Global Routes
global routes
Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of value-driven, experiential-based, international programming. Since 1967, they have led over 10,000 students around the globe on meaningful, fun, and growth-oriented summer programs. They offer our students an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves into small rural communities, develop long-lasting cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that will last a lifetime. This includes reciprocal exchange and participating in community-driven service on every program.
Age Range:
15-16 year-olds
Location:
Hawaii OR Pacific Northwest
Trip Duration:
8-10 days
Dates:
See specific program for dates
ID Needed:
NY REAL ID
participation Requirements
-
Complete the Student Application to begin your enrollment journey. Click here for a video walking you through the process!
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 via email 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.
-
Required secondary paperwork for this program partner includes:
Waiver and Release
Health History
Additional Site Release - PNW only
-
There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. However, Global Routes will be contacting you for a short, 15-minute phone call to go over any medical questions, to connect, and to help establish a baseline of your goals.
Make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!
About the Programs
Hawai’i
The connections between humans and their environment are deeply felt here, as the abundance from both land and sea have allowed civilization to flourish here for thousands of years. This Maui-based service-learning program focuses on leadership development and social justice.
-
Through this rigorous cross-cultural program, you will explore by the rich natural world of Hawai’i, participate in a community-designed service project, and dive into the complexities of Hawai’ian culture, U.S. colonization, and the ongoing dialogue about Hawai’ian sovereignty, land rights, and social justice.
-
Available Sessions:
August 8 - August 19, 2025
-
Global Routes students have the opportunity to engage in deep cultural immersion through remote homestay experiences, but this is primarily a wilderness and outdoor education experience. Hostels, hotels, guesthouses, tents, and yurts will be utilized throughout this experience.
Not all accommodations will be equal — some may not have electricity or indoor plumbing!
-
This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
-
You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in Hawai’i 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.
In case of emergency, please use our 24/7 hotline - Summer on Call. Learn more about this service here.
-
Departure Information:
Arrive at Terminal 4 of JFK Airport by 6:00am on August 8th – meet at Hawaiian Airlines Check-in Desk; JFK to HNL (Honolulu), Hawaiian Airlines #51, 9:05am-1:40pm
LAYOVER
August 8th, 2:50pm-3:32pm; HNL (Honolulu, HI) to OGG (Maui, HI); Hawaiian Airlines #346
Students may bring 1 carry-on, 1 personal item, and 1 checked bag for free. Global Routes leaders (wearing branded, Global Routes t-shirts) will meet them at the Hawaiian Airlines Check-in Desk and travel with them. Once students deplane, they will collect their bags from the baggage carousel. From there, they will take a car (about 45min) to basecamp, where they will have food and complete orientation.
Return Information:
August 18th, 11:15am-7:45pm, OGG (Maui, HI) to SEA (Seattle, WA), Hawaiian Airlines #30
LAYOVER
August 18th-August 19th, 10:41pm-7:02am (+1 day), SEA (Seattle, WA) to JFK, Alaska Airlines #22
Global Routes leaders will escort students to Kahului Airport (OGG), but students will travel back to NYC on their own. Once students arrive at JFK and have retrieved their bags, students will be able to go home on their own, or they may be picked up by a parent/guardian.
-
We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending and souvenirs. You may want to buy snacks along the way!
-
Click here to view the Global Routes x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
Pacific Northwest and First Nations
This Washington-based service-learning program will focus on leadership development and fostering cultural competency.
-
-
Available Sessions:
August 24 - August 31, 2025
-
Global Routes students have the opportunity to engage in deep cultural immersion through remote homestay experiences, but this is primarily a wilderness and outdoor education experience. Hostels, hotels, guesthouses, tents, and yurts will be utilized throughout this experience.
Not all accommodations will be equal — some may not have electricity or indoor plumbing!
-
This program will be NYC Summer Searchers only. It’s a great opportunity for you to meet and get to know other students in our program!
-
You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in Hawai’i 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
-
Departure Information:
Arrive at Terminal 7 of JFK Airport by 4:30am on August 24th – meet at Alaska Airlines Check-in Desk; JFK to SEA (Seattle, WA), Alaska Airlines #21, 7:27am-10:37am
Students may bring 1 carry-on and 1 personal item for free. Students should be prepared to pay $70 for a checked bag. Summer Search staff will meet them at the Alaska Airlines Check-In Desk and make sure they board safely. Global Routes leaders (wearing branded Global Routes t-shirts) will meet students at baggage claim in Seattle. Once students deplane, they will collect their bags from the baggage carousel and then take a car (about 2.5 hours) to basecamp.
Return Information:
August 31st, 11:02am-7:29pm, SEA (Seattle, WA) to JFK, Alaska Airlines #34
Students should be prepared to pay $70 for a checked bag. Global Routes leaders will escort students to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), but students will travel back to NYC on their own. Once students arrive at JFK and have retrieved their bags, students will be able to go home on their own, or they may be picked up by a parent/guardian.
-
We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending and souvenirs. You may want to buy snacks along the way!
-
Click here to view the Global Routes x Summer Search packing list. A guide to the equipment we provide can be found on our FAQs + Resources page, along with other helpful links and info — check it out!
“I think I came out of this with so much willingness and confidence that I’d never experienced...I’d say I was fairly confident before, but this trip changed everything.”
Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!
Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.
Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!
Rice-picking!
Learning traditional techniques
Summer Experience Support Resources
