GoAbroad
4.9 / 5Student rating
35Reviews
93Programs
1982Year established

About Westcoast Connection

Westcoast Connection has been serving teen travelers since 1982, with over 47,000 participants to date. We offer summer programs for students completing the equivalent of U.S. grades 7–12, typically aged 13–17. With more than 70 programs available in 25 different countries, we provide immersive adventures that are well-planned and paced just right for teens. Our Active Teen Tour programs focus on fun, action-packed days. The Pre-College Enrichment programs provide study-abroad options at prestigious campuses like UCLA in California and McGill University in Montreal. Additionally, our Community Service programs qualify for the esteemed United States President's Volunteer Service Award. Our Global Adventure programs are designed for older teens and offer exploration travel experiences in small groups. Westcoast Connection is a certified member of the Student Youth and Travel Association and the National Tour Association, which upholds a strict code of ethics and rigorous operating standards to ensure healthy and sustainable business practices in the industry.

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Westcoast Connection Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Westcoast Connection

4.9
35 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
33
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Personal Development
4.9
Program Opportunities
4.9
Living Situation
4.9
Cultural Immersion
4.8

Participated in a Westcoast Connection Program? Share your experience now.

Review this Provider
Ali DrayerUnited States · December 2025
From: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days

Chasing Pura Vida

West Coast Connection delivered an exceptional experience for my son on his Costa Rica trip this past June. The itinerary struck the perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion and fun. He loved everything from helping at the wildlife sanctuary and constructing a new basketball court for a local school, to zip-lining, surfing and relaxing in the mud baths with new friends from around the world. As a parent, I appreciated how thorough and reliable the communication was from start to finish. The trip leaders were professional, enthusiastic, and clearly dedicated to creating a safe, positive environment. My son came home proud of the work he did, the connections he made and more curious about the world. This trip exceeded every expectation for both of us!

Ali DrayerDecember 2025
From: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days

Chasing Pura Vida

Chasing Pura Vida West Coast Connection delivered an exceptional experience for my son on his Costa Rica trip this past June. The itinerary struck the perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion and fun. He loved everything from helping at the wild life sanctuary and constructing a new basketball court for a local school, to zip-lining, surfing and relaxing in the mud baths with new friends from around the world. As a parent, I appreciated how thorough and reliable the communication was from start to finish. The trip leaders were professional, enthusiastic, and clearly dedicated to creating a safe, positive environment. My son came home proud of the work he did, the connections he made and more curious about the world. This trip exceeded every expectation for both of us!

John BabsonUnited States · December 2025
From: Pre-College Enrichment Montreal - On the Campus of McGill

Amazing Experience

My son attended the 3-week program at McGill in Montreal and absolutely loved it. He has been to many camps over the years, but he said this was by far the best experience he’s ever had. He connected with a wonderful group of kids, many of whom he’s still in touch with today. The program itself was very well organized, and the counselors did an excellent job keeping everyone engaged, entertained, and connected. Overall, it was an outstanding program, and I would highly recommend it.

Wendy SilverbergUnited States · December 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Best summer ever!

Noah had the best summer of his life in Greece. He made so many new friends and really liked the counsellors. He was nervous to travel on his own and after 24 hours felt so comfortable. Thank you for provinding him the summer of a lifetime!

Melinda DelPrinceUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Trip of a lifetime!

Our son recently traveled with Westcoast Connection, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From start to finish, the trip was incredibly well planned, and the staff’s communication with us was excellent. We always felt informed and confident that he was in great hands. He had an amazing time and came home with so many new friends and unforgettable memories. Some of the highlights he shared with us included the breathtaking hike through Cinque Terre, exploring the stunning Meteora Pinnacles, scuba diving in Naxos, and visiting the volcano in Santorini. Each activity was thoughtfully organized and gave him the chance to experience something truly special. We’re so grateful to Westcoast Connection for creating such a meaningful, fun, and safe adventure. We highly recommend them and would absolutely trust them with future trips!

Willa GreisbergUnited States · November 2025
From: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days

Amazing time in Costa Rica

My daughter was a rising 10th grader and was on the Costa Rica service and adventure trip. She had such an incredible experience! She loved exploring the different areas of Costa Rica, the beautiful beaches, the stunning rainforests and waterfalls- and most importantly the life changing service experience. She wants to go back again and again!

Hannah AustinUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Three European Tours and counting

Westcoast Connections has been an outstanding experience for our family. My daughter has done three summer European tours, and even with all that incredible travel, she still says Westcoast Connections is one of her favorites. The staff is warm, organized, and truly invested in the kids, creating a supportive environment that blends fun, growth, and meaningful friendships. We’re so grateful for the positive impact it’s had and highly recommend it to any family looking for an unforgettable summer program.

Dawn MCanada · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Safe, Fun, and Memories to last a lifetime!

My daughter Hailey travelled to Greece and Italy with Westcoast Connection and sending her on this program was the best decision i've ever made. She made incredible friends, absolutely loved her staff and got to travel to so many new places. I felt very comfortable as WCC had great communication with the parents, and always kept us in the loop!

Dylan CohenSouth Africa · November 2025
From: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 10 Days

Amazing blend of humanitarian work and having fun

Dylan found this experience incredibly meaningful as a way to give back to communities less fortunate. On top of that he had great fun and adventure with his friends. Thank you for an incredibly experience.

Linda AtlasUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Amazing Experience!

My son Jake did the Greece, the Islands, and Italy program and came home with so many new friends! The staff were fantastic and provided a great mix of supervision while still giving him the independence he was hoping for. The activities were fun and really well chosen for teenagers. Overall, he had an amazing experience, and we’re so glad he went. I would recommend Westcoast Connection to any family looking for this type of program for their child.

