Business Details
24 Years
experience
Transformative Summer Travel Programs for High School Students
GoBeyond Student Travel Student Travel has been pioneering transformative summer programs for high school students since 2002. Our mission combines cross-cultural service, adventure, and personal growth to create life-changing experiences. With over 40 years of collective expertise from our parent organization, Global Expeditions Group, we design programs that challenge students to expand their perspectives through hands-on community service in destinations like the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, and Iceland.Our structured approach integrates the Lifeworks Forum, fostering leadership and ethical development, while maintaining small co-ed groups to ensure meaningful connections. Backed by 80% staff retention and 98% alumni skill retention, we prioritize authentic service projects that create lasting global impact. Our commitment to diversity ensures accessibility for all students, regardless of background or experience level.
Services
Community Service Programs
Cultural Immersion Trips
Adventure Travel Programs
Language Immersion Programs
Environmental Conservation Projects
Wildlife Stewardship Programs
Infrastructure Development Trips
High School Summer Programs
International Volunteer Programs
Leadership Development Programs
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in student travel programs
- Our small groups ensure personalized attention and safety
- Lifeworks Forum develops leadership and ethical decision-making skills
- We partner with local organizations for authentic service projects
- 80% staff retention ensures program continuity and expertise
What people say
Life-changing experiences
Personal growth
Cultural immersion
Lasting friendships
Meaningful service projects
Services
British Virgin Islands Program
Live aboard a catamaran while earning 80-100 service hours through marine conservation projects. Students tag sea turtles, reforest mangroves, and restore coastlines in this 17-21 day program combining adventure with environmental stewardship. Ideal for teens seeking hands-on marine biology experience and sailing certification.
Iceland Program
Earn 30 service hours protecting Iceland's environment through habitat restoration projects. This 16-day program combines glacier hikes, volcanic landscape exploration, and cultural immersion with Icelandic communities. Participants experience midnight sun phenomena while learning about sustainable tourism practices in fragile ecosystems.
Australia Program
Earn 20 service hours through rainforest conservation while exploring Australia's natural wonders. This 21-day program includes Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, Manly Beach surfing, and wildlife encounters. Students combine coastal preservation work with cultural exchanges and Outback adventures.
Environmental Conservation
Conduct field research and implement conservation strategies across diverse ecosystems. Programs range from Galapagos invasive species removal to Amazon reforestation. Students work with scientists on data collection while earning 20-100 service hours through hands-on ecological restoration projects.
Cultural Immersion
Live with host families and participate in community projects across 9 countries. Programs include Spanish language immersion in Costa Rica, Tibetan cultural exchanges, and Beijing orphanage work. Students gain cross-cultural communication skills while earning 30-100 service hours through community-based initiatives.
People
Jim Stoll
Co-Founder
Pioneered youth education programs starting with a sailing school in 1970. Founded ActionQuest in 1986 and co-created GoBeyond Student Travel Student Travel in 2002 after global sailing adventures. Developed innovative service-learning models combining adventure with community impact.
Mike Meighan
Director
Co-founder with oceanography background who developed Sea|mester program. Combines marine biology expertise with educational leadership to create impactful service-learning experiences. Oversees program development and staff training for global operations.
Questions
What makes GoBeyond Student Travel Student Travel programs different from typical summer camps?
Our programs uniquely combine community service, cultural immersion, and adventure travel with structured personal development through the Lifeworks Forum.
How long are the summer programs?
Programs range from 16 to 21 days, with session options from mid-June to mid-August in various international locations.
What service hours will participants earn?
Service hours vary by program: 20-30 hours for shorter trips, 80-100 hours for extended marine conservation programs in the British Virgin Islands.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we offer need-based scholarships and financial assistance to ensure accessibility for qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain 24/7 staff supervision, emergency response protocols, and regular communication systems. All staff are trained in risk management and first aid.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Suzana Roclord
Oct 22, 2018
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Excellent program, friendly staff. I couldn't be happier with Action Quest and GoBeyond. Everything was excellent. Go Beyond staff, as well as Leah Hernandez, is very efficient. Everything was great and Rex is thrilled to have been to BVI last summer and this summer to Australia.
Bonnie Baker
Oct 12, 2018
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I couldnt be happier with the Go Beyond Program! The adventure and fun coupled with the educational aspect of the program in my eyes is shaping the younger generations world views in ways that many of them will not get or realize without seeing things with their own eyes. This was our daughters second experience with Go Beyond and she is already looking forward to this summer!
Kendall Volpe
Sep 25, 2018
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This program not only gave me an opportunity to do so many incredible things, but I also met friends who will be at my side for a long time. Though the service projects were by far my favorite part, there was also enough fun to create a good balance with all of the work we were doing. There was also enough variety in the locations so that each service project came with new knowledge and understanding of the BVI and the people that live there. The talks and team building activities were so much fun for me because I love getting to know the people around me! Of all the team bonding, my favorite activity
Darcy LaBelle
Jun 12, 2017
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My youngest daughter, Nicole just returned from her second trip with Go Beyond. Both experiences were transformative and from a parent's point of view incredibly well designed and well executed. Nicole's first trip to Peru was filled with great adventure and hard work which she loved. This summer she spent three weeks in India and was exposed to so many varied and rich cultures. She came back talking about when she could return. The trip was an eye opener for her, and one she will forever carry with her. The outreach and community programs offered through Go Beyond are truly transformative and
Greg Cook
Sep 06, 2016
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Sydney had an amazing experience and has grown so much in so many ways. She learned so much about the environment and how to make an impact in making our earth better. She learned independence and how to handle herself if needed. Sydney learned a lot about herself (what she likes and how she can improve). The staff was unforgettable (Sydney's words :-)) I think it is an experience every child should have. There are no words...she will be back next year!
Taylor Woollen
Feb 02, 2016
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Lifeworks is amazing. I went to Ecuador on the Darwin program and I had the best time. I loved the program and the people involved in this program, and I would love if someone else got to experience the same thing that I did.This program is very well organized, and I learned a lot about myself and about community service on this trip that I think others should learn too. The best thing about Lifeworks is the balance between community service and excursions. I loved all of the excursions, and I had a ton of fun with every activity that we did. Community service is really important to me, so doing
