Do you have any plans this summer? Do you want to travel?
It’s not too late to sign up for a travel program this summer!
As the school year winds down, many consider meaningful ways to spend their summer. Programs abroad offer incredible and unique opportunities for new experiences and growth. There are thousands to choose from, so you can narrow it down to one that piques your interests. If you want to have fun, sail through the Caribbean on a catamaran living with 10 other kids your age, and explore Italy and Greece doing things like swimming, shopping, and sightseeing daily. If you’re looking for something more physically challenging, you could hike Kilimanjaro, bike across France, or surf in Hawaii. Or for something more educational, you could immerse yourself in another language, maybe living with a family in Spain or studying architecture in Rome. After exploring a few options and participating in programs abroad, I can share insights on two exceptional summer experiences.
Sail Caribbean
The moment our boat left the dock at Hodges Creek Marina in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, I knew I was in for something special. Sail Caribbean offers teens the opportunity to learn sailing while living aboard 45-foot catamarans and monohulls in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
Our days began with breathtaking sunrise views, with most people sleeping above deck. After a quick breakfast prepared by our rotating crew duties, we’d have our morning “boat meeting” to discuss the day’s sailing plan. What amazed me most was how quickly we transformed from complete novices to great sailors, learning everything from navigation and anchoring to understanding weather patterns and tides.
The program both teaches sailing and offers the opportunity to get a certification in scuba diving. One particularly memorable day involved a free dive 60 feet down to Rainbow Reef. There were eagle rays, colorful fish, and even sharks swimming above vibrant coral.
At night, our boat had a reflection session, where we discussed our growth and challenges with the captain and first mate. Usually afterward, we would have late night talks before sleeping under the stars on the net of our catamaran.
The friendships formed during those three weeks have endured long after returning home. There’s something about sharing close quarters on a boat, facing challenges together, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Caribbean that creates strong bonds.
Link: https://www.sailcaribbean.com/
Putney: Italy and Greece
Transitioning from sea to land, my experience with Putney Student Travel’s Italy and Greece program offered a different kind of adventure – one filled with ancient history, art, and Mediterranean culture.
Our journey began in Rome, where we wandered through the Forum and stood in awe inside the Colosseum. Rather than experiencing these sites as mere tourists, our Putney leaders encouraged us to understand the historical significance through interactive discussions and journaling activities. In Salerno, we spent hours wandering the town, sketching drawings of the seaside views. Finally, visiting the city of Pompeii, we walked through the remarkably preserved ancient streets. We saw homes with original mosaics, Roman baths, and haunting plaster casts of victims frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It made history feel real in a way textbooks could never capture.
Crossing the ocean to Greece brought new landscapes and ancient wonders. The Acropolis proved even more impressive in person than in photographs. Our group ascended early one morning, before the crowds and heat came in, allowing us to appreciate the architecture and sweeping views of the city below. From Athens, we traveled to Nafplio, Greece’s first capital and a charming coastal town. Here, we stayed in a small, locally-owned inn and explored the town’s narrow streets, and imposing Palamidi Fortress.
Our group’s final project involved creating a collaborative photo essay and journal about how ancient Mediterranean cultures influence modern life – a reflection that continues to shape my worldview today.
Link: https://goputney.com/
These two programs, Sail Caribbean and Putney’s Italy and Greece adventure, each offer unique approaches to summer learning. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or something else. The right program can transform your summer from just a break from school into a life-changing experience.
