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Putney Student Travel

• 25+ countries, 6 continents

[email protected]

• Min. Session Length: 2 Weeks
• Min. Costs: $4,990-$10,990 (depending on program)
• Application Deadline: Rolling
• Eligibility: Current 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th

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What sets Putney apart from other teen summer travel programs is their exclusive focus on middle and high school students.

Students can choose from career, exploration, service, or language-focused programs in a number of different countries. Moreover, all students participate in cultural immersion and complete a creative independent student project of their choice. Past projects have included apprenticing with a gelato maker, designing sports marketing campaigns, and learning to play a traditional instrument.

Wondering what you can expect from each focus? Career-focused programs include wildlife conservation, writing, and public health, among others. For example, Writers’ Workshop and Craft, held in Dublin, Ireland, gives students the opportunity to experience Ireland’s storytelling tradition, write in famous historical sites, and travel to a three-day writer’s retreat on a remote island. Alternatively, Exploration programs are all about discovering a new country and immersing oneself in its culture. As such, students journeying to the Faroe Islands & Iceland participate in activities like lighthouse hikes, boat and helicopter excursions, and glacier and volcano treks. Service program participants participate in structured projects that give back to the local community they’re staying in, while those undertaking a Language program engage in authentic interactions with their homestay family as well as the local community on a daily basis.

To apply to these summer travel programs for high school students, you’ll need to complete an Applicant Statement and two teacher references. Looking for more options? Putney collaborates with a number of other providers, including Smithsonian Student Travel and National Geographic Student Travel.

Putney Student Travel

Why Choose Putney Student Travel?

Since 1951, Putney Student Travel has offered international travel and educational programs for students with all kinds of interests. All classes are made up of smaller groups which allow for more personalized instruction and better learning. Individuals can participate in a number of summer programs that are geared towards middle school and high school students. Putney Student Travel also offers Gap programs for students in college. Students can choose from programs that focus on Service, Pre-College, Career, Language, and Exploration.

Recognitions

Check out awards and recognitions Putney Student Travel has received

Putney Student Travel Programs

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Ecuador & the Galápagos: Service & Spanish Immersion

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Peru: Public Health in the Andes

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Pre-College Program in Barcelona

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Putney Student Travel Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

Total reviews, review rating.

Ashley Cruz, 17

United States

The Highlight of My Year!

My experience on my trip to Italy and Greece with Putney Student Travel was the highlight of my year! I made many new friends along the way all from different places that made the trip even more en...

Ciprianna Rue, 17

A time I will never forget!

I had the best time of my life during my trip to Argentina. It was something completely different that forced me to make friends and try new things. I met so many amazing people and had so many lif...

Zach Herrick, 14

A fun summer

My Putney Iceland trip was an amazing experience I will never forget. I made many great friends and memories I will never forget. Through Putney’s guidance I was also able to see great personal gro...

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High school, middle school, apply now & login.

• Apply to Lead

National Geographic Student Travel, together with Putney Student Travel, seeks extraordinary people to work as trip leaders, instructors, and program assistants on our student travel programs. If you are interested in working with us, please familiarize yourself with the different program types on this website, review the Eligibility and Requirements and Application Details sections on this page, then submit a full application to Putney Student Travel using the link below.

Putney Student Travel manages the interview process and hires all Trip Leaders for National Geographic Student Travel programs. Putney Student Travel begins reviewing applications in November and holds interviews through April, or until all positions are filled.

Ideal Candidates

Successful candidates must be able to motivate and engage students in a wide range of situations and settings and have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Leadership on all programs requires extensive interaction with and mentoring of students ranging from 7th through 12th grade. As a result of hiring people who already have what it takes to facilitate safe, engaging, and meaningful programs we are able to grant our leaders a high degree of independence and responsibility. Excellent personal leadership skills and the ability to problem-solve and handle multiple ongoing tasks are crucial. Successful candidates have the ability to inspire, lead, mentor, empathize, educate, set boundaries, enforce rules, and collaborate as a team with their co-leader(s).  Working as a co-leadership team is paramount to the success of any program, and the size of each team varies. Groups of 18 students or less are led by a two-person leadership team, and groups with 19 or more students may have a leadership trio. 

