Our travel programs are about more than just service – they are about global citizenship
What does it mean to be a global citizen? And why is it important?
The United Nations (UN) describes global citizenship as “the umbrella term for social, political, environmental, and economic actions of globally minded individuals and communities on a worldwide scale.”
In the UN’s words, the promotion of global citizenship enables people “to embrace their social responsibility to act for the benefit of all societies, not just their own.”
This highlights why we feel it is important for teens to develop global awareness and citizenship and think about the bigger picture on a scale much larger than just their home communities. We have a wonderful world, with incredible people, and beautiful natural environments; and we want teens to experience this, and be part of conversations and positive action to help protect and improve the causes they feel passionate about.
What role do our own travel programs play in promoting global citizenship?
The increasing tendency for many people, movements, and even governments to see our challenges not just in terms of what may be happening within national borders, but also with regard to the wider world, reflects the reality that holistic, international problems require holistic, international solutions.
None of us can hope to exist in complete isolation from the multitude of societies, cultures, religions, and values with which we share a planet. Sure enough, our own summer travel programs at The Road Less Traveled (RLT) underscore the importance and power of cultural exchange and global perspectives, with wide-ranging and in-depth opportunities for cultural and service learning.
Or to put it another way: our trips help kids to see the “bigger picture”, outside of their home bubble. This is utterly crucial for the future of our Earth, as our younger people come to grow, mature, and take on leadership positions that will define the prospects of our planet for generations to come.
When we talk about leadership, we do not merely refer to those 6th to 12th-grade students who may one day be presidents, prime ministers, and chief executives. The truth is that a strong sense of global citizenship, with care and responsibility towards others, is needed from every citizen of our planet.
Enquire today about our leadership development programs for teens
Could your teen be spending the summer of 2024 supporting environmental projects around permaculture, composting, and rainwater harvesting in Turrialba, Costa Rica?
What about partaking in species identification research and invasive species removal as part of coral conservation projects in Belize, or helping with community development projects in local villages on our program around Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos? Or perhaps the chance to teach English to local children in elementary schools in Bangkok, Thailand may most capture your child’s interest?
These are all examples of ways in which our service-oriented and leadership development programs for teens can be instrumental in building a young person’s sense of global citizenship. For all the aforementioned trips, students will also receive certified service hours that can count towards school service requirements and help with college admissions.
To find out more about any of our highly rated cultural and service trips, and the role they could play in aiding your child’s development into a truly global citizen, please browse our available programs for the summer of 2024 today, before scheduling a call with one of our directors.
