022. The following are the Putney's questions and my answers from Putney's evaluation request after the competion of the trip wit a few minor edits. What were your expectations for your child's program? Did the program exceed, meet, or fall short or your expectations? We signed our son Owen up for the High School Language program, Ecuador & the Galápagos, Service & Spanish Immersion in the Andean Cloud Forest From Putney’s website: Practice your Spanish daily on this high school language immersion and service program in Ecuador, as you work hand-in-hand with local friends in a small village. None of the above took place. Undertake meaningful community service initiatives this summer and spend a week with a host family. Not a day was spent with a host family. Volunteer to construct a community center, shadow farmers as they harvest crops, and cook meals alongside your host parents. None of the above took place. Explore the Andean páramo, and snorkel, hike, and kayak in the incredible Galápagos Islands to cap off your program. Our expectations were for Owen to have a strong opportunity continue his Spanish speaking learning and skill. We expected that only Spanish would be spoken with a few exceptions. We expected Owen to live with a native family for one week. What was promoted and promised was a lie with a few exceptions. I communicated with Owen and others on the trip. They all stated there was very little Spanish spoken. it was not a priority. They did not live with a native family. We were deceived. Basically, a bait and switch by Putney. We are extremely disappointed with Putney Student Travel. What gave your child the greatest sense of accomplishment? What did your child gain from the program? Our son Owen was upset and disappointed with the Putney program. It was not at all what he read about this program. He was upset with us and thought Putney lied about what his experience would include and entail. Do you feel the program included the right balance of time spent on projects, cultural activities, adventure, etc? What would you like your child to have done more/less of? The program did not at all included the right balance of time spent on projects, cultural activities, adventure. I would have liked and expected Owen to spend a great deal more time speaking and practicing Spanish and living with a local native family and less time doing manual labor digging a ditch.

I expected to gain fluidity and skills in Spanish during my classes, which I definitely feel happened. I also expected to learn about the culture of Barcelona through immersive experiences and activities, which were always fun during our afternoons and evenings! I personally gained a lot of confidence in my Spanish speaking. I always felt accomplished after speaking to a local, or understanding what was said in a metro announcement. Anything that allowed me to practice with Spanish led me to feelings of great accomplishment and allowed me to further my Spanish skills. Highlights for me were activities in which we got to immerse ourselves in the culture of Barcelona and explore skills/areas that we hadn't had the chance to explore during our morning classes. Some examples would be a cooking class, a graffiti tour/workshop, or visits to interesting museums. I think that the program hit a perfect balance of cultural immersion, adventure, day trips, experiential learning, and group bonding. I loved the diversity of daily activities and how each day felt like a totally new experience. I think that each class taught me something new and were always well prepared and thought out by the leaders. They were engaging and fun. I never dreaded a class! The other students on the trip were a huge part of what made the trip such a great experience. My group cared about each other a lot and we took every opportunity possible to eat lunch with each other, explore the city during free time, or hang out in the common room until curfew. We had so much fun together and I wouldn't have changed my group for the world! My leaders were also a crucial part of my trip. I think they all brought something different to the table and many of them formed close bonds with all of the students. I loved a graffiti workshop we went to towards the end of the program. We got to talk to a local graffiti artist, go to his store, see him point out his own art on the street, and learn to make some of our own. As it was towards the end of the program, all the kids were really close, making it really fun to talk to everyone while creating some really cool art. The artist with which we took the class was also very fun to work with.

I spent 3 weeks with the most amazing and like-minded group of kids out there. Every text and call I made home I told my parents how much of an amazing time I was having, to the point where they got a little annoyed. I loved this program. I would say my Spanish skills improved while I was in Spain. I had no clue what my Spanish class would be like, but ended up loving the open curriculum and the fact that I got to speak with so many different locals. The people and the free time to explore. I loved all 24 of the other students!!!!!! I really liked the leaders and think they balanced each other out. I was trying to not have extremely high expectations as I knew little about Putney in general and the program in specific but was still hoping for great people and amazing leaders. Every part of this trip exceeded my expectations.

I didn't know what to expect going into this program since I had never done anything like this before. The program was very engaging and it was an experience that turned out to be more than I had expected in a positive way. The greatest sense of accomplishment for me was first going on this program even though I was very nervous for it. Also, being able to go outside my comfort zone, without anyone I know for a while in another country. I also gained a lot of self confidence coming out of this trip. For me, the highlights of the experience were making new friends who I grew very close with and being able to walk around Barcelona and seeing all the culture everywhere I went. I also loved going to the beach towns and seeing the all the beautiful beaches in Spain. I felt that it was well organized for the most part however towards the last week of the program, I would have liked to see more art and architecture things and do more activities with art. I did not find that the workshops were that useful but I did find that they were engaging and that there were times in the business class that I found interesting. I would have probably wanted more group dinners and not so many small group dinners. I also would change the Pyranees excursion and make it a one night stay instead of two. I enjoyed the hiking down and seeing the views of the Pyranees, however the rest of the excursion was not enjoyable for me and I felt that it was unnecessary for us to stay the night there. I enjoyed every student on the program and a big part of the reason why I enjoyed the trip so much was because of the students that I became friends with on this trip. I liked the leaders for the most part and I felt comfortable and safe being in a foreign country with them. They always found fun things to do and I enjoyed having conversations with all of them. One of the things that we did in the business class, was meet with this professional photographer and retoucher named Sergio Miranda. He was interesting and I really enjoyed hearing his story and how he figured out his career and what he wanted do.

I was expecting to meet a lot of new people and build strong friendships. The program exceeded my expectations and I made more than just friends; we created a family bond I personally gained a traveler's experience in a foreign country and also the chance to meet new people and create lasting bonds. The leaders were engaging and helpful because I got to learn about culture in Spain in a different way. Everyone was amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better group. They had strong knowledge of Barcelona which was really helpful for getting around. Going to the beaches was always so amazing.

I expected the group to work together to change the lives of those in the village. However I did not realize how much this program would also change my life. My expectations were definitely exceeded. The work, weekend excursions, food, etc. was all amazing. While we were teaching the kids in the village, we got the opportunity to talk to some of them about their hopes and dreams for the future. Multiple kids said "they wanted to be teachers because we inspired them". This made me feel like I was really making a difference in these kids lives. Through this program, I was able to realize that it is not that difficult to change a person's life as long as you put in a little effort. I also learned to not get caught up in the little things in life. The highlights of my experience was teaching English to the local children, visiting Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay. I feel like there was a good balance between projects and cultural activities. However I would have added more adventure activities.

To be perfectly honest I had no idea what to expect for this program. My expectations for the community service exceeded due to the interactions and immersion into the community. I cannot not put into words how incredible the youth union and villagers were to us and the relationships and impacts we made in such a short period of time. I don't know if this is an accomplishment, but when we were leaving the school all these young kids were crying and youth union members were crying. In result I started crying and I didn't even realize how important these people had become to me in the few weeks we were there. My personal gain was definitely the relationships that I got out of this program. I'm also learning not to be as judgmental because it was very easy to judge these people for their simple culture or even their friendliness when in reality I have a lot to learn from them. My highlights were being in the village, making some of my best friends, Hoi an and Halong bay yes I think it did. I do not think we should've spent that much time in Hanoi. I think we could've spent more time in Hoi an.