We have a code of conduct that our students read and sign in order to participate. We expect our leaders to enforce these rules throughout the program, and live by them as well.

Our returning leaders agree that some of the most important skills necessary to lead a successful program include abundant energy, good judgment, flexibility, passion for and knowledge about the destination and program themes, patience, resiliency, and a deep desire to work with youth.

It is impossible for all candidates to embody everything on this list, which is why we hire holistic leadership teams. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all of the criteria.  Our most successful candidates meet some combination of the following criteria:

• A deep desire to work with, educate, and lead youth from a wide range of backgrounds.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Specific in-country experience in the destinations we visit.
• Advanced proficiency or fluency in the language specific to the destination.
• Significant experience working with students both in and out of the classroom and the ability to problem solve and make decisions that facilitate an engaging learning environment.
• Patience, flexibility, and adaptability in a highly dynamic work environment.
• An ability to assess risk and make smart decisions regarding the health, safety, and overall well-being of the group.
• A passion for travel, exploration, and the program theme.
• The ability to be ‘on’ 24 hours a day for the duration of the program.

Every year we receive hundreds of applications from candidates interested in spending their summer working alongside our students. Since these positions are in such high demand, we are able to hire  knowledgeable and passionate team members.

Eligibility Requirements: 

Trip Leader Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher and/or commensurate work experience in a field related to the program theme.
• Proficiency in the language(s) spoken in country.
• Significant experience working with high school students.
• Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR (at your own expense) before leader training. Many of our leaders hold more advanced certifications such as WFA, WFR, or EMT.
• Availability to attend leader training in Putney, Vermont from May 29-June 2, 2024. Travel to and from training is covered as part of employment.

Extensive experience traveling/studying/living in the program destination(s) preferred.

Program Assistant Applicants (hired for University Workshops and Photo Workshops) must meet the following requirements:

• Must have completed their second year of college or university.
• Experience working with high school students.
• Program assistants must be flexible and resourceful, willing to take ownership of tasks as well as be able to follow instructions and work independently without a lot of direct supervision.
• Experience in the destination country and proficiency in the local language, if applicable.
• Certified in Basic First Aid and CPR (at your own expense) before leader training.
• Availability to attend leader training in Putney, Vermont in early June.  Travel to and from training and related expenses are covered as part of employment.
• In addition to the above requirements, applicants should demonstrate applicable skills in the following areas, consistent with the category of program(s) for which you wish to be considered:

For Expedition and University Workshop Leader Positions:

• Extensive academic and/or work experience with one of the On Assignment specialties or seminars on which the program focuses and enthusiasm for creating your own interactive curriculum.
• Some programs require a valid driver’s license.

For Photography Workshop Leader Positions:

• Extensive academic and/or work experience in photography or photojournalism.
• For domestic programs, a valid driver’s license is required.

All applicants offered a position are required to complete a background check. For programs where you will be responsible for driving students, this includes a driving report.  All leaders must submit a background check every year.

• Application Timeline

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage you to apply early in the cycle (November-March). Candidates with the skills and qualifications we seek for available positions will be invited to interview via a video call and/or may be offered an interview in person at our offices in Vermont. We appreciate your patience during the hiring process as we take a holistic approach to put together leadership teams for each program. We are proud to have a high percentage of returning leaders each year and we give preference to those leaders. First-time leaders can expect decisions about leadership opportunities beginning in March until all positions are filled. A more exact decision-making timeline will be clarified during your interview as circumstances may differ.

• COVID-19 Considerations

The health and safety of our leaders and students is our top priority. All leaders are required to have received the most updated COVID-19 vaccine (designed to target the most recently prevalent variants) by staff training in May 2024. For applicants who reside in the US, this is the 2023–2024 formula, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Additional information about the updated vaccine can be found on the CDC’s website. For those who reside outside of the US, applicants are expected to have received the most updated vaccine available, in accordance with their respective countries' public health protection agency's recommendations.

• Leader Training

All leaders are required to attend an intensive training in Putney, VT from May 29-June 2, 2024. During training, leaders participate in active and engaging discussions, seminars, activities, and workshops.

