Study abroad and exchange experience of the year - 2023

Global Youth Travel Awards 2020 - New Diversity and Inclusion Initiative

Our award-winning program offers high school students the opportunity to spend two weeks living with a homestay family while studying Spanish language and culture. We partner with Centro MundoLengua, a private international language school located in the beautiful city of Seville, Spain.

This all-inclusive program includes round-trip airfare, a vetted homestay, three meals per day with host families, laundry service, tuition, cultural activities, group meals, and 24/7 on-site support. Students also receive travel gear courtesy of BÉIS Travel and a free pair of outdoor footwear from KEEN Footwear.

TOCA in Spain High School Study Abroad Program

The TOCA Program in France at the Leo Marchutz School of Painting and Drawing is a customized two-week interdisciplinary study abroad program. During the program, participants will immerse themselves in the daily practice of painting and drawing, both in the studio and in the landscapes of the South of France.

Students will also take part in discussion-based art criticism seminars, day trips to surrounding areas (including coastal towns along the Mediterranean Sea and nearby sites associated with Cézanne), workshops in creative writing, and French language instruction—either survival or conversational, depending on their level. Additional academic and cultural activities round out the experience.

This interdisciplinary program is designed to connect all activities into one collaborative process, helping students see more deeply into the world—and into themselves.

TOCA in France High School Study Abroad Program

Teens of Color Abroad

Sales Wolves

We are Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA), founded in 2018 in the United States by educator Lamar Shambley in Brooklyn. For over 7 years, we have worked to expand access to global language learning and cultural exchange opportunities for students of color who have historically faced barriers to studying and traveling abroad.

We run programs such as Passport Pathways, TOCA Online, and a short-term high school study abroad experience, all designed to help young people gain real-world global exposure. We serve youth across the U.S. with a focus on building confidence, leadership, and cultural understanding through travel and education. Our goal is to reduce the gap in study abroad access by providing scholarships, resources, and support that help students grow personally and academically, so the...

We are Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA), founded in 2018 in the United States by educator Lamar Shambley in Brooklyn. For over 7 years, we have worked to expand access to global language learning and cultural exchange opportunities for students of color who have historically faced barriers to studying and traveling abroad.

We run programs such as Passport Pathways, TOCA Online, and a short-term high school study abroad experience, all designed to help young people gain real-world global exposure. We serve youth across the U.S. with a focus on building confidence, leadership, and cultural understanding through travel and education. Our goal is to reduce the gap in study abroad access by providing scholarships, resources, and support that help students grow personally and academically, so they can move through the world with pride, awareness, and opportunity.

We are Teens of Color Abroad (TOCA), founded in 2018 in the United States by educator Lamar Shambley in Brooklyn. For over 7 years, we have worked to expand access to global language learning and cultural exchange opportunities for students of color who have historically faced barriers to studying and traveling abroad.

We run programs such as Passport Pathways, TOCA Online, and a short-term hig...

2026 Eurosummer

Best time ever

Throughout this trip I experienced so many things at the beginning of the year I never thought to imagine!

The Beauty in Traveling and going Forth with Opportunities

Spain

France

High School

This program was an amazing experience and gave me the chance to travel to Spain while improving my Spanish. Living with a host family helped me learn about the culture, and the classes were fun, interactive, and easy to follow. I also enjoyed exploring different cities and trying new foods with the group. Overall, I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories.

I would say this summer is for sure one of the best summers i’ve ever had. The amount of connections that were made during this program and people i’ve met has changed me a a lot and given me a better way to look at things. The entire Toca team was absolutely amazing also I appreciate them so much

As my first study abroad traveling opportunity it was such a beautiful experience. Having been able to do it with TOCA was wholesome. They are so accommodating + welcoming with any concerns! Grateful! 

absolutely amazing!!

This trip has been so eye opening and has been such a core memory. The homestay family that I stayed with was amazing! Additionally, the school was amazing and so kind and helpful! What I was taught here, I can’t learn anywhere else at this age. It’s so astonishing I got to go there for two weeks! It’s been such an amazing time and I definitely recommend. Additionally, they kept my mom informed! Definitely parent and kid friendly alike. Loved the opportunity!

Life Changing Experience

During my time in Spain I had some of the most unforgettable experiences, that I will forever cherish. Having the opportunity to learn abroad and just experience a whole new atmosphere has been a true blessing. TOCA was a second family and home to me, the staff were amazing they always took care of all of us and looked out for every single one of us, the students were all inclusive there wasn't anyone who was left out. Classes were also very interactive and full of joyful memories. My teacher Dani was an amazing person, he made sure to answer all our questions and he never had a problem with repeating himself if we didn't understand. My host Mom was a caring soul as well, she always asked if we were okay and she always made sure to check up on us. Being in Spain this summer, has changed my perspective on everything. I really enjoyed my time and if I had the chance to do it again I definitely would without a second thought. 

My Time in Seville: A Reflection from Washington DC

This entire experience was something new for me in many different ways. I have been away from my parents while overseas before, but this time I was surrounded by teenagers my age who were all from a different state from me. Despite some of our differences, the group I was with was filled with wonderful people who I hope to stay connected with. My first real day with my group, I was able to talk deeply with four of my roomates about how they felt about the program so far. Just having those meaningful little conversations during the trip let us all bond very quickly, and allowed me to have a greater understanding about the minds of people. There was a lot of reflecting and fun that happened during the trip, so I would definitely reccomend this program to anyone who has not traveled before. The entire trip was something to remember, as I got to really bond and hear stories about life from New York. 

I don’t miss NYC!

Firstly, thank you TOCA for giving us this experience to travel across the world and learn a whole new culture. I had a blast and would absolutely recommend to other kids who are interested in traveling the world as well. My favorite part was definitely the surfing because I learned a new skill and I basically mastered it heh 😎 But in all seriousness, I was not expecting to get this close with people that I barely knew. Now these people are basically family! 10/10 program, once again thank you TOCA!

A Beautiful Experience

I think TOCA in France and the memories i’ve made are something that’ll stick with me forever. The people I met and the things I got to see were breathtaking, i’m forever thankful and i’m so glad for TOCA.

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Teens of Color Abroad Reviews

Overall Rating

Total Reviews

2026 Eurosummer

Best time ever

The Beauty in Traveling and going Forth with Opportunities

Teens of Color Abroad Programs

4.95

5

Awards