Decades of Experience

Our Why Choose Putney?

74 Years of Experience

We’re not new at this. Our safety record gives parents comfort and reflects decades of institutional knowledge and expertise in performing successful risk management, supporting young travelers, and delivering high quality programming. The New York Times called us “the grandaddy of educational student travel.”

Innovative Programs

We continually strive to develop and improve our programming in response to world issues. Our students benefit from a global network of friends and partner organizations that has been built over seven decades and includes teachers, farmers, artists, activists, NGOs, and many others.

Global Stewardship

We partner with communities around the world through long-term collaborations. Our students benefit from authentic interactions with local people. As a result, they learn to value community empowerment, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability.

Outstanding Leaders
We choose our highly qualified leaders with expertise in the destinations to which they lead as well as the ability to inspire students. Many have advanced degrees and take time away from successful careers to lead because they love our students and believe in our mission.
Great Students
We carefully review applications and accept only students who have the ability to thrive on a Putney program. Our goal is to accept young people who are well adjusted, bright, curious about the world, and who can contribute positively to their group.
Excellent Group Dynamics
Great programs start and end with great group dynamics. Our leaders facilitate positive environments where everyone is included, celebrated, and invited to participate. These group experiences lead to increased maturity, broadened perspectives, and lasting friendships.

“My husband traveled with Putney 25 years ago. He was thrilled to see that the quality of programming, leaders, and students drawn to Putney are just as great as they were back then.”

— Carolyn & Ray Evans, Charleston, SC

Student Ownership
Students learn and grow the most when they are given clear expectations and a chance to take ownership of their experience. While our leaders supervise and direct each program, students actively help lead many important daily tasks, activities, and discussions.
Inclusive Environment
We are committed to being allies to and advocates for all of our students. Our staff and leaders pledge to work with families and students to ensure we provide a safe and supportive experience for all students regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion.
High Expectations
We have clearly communicated expectations of behavior that are designed to keep students safe and bring out the best in them. Our simple rules—no smoking, drinking, or drugs, as well as a few more—promote safety and build trust within the group.
It's Fun!
While our programs all have ambitious educational goals, our founders believed that you learn best when you’re having fun. For 73 years Putney has made learning fun and we can guarantee that’s not going to change in our 74th summer. Please join us!

Outcomes

Our programs instill confidence, maturity, and passion for cultures and ideas that are new to students—benefits that extend far beyond summer. These experiences often serve as springboards for students to develop lifelong interests.

Personal Connections

By keeping our groups small we create unique experiences where individual connections can take root. Our alumni stay in touch with us and each other for years because they have made real friendships with the people they’ve met through Putney.