• Early Leaders

Many programs require that one or more leaders travel to the destination up to one week in advance of the program start for preparation. These pre-trip days are compensated as part of the contract.

• Compensation

We believe in fairly and equally compensating our leaders for their time and experience. In addition to offering competitive stipends, we cover all reasonable domestic and international travel to and from training in Vermont as well as to and from your program destination(s). While under contract, we also cover all other program-related expenses, such as accommodations, activities, and food. Stipends are calculated based on level of education, years of related experience in teaching or leading similar programs, language fluency, skills relevant to the program theme(s) (professional photographers, wildlife biologists, etc), and advanced medical training above basic First Aid and CPR. Returning leaders also receive a pay bump for up to four years of leading. 

Application Details

Before submitting your application below, please carefully browse our website and familiarize yourself with the program categories, destinations, and itineraries for which you are most qualified. 

In your resume and applicant statement, be sure to highlight your language abilities as well as time spent in countries outside of the U.S., specifically the countries where you are interested in leading programs. Please also elaborate on your experience working with students in a teaching or leadership capacity. Please highlight any experience that would make you an effective and inclusive instructor of your chosen On Assignment focus. 

Please apply for the programs for which you are the most qualified. 

At Putney Student Travel, we strive to hire and retain employees who represent the vast diversity of the countries, communities, cultures, and students we work with across the globe. As a result, we are not only committed to, but passionate about employing leaders from all backgrounds. We encourage applicants from historically marginalized groups and are actively engaged in creating an inclusive work environment for leaders of all identities.

• Canadian Arctic Exploration
• Costa Rica Exploration
• Ecuador & the Galápagos Exploration
• Engineering & Robotics on the MIT Campus University Workshop
• Iceland Exploration
• Japan Exploration
• Namibia Exploration
• Norway Exploration
• Thailand Exploration
• Yellowstone Photography Workshop Photography Workshop
• Middle School Iceland Middle School
• Middle School Italy & Greece Middle School
• About National Geographic Student Travel
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Putney Student Travel operates student programs under license from the National Geographic Society. The name of \\\\\\\"National Geographic\\\\\\\" and the Yellow Border are trademarks of the National Geographic Society and Putney Student Travel is an authorized user.

877.877.8759 | [email protected] | 345 Hickory Ridge Rd. Putney, VT 05346

Find a Program

Filter and search programs:, program types, view more on goprecollege.com:, high school, exploration, middle school, our programs, our collaborations, get started, apply now & login, read our coronavirus faq, frequently asked questions.

• COVID-19 FAQ

Since Putney’s founding 72 years ago, we have approached each participant’s summer experience with the same attention to safety and security that we give our own children. Read about our approach to COVID-19 and travel in 2023. View our COVID-19 FAQ.

• How to Apply

Step 1: Start an Application.

If you are new to Putney Student Travel, visit our Online Application .

If you are a Putney alumni family, use your existing account information to Log In . For an existing account Log In information, you can reset your password here .

Step 2: Hold Your Space.

In order to hold your space for a program, you must complete the Online Application Form , submit an e-signed Agreement Form, and provide a $700 payment, consisting of a $200 non-refundable Application Fee and a $500 Tuition Deposit. The $500 Tuition Deposit is applied toward your tuition. After March 15, we must receive full payment within five days of your initial $700 payment to hold a space in the program.

Step 3: Complete Your Application.

Before we can make a final admissions decision, you must submit your Applicant Statement and two Teacher Reference Forms. These documents are available as part of our Online Application .

Our Admissions Team will review your application within a few days of completion and notify you of the decision by email.

When should I apply? We have a rolling admissions process and will accept applicants until a program fills. Every year, however, we receive more applications than we are able to accept, so early applicants have the best chance of being accepted into their first choice program.

