Where eductation
meets
exploration
For over 55 years, we’ve mastered the art of crafting unforgettable educational experiences that open the eyes, minds, and hearts of students of all ages. Innovation is how our company was born, how we’ve helped millions of students soar higher, and how we continue to create life-changing moments every day.
Since 1975, we’ve proudly collaborated with university partners across the nation to create custom global programs that align seamlessly with your curriculum goals. Our innovative approach to immersive learning through real-world challenges and experiences continue to set us apart as an industry leader year after year.
Why WorldStrides?
Learning at the core
All of our programs are designed to engage students and enrich learning, from hands-on activities to customized global engagements.
Proven track record
Our global network and industry-leading infrastructure—with 24/7 support and doctors on call—provide confidence and peace of mind that only comes from 55+ years of experience.
Personal care
We sweat the details, and it shows. From your dedicated trip-planning team to your expert on-site guides, we have your back no matter where you are in the world.
Social responsibility
Each program is a promise to make the world a better place. We’re committed to social, environmental, and ethically responsible initiatives that impact our communities.
What we believe
We are committed to inspiring a passion for lifelong learning.
We empower students in any phase of life to look beyond the classroom and see the world—and themselves—in new ways through immersive learning.
We help them grow as individuals by developing independence, leadership, problem-solving skills, worldliness, and maturity.
We help them expand their global citizenship by building compassion, initiative, connections, and perspectives that set them up for future success
Our values
Act as one team with integrity, respect,
transparency, and inclusion.
Do the right thing to deliver exceptional results.
Build education and learning into
everything we do.
Care for our people and communities.
The WorldStrides journey
Education and personal growth are the heart of our mission, and they always have been. It all began in 1964 when social studies teacher Phil Wendel took his class on a trip to Washington, D.C. Inspired by the powerful effect it had on his students, Phil set out to make experiential learning safe, easy, and fun for even more teachers and students.
Fast forward to today: Millions of students have experienced the magic of educational travel during a WorldStrides program. Here’s how we got here…
1964
A middle school social studies teacher from Chicago, Phil Wendel brings history to life for his students in Washington, D.C. Three years later, having seen firsthand the power of experiential learning, Phil leaves teaching to create Lakeland Tours.
1990s
Now the first accredited organization of its kind, Lakeland Tours joins forces with other leaders in student travel–American Student Travel, Bowl Games of America, Educational Field Studies, Heritage Festivals, and Wider Horizons–to form WorldStrides.
2000s
WorldStrides’ educational mission broadens to include a commitment to environmental stewardship. The family also expands with the incorporation of Accent Travel Group, New Century Tours, and TravelMBA.
2010-2015
WorldStrides welcomes Casterbridge Tours, NETC, WorldPass, Oxbridge Academic Programs, Rhapsody Tours of Kent, CBL International, Excel International Sports, and International Studies Abroad (ISA), expanding our U.K. presence and study abroad and sports programs.
2016-2023
WorldStrides renews its accreditation as a school from AdvancED, and receives high marks for its commitment to educational transformation for students. Additionally, Explorica, Envision, TEAN Abroad, and BrightSpark join the WorldStrides family.