Blog Post

What are the benefits of attending an international adventure summer program for teens?

Although we often think of summer break as a period with more freedom, time is a precious resource for middle and high school students today. Summer is no exception. Between sports, summer jobs or internships, family vacations, camps and summer programs, there just isn’t time to do it all. Deciding how to schedule your middle school or high school student’s summer requires considering your and your student’s goals and priorities for their break.

International adventure summer programs offer many benefits for students who are ready for the next step after a traditional summer camp. Here’s why you might consider signing up your student for one this summer.

1. Experience different perspectives and cultures

Being surrounded by a small group of peers from different places allows students to form close friendships and develop a network outside the bounds of their usual social environment. During their program, students will connect based on shared interests and living new experiences together rather than other similarities. Plus, international travel provides exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, broadening students’ worldviews.

2. Learn new skills

Specialized summer adventure programs allow students to learn and perfect skills they don’t have access to in a traditional summer program, like scuba diving, sailing or working with animals. Just as importantly, learning to navigate social interactions in a small, welcoming group can increase students’ communication, leadership and other soft skills.

3. Increased self-confidence

Overcoming obstacles and earning certifications, college credits, or other recognition from program instructors and peers on program boost students’ confidence by helping them realize that they can do more than they realized. Whether it’s finally mastering a diving skill they found difficult, completing a challenging hike, plotting their next sail, collecting data to further real-world conservation projects or even just cooking dinner for the rest of their crew – students will rack up accomplishments small and large that will boost their self-esteem.

4. Build independence and self-reliance

Being away from the comfort of their home and routine requires students to manage new situations independently. Venturing into an unfamiliar environment teaches teens to solve problems, adapt to new environments, and handle challenges on their own. When students encounter problems during their program, they will learn to identify alternative supports and resources, how to resolve issues and advocate for themselves rather than having a parent do it for them.

Connect with a Broadreach Program Coordinator to learn about trip options

5. Improve mental well-being

Apart from increasing self-confidence,  unplugging from technology and escaping the pressures of social media and a rigorous academic environment can improve mental well-being and reduce stress.

6. Ease transitions

On a program like a Broadreach liveaboard voyage, students are responsible for cooking for each other, keeping their living space clean, helping to plan their daily schedules and activities, and keeping an eye out for each other. This increased independence helps prepare students for the transition to high school, college or adulthood.

7. Get off the beaten track

Many families enjoy traveling internationally together and exploring new places and cultures. However, some international programs allow participants to experience places inaccessible to tourists. Think remote research stations in the Amazon, uninhabited Caribbean islands, difficult-to-access dive sites, nature reserves for nesting sea turtles and more.

With limited time in the summer and many different activities available for pre-teens and teens, it can be hard to weigh all the options. International adventure programs strike the ideal balance of fun and learning. They offer a multitude of benefits for participants, making them a great choice for your middle school or high school student’s summer break.

Interested in exploring Broadreach’s marine biology, scuba diving, sailing, veterinary medicine or wildlife conservation adventures? Schedule a chat with one of our friendly program directors today or give us a call at (919)256-8200!