Who is accepted? Applications are carefully reviewed by our Admissions Team and students are selected on the basis of their maturity, enthusiasm, motivation, and willingness to live and participate constructively in a supportive community environment. Putney Student Travel encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Putney staff and leaders work with our students and families to foster a safe and supportive experience for all students regardless of their race, national origin, religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

What forms of payment do you accept? You may pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover) through our secure online system, by personal check, or by wire transfer. Our admissions staff is also available to take credit card information over the phone. Personal checks must be in U.S. dollars and must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Checks should be made payable to Putney Student Travel with the student’s name written on the memo line. Please note that a 2.75% convenience fee is added to payments made by credit card, but is waived for the initial $700 payment. Please contact us for bank details if you prefer to pay by wire transfer.

What if I need to withdraw my application? If you withdraw an application for a summer program on or before March 15, your payment, less the $200 Application Fee, is refunded. If you withdraw an application after March 15, all payments are forfeited. Withdrawals are effective on the date that Putney Student Travel receives written notification.

What happens if I am not accepted? If an application is not accepted or if space is not available in the program listed as first choice, all payments, including the Application Fee, are refunded in full.

Do you have a wait list? Students who wish to hold a space on a waitlist for a program that is currently full must complete the Online Application Form, submit an e-signed Agreement Form, and provide a $700 payment, consisting of a $200 Application Fee and a $500 Tuition Deposit. The $700 payment is fully refunded if space does not become available or if the application is withdrawn prior to a space becoming available.

Who follows up with my teacher references? Students are responsible for following up with teachers to ensure that they have sent completed reference forms to Putney Student Travel. Students can check to see if we have received their teacher references by logging into their Putney application and online portal.

How long do I have to complete my application? Before March 15, Putney Student Travel will temporarily hold a space for a reasonable amount of time upon receipt of a completed Online Application Form, an e-signed Agreement Form, and the $700 payment. The application is considered incomplete and cannot be considered for admission until we have also received a completed Applicant Statement and two completed Teacher Reference Forms. If the application is not completed within a reasonable amount of time, we will consider it withdrawn and the applicant’s temporarily held space will be released. After March 15, we must receive full payment within five days of your initial $700 payment to hold a space in the program or the application will be considered withdrawn and the $700 payment will be forfeited.

When is final payment due? For students accepted before March 15, final payment of the full tuition, airfare (when offered/purchased through Putney), and any associated fees is due on March 15. For students applying after March 15, full payment of the tuition, airfare (when offered/purchased through Putney), and any associated fees is due within 5 days of your application. Putney Student Travel reserves the right to revoke an applicant’s acceptance if timely payment is not received. No refunds are provided in this circumstance.

Do you offer travel insurance? Trip cancellation insurance (including a Cancel For Any Reason benefit) is available at an additional cost and is strongly recommended. Each year, a small number of students must withdraw from their program for medical or related reasons, and families who purchase trip insurance are thankful to receive a tuition refund when their cancellation was due to a covered reason. We have worked with TII/United States Fire Insurance Company/Crum & Forster to design a plan specifically for Putney Student Travel. This plan is available for U.S. residents only. You will be able to purchase the Travel Protection Plan when you pay your invoice in your digital locker.

What is included in the tuition?

Tuition for Putney programs (except for international Pre-College programs as set out below) covers all day-to-day expenses including three meals each day, lodging, excursions, any theater and concert tickets, entry fees, bike and boat rentals, local guides, ski passes and equipment rental, tips, and all ground transportation during the program, including trains, buses and taxis. Tuition does not include the $200 Application Fee, international or internal airfare, baggage fees, visa and entry/exit fees, laundry, health care, gifts, snacks, or other personal expenses.

Tuition for international Putney Pre-College programs includes all accommodations and two meals each day. Tuition for domestic Putney Pre-College programs includes all accommodations and three meals each day. For Pre-College programs, both domestic and international, tuition also covers instruction, use of campus facilities, transportation during the program, entrance fees to museums and cultural sites, field excursions, guest lectures, social events, taxes, and tips. Tuition does not include the $200 Application Fee, transportation to and from the program destination, classroom supplies, art materials, some optional activities, laundry, communication home, health care, gifts, other personal expenses, or the optional supplemental activities, trips, and fees listed below under Program Specific Supplemental Fees.

What additional fees might I encounter?

