Putney Student Travel’s educational travel programs invite students in grades 9–12 to explore new places, connect with different cultures, pursue their interests, and discover what they’re capable of. From cultural exploration and outdoor adventure to community service, language immersion, and career-focused experiences, every program combines purposeful learning with the excitement of discovery.

For more than 75 years, Putney has created transformative summer experiences built around small groups, outstanding leaders, and meaningful engagement with the world. Our programs challenge students to step beyond the familiar, develop independence and confidence, and form lasting friendships—all within a supportive, thoughtfully designed environment.

High School Travel

Adventure Travel & Cultural Immersion for High School Students

Explore the world in ways that go far beyond sightseeing, tour buses, and bucket lists. Putney's high school Exploration programs combine outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning, inviting students to engage with the people, places, and traditions that make each destination unique. Whether exploring a vibrant city or venturing into a remote landscape, students discover new perspectives through authentic experiences and meaningful local connections. Click here to learn more about our high school Exploration programs.

Examples of Exploration Program Adventures

Summit Kilimanjaro or ski in Patagonia
Experience Buddhist traditions during an overnight temple stay in South Korea
Kayak through Finland's lake country and forage for berries
Learn the art of Italian cuisine through private cooking classes
Sail as part of a crew through Australia's Whitsunday Islands
Trek across a glacier with guides in Iceland

Service Learning

Meaningful Community Service & Cultural Exchange

Putney's high school community service programs connect students with local organizations and communities through purposeful, hands-on projects, and build on our longstanding relationships around the world. Rather than simply visiting a destination, students have opportunities to learn from local partners, understand community priorities, and contribute to collaborative initiatives. Along the way, they develop empathy, adaptability, leadership skills, and a deeper awareness of the connections between people and places. We see service as a powerful catalyst for building cross-cultural friendship and understanding. Click here to learn more about our approach to Service.

Example of Service Program Experiences

Work with Tico friends in Costa Rica on a construction-based project
Hike ancient Inca trails to the mountain-top city of Machu Picchu
Visit a Maasai boma, a traditional settlement in Tanzania, and walk among baobab trees
Help with community building projects and teach English to youth in Nepal
Contribute to community-led efforts constructing "compassion houses" in Vietnam

Career Exploration & Academics

Explore Your Interests Through Real-World Learning

For high school students eager to explore a potential career or pursue a particular passion, Putney offers immersive summer programs that bring learning to life. Work alongside professionals, engage with experts, and investigate subjects ranging from wildlife conservation and engineering to creative writing and photography. These experiences help students discover new interests, develop practical skills, and gain insight into the possibilities ahead. Click here to learn more about our high school Career programs.

Examples of Career & Academic Program Experiences

Work alongside zoologists and veterinarians at The Belize Zoo
Explore engineering and emerging technologies on the MIT campus
Investigate the business of sports through a career-focused summer program in Barcelona
Develop your photography skills in the extraordinary landscapes of Yellowstone
Pursue a seminar such as Fashion or Language in the vibrant streets of Tokyo

Language Immersion

Learn a Language Through Cultural Immersion

Build language skills and confidence through deep immersion in real-world settings. Putney offers language programs for Spanish, French, and Mandarin, as well as a Japanese Language seminar on our Tokyo Pre-College program. Our high school language immersion programs combine structured language learning with everyday opportunities to communicate, connect, and experience local culture. From conversations in markets and cafés to exchanges with local people, students gain practical communication skills while developing a richer understanding of life in their host country. Click here to learn more about our high school Language programs.

Examples of Language Immersion Experiences

Practice Spanish and learn to dance flamenco in Spain
Strengthen your French as you explore vibrant Provençal markets in Aix-en-Provence
Develop Mandarin skills in a homestay with local families outside Beijing
Practice Spanish with native speakers in Valencia and the Pyrenees

Independent Projects

Follow Your Curiosity with an Independent Project

An important part of the Putney experience, and something that sets our programs apart, is the opportunity to explore a personal interest in greater depth. Through independent projects, students take ownership of their learning, investigate topics that inspire them, and engage more deeply with the people and cultures they encounter. With guidance from program leaders and local experts, students turn curiosity into discovery, developing initiative, creativity, and confidence along the way.

Examples of Independent Projects

Explore Korean culinary traditions and create a collection of recipes inspired by local ingredients and cooking techniques
Create a Quechua phrasebook or interview locals about community history
Investigate the relationship between environmental conservation and local communities in Belize
Develop a photography, writing, or creative project inspired by the landscapes and cultures of your destination

Our Leaders

Outstanding Leadership & Meaningful Independence

Putney's high school summer travel programs are led by experienced, engaging educators and professionals who share a passion for teaching, travel, and working with young people. Our leaders do more than guide a group from place to place. They create a supportive community, encourage students to embrace new challenges, facilitate meaningful cultural exchange, and help each individual make the most of the experience.

With small groups and attentive leadership, students have the freedom to explore their interests and develop greater independence while benefiting from thoughtful structure and personal support. Whether traveling abroad for the first time or seeking a new challenge, students return home with greater confidence, new perspectives, and lasting connections. Click here to learn more about what sets Putney leaders apart.

Exceptional Leadership

Experienced, passionate leaders provide guidance, mentorship, and personal attention, creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore, learn, and grow.

Individual Growth

New experiences and meaningful challenges help students develop independence, adaptability, confidence, and a stronger sense of who they are and what they’re capable of.

Meaningful Connections

Small-group travel and authentic cultural exchange foster lasting friendships, deeper understanding, and connections that extend far beyond the summer.

“Harper came home feeling more independent and confident than she had ever felt before.”

— Ashley & Chay H., Highland Village, TX

Summer 2027

High School Summer Travel Programs for Students in Grades 9–12

Discovery & Growth

High School Travel

Adventure Travel & Cultural Immersion for High School Students

Service Learning

Meaningful Community Service & Cultural Exchange

Career Exploration & Academics

Explore Your Interests Through Real-World Learning

Language Immersion

Learn a Language Through Cultural Immersion

Independent Projects

Follow Your Curiosity with an Independent Project

Our Leaders

Outstanding Leadership & Meaningful Independence

Exceptional Leadership

Individual Growth

Meaningful Connections

High School Service Programs

High School Language Programs

High School Exploration Programs

High School Career Programs

High School Academic & Campus Programs

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