Noa friedmanUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Well run program, highly recommend

My daughter loved her experience. Great councelors, educators during the school year which helped to beauty a great vibe among all kids. Good mix of sight seeing, outdoor physical activity and free time.

Faith BralskiUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

My son thoroughly enjoyed his trip

Westcoast Connection was awesome to work with, the trip and itinerary were planned so well and my sonmade lots of new friends and had a great time. Some of his favorite parts were the hike in Cinque Terre and the Meteora Pinnacles, Scuba diving in Naxos, and the Volcano in Santorini . I would definitely recommend Westcoast Connection to friends and family!

Benjamin CUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Perfectly planned! What an excellent trip!

My son returned from the Greece, the Islands & Italy program and he absolutely loved it. Starting in Italy was perfect for him since he had never been before. He talked a lot about exploring Milan, the coast near Cinque Terre, and a really fun cooking class in Perugia that made him feel like he was “actually living there” instead of just passing through. He is a history buff, so in Greece he was blown away by the mix of history and adventure. Athens and the Acropolis made everything from school feel real, and spots like Meteora and Nafplio were big highlights. His favorite part was the time by the water. Beach days and boat trips in Sivota, then Naxos and Santorini with scuba diving, kayaking, and those “crazy sunsets” he keeps mentioning. He came home more confident, more independent, and with a great group of new friends. As a parent, I felt he was safe and well looked after the whole time. I would 100% recommend this program.

Shauna MerkurCanada · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Incredible summer

​We were so impressed ​with Sammy's recent trip to Greece and Italy. She had the best experience traveling by herself, and made ​so many new friends. The staff were amazing and we especially appreciated the thorough pre-trip departure support​.​ We were nervous about sending her to Europe on her own, but Westcoast Connection made us feel completely comfortable! Highly recommend!

Geoff PhillipsUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Fantastic adventure

Superbly organized travel itinerary and excellent leadership team. Lots of fun daily adventures, strolling, sightseeing, and even scuba diving. Well balanced trip featuring both local immersion and group social activities. WCC is highly experienced and very professional.

Michelle NUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

GREAT trip with a GREAT company

Westcoast Connections runs fun teen travel programs! The trip offer a variety of sightseeing and adventure, while immersing the travelers in the Greece culture. The safety, staff, and communication with parents are top notch.

Dylan BernUnited States · November 2025
From: Greece, the Islands & Italy - 25 Days

Amazing Trip!

So much fun! My son loved his tour and made great friends. Such an experience...he loved touring and enjoying Greece and Italy. Just enough of everything. Accommodations and food were terrific. The counselors make the experience not only fun but safe...

Beth RubyCanada · September 2025
From: Costa Rica Service & Adventure - 18 Days

Experience of a lifetime

Our 15-year-old daughter had the experience of a lifetime on her trip to Costa Rica with Westcoast Connections. From before we even registered her for this trip until after she got home, we were impressed with the communications and support we received from the Westcoast staff. We felt confident about her safety, health and well-being throughout the trip. The travel, accommodations and activities were all excellent. From a social perspective, she went on this trip without knowing a single other participant and came home with 20+ new, wonderful friends. The staff did a great job making sure the social dynamics of the group were positive and inclusive.

Katie PapadakisUnited States · September 2025
From: Pre-College Enrichment Montreal - On the Campus of McGill

Awesome! Can’t wait to do another Aventure

My son loved the Montreal McGill program! He didn’t want to come home. He hopes they do another version at University of Toronto next year. He loved an all the staff members and students. The activities around Montreal were the highlights of his trip. Thank you, West Coast Connections and McGill!

Helene GreenwaldUnited States · September 2025
From: Pre-College Enrichment Montreal - On the Campus of McGill

Cultural experience

The program brought together students from different cultures and ages. While there were a lot of structured activities, there were opportunities to have down time. There was a lot of thought into the experiences based on the things happening in the city. It was a great way for the kids to experiece the city offerings. The programs were fun and low stress.

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Westcoast Connection Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Danny Schiff

Danny Schiff

Interviewed in 2019

Staff

Danny grew up on the beaches of Florida, earning his degree in education from the University of Florida, and spending his weekends surfing and trainin...

At teachers’ college, a classmate told me about spending her summer hiking, rafting, and surfing on a California and the Canyons trip with Westcoast Connection, and I couldn’t believe that a job like that actually existed. I applied immediately and flew out to California that summer for my first trip as a staff.

Show Full Interview
Madison Hafitz

Madison Hafitz

Interviewed in 2018

Staff

Madison is a Master’s in Public Health candidate at the University of Michigan. She is currently pursuing a degree in Health Behavior & Health Educati...

What inspired you to work for Westcoast Connection?

Show Full Interview
Westcoast Connection

Westcoast Connection

4.94

Ready to Learn More?

Westcoast Connection has been serving teen travelers since 1982, with over 47,000 participants to date. We offer summer programs for students completing the equivalent of U.S. grades 7–12, typically aged 13–17. With more than 70 programs available in 25 different countries, we provide immersive adventures that are well-planned and paced just right for teens. Our Active Teen Tour programs focus on fun, action-packed days. The Pre-College Enrichment programs provide study-abroad options at prestigious campuses like UCLA in California and McGill University in Montreal. Additionally, our Community Service programs qualify for the esteemed United States President's Volunteer Service Award. Our Global Adventure programs are designed for older teens and offer exploration travel experiences in ...

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in Italy 2026
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Notable Mention

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The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Westcoast Connection is also happy to answer any questions you have.

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