Application Fee • $200

Travel Coordination Fee • A minimum fee of $150 is assessed when students require special travel arrangements. Please see details below.

Arrival to or Departure from the U.S. Gateway Airport:  If your arrival to or departure from the U.S. Gateway Airport falls outside of the designated window(s) we have indicated on the Travel Information document for your program AND you miss the group flight and/or your connection because of this, you will be charged a minimum of $150 to cover the cost of our staffing and logistical support.

Arrival to or Departure from the Program Destination:  If your arrival to or departure from the program destination falls outside of the designated window(s) requiring special coordination from our staff, you will be charged a minimum of $150.

Unaccompanied Minor Fee • $150 fee each way if your child flies as an Unaccompanied Minor to/from the U.S. Gateway Airport or program destination requiring a Putney representative as an escort. Many major airlines have policies that require students under a certain age who are flying independently to register as an “Unaccompanied Minor.” Please note that registering with the airline as an “Unaccompanied Minor” often incurs a fee in addition to your ticket cost, and requires the student to be escorted at all times (between security, departure/arrival gates, and connecting flights) when they are not with their leader(s) and group. To avoid these fees and complications, it is recommended that you travel with your child to and from the group meeting point at the Gateway Airport. Please give us a call if you would like to further discuss options.

Pre-College Program-Specific Supplemental Fees Pre-College Barcelona Cuisine & Culture $200 Photography & Media $100 Pre-College at Colby College Farm to Table $100 Film Production $100 Forensic Science $100 Photography $100 Pre-Med & Biomedical Ethics $100 Studio Art $100 Pre-College Tokyo Anime & Illustration $125 Photography $100 Japanese Cuisine & Culture $200  

• Travel Logistics

Once a student has been accepted on a Putney program we will provide detailed information about program-specific travel day logistics.

How do I get to my program? Most students on programs outside of the contiguous United States use Putney's group flight, departing from a U.S. Gateway Airport to the program destination. The group flight cost is not included in the program tuition and will appear as a separate line item on your invoice. Students are responsible for all travel costs and arrangements to and from the U.S. Gateway Airport. Students on U.S.-based Putney programs are responsible for making arrangements to arrive at the program destination at the designated time.

What is a group flight? Putney Student Travel organizes and reserves blocks of seats for students on a round-trip group flight from a U.S. Gateway Airport to your program destination. One or more of your leaders will be at the airport with all student e-ticket confirmations and will welcome and fly with the group on the round-trip itinerary. Families are responsible for travel costs and arrangements to and from the U.S. Gateway Airport.

For select destinations, families may be directed to purchase their own seat directly from the airline on a designated itinerary. This is called an “escorted flight,” and one or more Putney staff members will escort the students who book that itinerary.

Do I have to travel on the Putney-arranged group flight? All students are encouraged to fly on the round-trip group flight and most do, although if it makes sense for your family, alternate travel plans may be possible. Before making any alternate travel plans, please contact our office. Families who opt out of the group flight will be charged a fee of $150. If your arrival or departure falls outside of the designated window, you will be charged an additional Travel Coordination Fee of a minimum of $150.

What documents do I need to travel? To travel internationally, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your program return date. In addition, you may need a visa depending on your nationality and the country or countries you are visiting. For countries requiring a visa from U.S. travelers, we will provide you with information necessary to help you apply for and obtain a visa upon acceptance of your application. Non-U.S. citizens must check local visa requirements, including requirements for countries passed through in transit. For U.S.-based programs, we recommend bringing a school I.D., driver’s license, or other form of identification.

Do I have to travel with an adult from my hometown to the U.S. Gateway Airport where I meet my group? Not necessarily. Each year, many students fly alone from their hometown airport to the U.S. Gateway Airport where they meet their group and leader(s). If you plan to fly independently, please note that many major airlines have policies that require students under a certain age who are traveling alone to register as an “Unaccompanied Minor.” This age requirement varies by airline, so it is important to research each airline’s policies carefully before purchasing a ticket. If necessary, Putney can provide staff and logistical support for “Unaccompanied Minors” who are traveling to and from the U.S. Gateway Airport, for an additional $150 fee each way; this fee is separate from and in addition to the airline-imposed Unaccompanied Minor fees. Please call us with questions and/or to coordinate meet-up details.

