Our Educational Mission
Experience is the world’s best teacher. That’s the core of our philosophy, but we don’t leave the education up to experience alone. We elevate the learning with an approach that’s earned us national accreditation and helped to ignite growth for millions of students over more than 55 years.
Accredited, Like Your School
In 1996, WorldStrides became the first student travel company to be accredited by regional and national accrediting bodies, which means we’re held to the same strict academic standards as schools all across the country.
WorldStrides is proud to be accredited by four leading organizations:
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- Cognia
- Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Why Is Accreditation Important for WorldStrides?
Accreditation strengthens our capacity to offer high-quality student learning experiences across all of WorldStrides. Our academic standards, dedication to continuous improvement, and company-wide commitment to education are evaluated as part of the accreditation process.
Accreditation reaffirms our commitment to education and differentiates us from our competitors. It also highlights our strengths as an organization: our commitment to our mission, purpose, and values; our leadership; our strong business acumen; and our ability to provide research-based, targeted, innovative learning experiences for our students.
Students: Give Yourself Some Credit!
Our accredited status makes it possible for us to deliver on our commitment to education by offering academic credit for our students.
All students in grades 6-12 at the time of travel have the opportunity to enroll in online coursework that is carefully paired with their travel program. Most assignments are designed to be completed after travel, since they ask students to incorporate much of what they learned during the field experience. Courses vary in theme, content, and length based on the travel destination.
Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to enroll in courses to earn high school credit at no additional cost.
Course Description - Foundations of Leadership (0.5 HS credit)
This course captures the personal demonstration of leadership and the continued development of strong character. The coursework encourages students to identify the qualities and appreciate the benefits related to building strong leadership skills through personal examination, a review of historic figures, and an analysis of our current leaders. The course content has students examine the difference between good leadership and great leadership; the degree to which people put the interests of others ahead of their own; ability to coach and mentor others; the inclusion of service as one part of leadership, and the process of making decisions that reflect various perspectives.
Teachers: Earn Professional Development
Traveling educators (program leaders and chaperones) are eligible to receive professional development points/hours/continuing education units that can be used toward license recertification. The amount of professional development is awarded based on travel program length. Professional development certificates are offered to program leaders and teacher chaperones at no cost.
Our Curriculum & Academics team, in conjunction with our university partner, University of California San Diego (UCSD) Extended Studies, offers traveling educators the opportunity to earn graduate credit by participating in our online course. Email education@worldstrides.com for more information
Teachers/Students: Getting Started is Easy!
1. Please register before, during, or after travel to take advantage of academic credit or professional development opportunities.
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- Teachers/Adults: Choose CEU hours or Graduate Credit. TEACHERS REGISTER HERE
- Students: You may choose the Foundations of Leadership (0.5 HS credit) course. STUDENTS REGISTER HERE
2. Once you have been registered and contacted by us:
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- Teachers: You simply have to travel and we will automatically send you a professional development certificate with the amount of hours/points/CEUs earned based on your program and length of travel.
- Students: You will receive a link to our online learning management system, Schoology. Once you log in, you can work at your own pace to complete all online coursework. Our instructors will provide feedback on your work as you go.
- You will engage in activities that offer options for video responses, opportunities to use photos from your experience, and participate in discussions with your peers.
- You have up to six months from your return date of travel to complete the coursework.
3. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your travel experience!
Register Today!
The more we Explore, the more we Discover. The more we Discover, the more we Become.
Questions? Contact Us!
WorldStrides - Specialty Travel Programs
specialtytravel@worldstrides.com
Or call us at (800) 553-4723