Complete the Student Application to begin your enrollment journey. After submission, you’ll be directed to schedule an optional informational call with your Global Routes Enrollment Advisor, where you can ask all your questions, prepare for the journey ahead, and learn about your final enrollment steps. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be invited to create a student page. There you’ll find packing lists, reminders, best practices, and all the information you’ll need to prepare for your trip. Click here for an application instructional video.

Secondary paperwork for this program partner includes a Student & Guardian Information Form, Terms and Conditions Form (signed by a parent or guardian), a signed Student Contract, completed Student Questionnaire and Parent Questionnaires, a Health History Form, Immunization Form, Domestic Travel Form, and—if you are under 18 years old—a notarized Permission to Travel Form (which must also be signed by a parent or guardian).

There are no required pre-trip orientations or workshops.

Through this rigorous cross-cultural program, you will explore by the rich cultural and spiritual fabric of Nepal, participate in a community-designed service project, and trek up to 14,000 feet in the legendary Himalayas. This service-learning program focuses on leadership development and social justice, and you can earn 60-80 service hours.

June 29, 2024 - July 27, 2024

Global Routes students have the opportunity to engage in deep cultural immersion through remote homestay experiences. Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses will also be utilized throughout this experience. During the Himalayan trek, you will be responsible for setting up and breaking down camp every day — your home will be the stunning Himalayas!

Not all accommodations will be equal — some may not have electricity or indoor plumbing!

This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in-country with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. You will have 2-3 optional opportunities for you to call home throughout the trip. These calls will be scheduled, and the program will attempt to notify families in advance.

Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. There will also be weekly blog posts and social media updates, which parents and guardians will be notified of via email.

Digital cameras welcome, but there are no personal music devices allowed. You are welcome to build and bring a USB drive with music that can be shared with the group!

You will need to travel by plane and obtain a visa to travel to Nepal (Global Routes will help you with the visa process). A NY REAL ID and a valid passport are required to travel internationally.

While our sophomores are chaperoned at every point of their journeys, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your in-country destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the U.S.

We recommend bringing no more than $400 for personal spending and in-country trekking equipment (you may want to purchase trekking poles). Make sure to save $40 for return travel expenses and departure taxes.

Student Packing List

Work alongside community members on a service project chosen by local leaders. Whitewater raft through deep canyons on the Savegre river and climb giant trees, forage for medicinal plants, learn Costa Rican homestyle cooking, and zip-line through lush tropical rainforest.

June 27, 2024 - July 25, 2024

Global Routes students have the opportunity to engage in deep cultural immersion through remote homestay experiences. Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses will also be utilized throughout this experience.

Not all accommodations will be equal — some may not have electricity or indoor plumbing!

This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in-country with program leaders. However, limited communication with family/friends back home is available. You will have 2-3 optional opportunities for you to call home throughout the trip. These calls will be scheduled, and the program will attempt to notify families in advance.

Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. There will also be weekly blog posts and social media updates, which parents and guardians will be notified of via email.

You will need to travel by plane to travel to Costa Rica. A NY REAL ID and a valid passport are required to travel internationally.

While our sophomores are chaperoned at every point of their journeys, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your in-country destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the U.S.

We recommend bringing no more than $200 for personal spending. Make sure to save $40 for return travel expenses and departure taxes.

Student Packing List