• Health & Safety

What is your approach to travel in light of Covid-19? Since Putney’s founding 72 years ago, we have approached each participant’s summer experience with the same attention to health and safety that we give our own children. Read about our approach to COVID-19 and travel in 2023 in our dedicated FAQ.

Does Putney require COVID-19 vaccination? Yes, we require all students, Putney leaders, and experts to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot for everyone who is eligible (you are eligible for a booster shot two months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series).

What vaccinations are recommended for travel to my destination? We recommend that you consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your healthcare provider to make the right decision for your family. Once a student has been accepted on a Putney program, we will provide information on general wellness for travelers, country-specific CDC recommendations, and a list of cities and regions visited on your program.

How do I stay healthy during the program? The best way to stay healthy during your program is to start your trip well-rested and to pay attention to your eating, sleep, and hygiene habits while traveling. Our leaders provide guidelines on hygiene and how to stay healthy during the program.

What if I get sick on my program? Adjusting to the differences in food, climate, etc. can take a little time. It is important to be open and tell your leaders about any physical discomfort you may be experiencing. For any situation that we feel requires professional medical attention, leaders take students to a nearby clinic or hospital. Health decisions are made as a team based on input from the student, parents, leaders, and our home office in Vermont. In the event of serious illness or injury, International SOS, a leading provider of international medical emergency services, is available to provide consultation and emergency medical evacuation services for destinations outside of the United States. All students are required to carry their own medical insurance.

What if I have specific dietary or medical needs? We are able to accommodate many medical and dietary needs. Please contact our office to discuss your specific situation before applying.

What are your safety protocols? At Putney Student Travel, students’ health and safety is our top priority. Since 1951, we have delivered active, educational, safe, meaningful, and fun programs. We maintain close relationships with the communities we visit and have strong networks of in-country contacts. Our leaders are well-traveled and trained in first aid and CPR. They are able to teach students how to be safe and responsible travelers. In the event of serious illness or injury, International SOS, a leading provider of international medical emergency services, is available to provide consultation and emergency medical evacuation services for destinations outside of the United States.

What are the rules? We expect our students to maintain high standards of personal behavior. We impose very few rules other than those designed to ensure that students can live in a safe, friendly, and constructive environment. Instead, we support an open atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and consideration. Since students are encouraged, within the context of our programs, to take leadership roles and to make some of their own discoveries, students whose parents require them to be under constant surveillance or who are likely to act irresponsibly, use drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, or behave in a disruptive manner, should not apply. Any student whose attitude or behavior is in violation of our rules or is otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of standards or to the successful operation of our program will be dismissed from the program at our sole discretion and travel home at their parents’ expense.

• Our Students

Where are most Putney students from? What will my fellow students be like? Putney students come from all over the United States and from many international countries as well. Our students are enthusiastic, engaged, and excited to learn new skills and make new friends. The dynamics of our programs and unique shared experiences help build close, lasting friendships and a strong community spirit within each group.

Can I speak to Putney Student Travel alumni about their experience? Absolutely! Please contact us anytime and we would be happy to put you in touch with a Putney student who traveled on a particular program or is from your hometown.

• Our Leaders

What are the qualifications of your leaders? Putney leaders are dedicated educators with extensive experience traveling and working with young people. They are often graduates of the nation’s top colleges and universities and many hold graduate degrees as well. All leaders also hold basic First Aid and CPR certifications. In addition to their professional experience and travel expertise, Putney leaders are role models who teach students how to be safe and responsible travelers and inspire them to explore their interests and make their own discoveries. To learn more about our leaders click here . To read bios of our leaders click here.

• Diversity & Accessibility

What is Putney doing to diversify its student body? Travel opens minds, changes lives, and has a positive impact on travelers, their communities, and places abroad. Putney is committed to including more students of diverse gender, racial, socioeconomic, religious, cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. For the first many decades offering programs, Putney was largely a word of mouth organization, well known up and down both the east and west coasts where most of our students hailed from. In our seventh decade, we have been reaching out to educators and communities across the United States, internationally, and in both rural and urban areas as part of our effort to diversify our student body. We believe that representation from different geographic, experiential, and cultural perspectives is important to creating a strong group experience. We would welcome a conversation with anyone who would like to discuss this further. Please feel free to give us a call.

Are Putney programs accessible for students experiencing physical disabilities, hearing or vision impairments, neurological disorders, or other similar conditions? Putney programs operate across a vast spectrum of physical and cultural landscapes, transportation conditions, and accommodation conditions. While there may be limitations in a given destination, we would be happy to explore accommodations we can provide in some instances. We invite all prospective applicants to consult us about their preferred first and second choice programs, and will communicate with families to determine if a program is a good fit for a student experiencing any of the above. We also are able to provide suggestions for alternate Putney programs that might be a good fit.

• Communication

Am I allowed to bring a cell phone? Yes, you can bring a cell phone on most Putney programs; however, the first seven days of small-group summer programs are phone-free. Putney’s travel philosophy values deep connection with your surroundings, cultures, languages, experiences, and with your group. In a word, being fully “present.” To achieve this, our programs are structured to build positive group dynamics early, without the complexities that technology can present. Students contact their families after arrival at their program destination before setting their phone to airplane mode. Our leaders then help students lock their phones using a passcode for the next seven days. On the eighth day of the program, the group meets to determine their own guidelines for how to use phones for the remainder of the program. We find that being intentional about technology use enables our students to fully engage in the experience, build a stronger sense of community in their group, and strengthen skills in creating interpersonal relationships.

Putney Pre-College programs have access to their phones throughout the trip for academic purposes—during the academic day and afternoon activities. Phone usage guidelines are determined within each Pre-College community by students and staff.

Can I use my phone as a camera during the first seven days of the program? The vast majority of smartphones can take photos from the lock screen, which you can later review and edit when you have access to your unlocked phone beginning on the eighth day. You are also welcome to bring a digital camera.

Will there be group updates from Putney Student Travel? Our leaders and students keep a program blog where they post updates and photos of the group’s travels once or twice each week. We encourage you and your family to bookmark the blog and check back every few days for new posts.

How do we communicate during an emergency? For all essential health and safety communications during the summer, leaders will be in touch with Putney headquarters staff who will then be in direct communication with parents at home. Our home office in Vermont can be reached 24 hours a day during the summer months and our leaders travel with local cell phones. For absolutely essential communication, families can call our emergency line and we can reach leaders in the field.

• Custom School Groups

Does Putney offer custom trips for school groups? Yes, please click here for more information .

• Scholarships

Does Putney offer scholarships? Yes, please click here for more information .

• Expectations

Essential Eligibility Criteria The mission of Putney Student Travel is to help young people broaden their perspectives and interact with the world beyond the familiar surroundings of home. We strive to create challenging and stimulating programs that transform the outlook of young people and positively influence their actions throughout their lives. We work to engage young people in exciting, hands-on, active learning that encourages them to be better citizens of the planet. The Essential Eligibility Criteria are designed to aid potential applicants in determining whether a Putney Student Travel program is a good match for them. For our organization, they serve as useful guidance for our Admissions team in making Admissions decisions. Please note that these criteria are baseline measures that do not necessarily address unique situations or considerations and that if you have questions about any of the criteria or our ability to accommodate specific physical or mental needs, we would welcome the opportunity for a conversation.

• Putney students are expected to maintain high standards of personal behavior. We impose few rules, all grounded in group safety and supporting an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and consideration.
• On Putney Student Travel programs, a secure, open, and tolerant group experience is central to ensuring a positive learning environment and a fun experience. We require that students take personal responsibility for their conduct, and that they adhere to certain minimum standards of behavior.
• We celebrate diversity and inclusivity. As individuals and as an organization, we devote time, energy, and resources to education about identity, equity, power, oppression, and privilege.
• Relationships take time to develop and require immersion into daily life. We believe growth emerges from experience, reflection, and action. We encourage our students to step out of their comfort zones and bring their learning back to their own communities in the form of awareness and action.
• Your program will be what you make of it and the attitude you bring with you on your program may be more significant than you realize. Participating eagerly and enthusiastically, taking responsibility, caring about one another, and working together as a team will be essential ingredients of your Putney program.
• We help young people broaden their perspectives and interact with the world beyond the familiar surroundings of home. We aim to create challenging and stimulating programs that transform the outlook of young people and positively influence their actions throughout their lives, encouraging them to be better citizens of the planet.
• We strive to encourage, promote and practice ethical and socially and environmentally sustainable travel with positive impacts on partner communities and the planet.
• We cultivate a culture of integrity and mutual respect within our organization, with our peers in the field of educational travel, and with the communities and individuals we work with around the world. We invest in long-term relationships with our partners rooted in authentic cultural exchange with positive social impact.
• In forging friendships with your peers as well as local people you meet, we encourage you to show an interest in their ideas, interests, art, music, food, and way of life. Be ready to eat unfamiliar foods and to adjust to different customs, traditions, and values. Ask yourself why you believe what you believe and try to understand other people's points of view, even though you may not always agree with them.
• In these times, we are reminded how interconnected our futures are, as individuals, communities, and countries, as well as the deep responsibilities we have to one another. Be thoughtful, open-minded, and adventurous in mind and spirit, and the rewards will be great!
• Abide by Putney’s Summer Program Standards or Pre-College Program Standards .
• Be able to carry your own bags and gear for up to a quarter mile.
• Be able to communicate physical, mental, and emotional health concerns to your program leaders.
• Be willing to participate in varied outdoor activities. Come to the program ready to be fully present and take part in whatever adventure may come your way. Your willingness to try new things can help you feel more comfortable in a new environment.
• Applicants should be in good physical and mental health.
• Putney Student Travel is not able to accept students who require therapeutic support or who have not applied to the program on their own volition.

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© Putney Student Travel

Increased Discount for Extended Learning!   Learn More »

"Noah came away with a love for Oxford and its rich history, a set of connections with other students, and a portfolio of wonderful experiences that he will treasure." — Sarah L. & Daniel S.

Oxford Academia programs are based at three of the world's most historic and prestigious universities

Students choose a major and a minor that matches their interests, ranging from Business, Law, and Medicine to Art History, Writing, and Language courses

Our programs place special emphasis on fostering a supportive community of peers who are curious about the world and eager to make their mark on it

Oxford Academia combines Putney Student Travel's 73 years of experience with Professor James Basker's half-century history at Oxford

“I gained so much knowledge in new topics that I don’t have the opportunity to study at school. Learning about these in a fun environment with passionate, experienced teachers allowed me to discover so much that I’m excited to apply into my life.” — Aimee Yvonne Colleen K.

Our faculty members are Rhodes Scholars, practicing professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and mentors

Seminars take learning beyond the classroom where subjects come to life and students can take advantage of diverse cultural offerings

Students explore interests beyond their chosen seminars in a wide range of workshops and excursions further afield

Return home with new perspectives, new ideas, and new friends

• Oxford Seminars

• Paris Seminars

“The program offered an excellent, immersive experience with an ideal mix of structure and independence.”

“Noah gained a love for Oxford and its rich history, connections with other students, and wonderful experiences that he will treasure.”

“I truly enjoyed getting to absorb French culture and experience France as a local, rather than as a tourist.”

“Bella was fascinated by the culture, the various seminars, and the opportunity to live daily life in a different country.”

MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER! Increased Discount for Extended Learning

Many of our dual-enrolled alumni students have expressed the outsized impact of their decision to attend multiple campus programs and pursue multiple seminar subjects—an impact that is both academically and socially beneficial.

We are pleased to offer an  increased tuition discount for students who enroll in a second Oxford Academia program. Attend a second program and receive a  $1,500 discount —in Oxford, Paris, or Yale. ( Students who attend both sessions at Oxford receive an even larger discount of  $2,190 . )

We invite you to expand your academic horizons even further this summer. This discount increase ends April 15.  Call our Admissions Team (802-387-5000) to add a second program and receive your discount!

• November 21, 2023

• March 17, 2023

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