Global Travel
Applications for 2025 Global Travel trips are now open. Both the program application and the financial information form are due on Monday, October 21 at 8 a.m.
The Global Travel Program in Upper School affords Abington Friends School students the opportunity to travel to locations far and wide to form deep connections with people, places and ideas. Our chaperoned trips focus on experiential learning and cultural immersion, and every exploration is followed by deliberate reflections, discussions and activities designed to help students engage in deeper thinking around their experiences. Through each year’s diverse selection of trips, we aim to cultivate inquisitive learners who understand their personal obligation to the global community and are prepared to engage with the world. Trips are generally 6 to 10 days long, and all trips are phone free for student travelers.
Spring 2025
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve (WV) (Grades 9 through 12)
Apply Today – Click Here
$1,350 | June 1, 2025 through June 6, 2025. (Travel will take place during ExTerm 2025.)
This trip will offer students the opportunity to explore the wild side of one of the country’s youngest National Parks. Participants will learn about the ecology of the region through outdoor activities such as hiking, a zip line tour and rock climbing. Often considered one of the best white water rafting destinations in the world, this trip will culminate with an exhilarating 2-day ride down the New River which is characterized by class III-V rapids which will elevate this adventure to another level. Additional STEM learning opportunities to explore the hydrology of dams in the area will round out this trip. Cabins, transportation and all meals will be provided.
Yucatán Península, México: Ecology and Culture (Grades 9-12)
Apply Today – Click Here
$3,000 | May 31, 2025 through June 7, 2025. (Travel will take place during ExTerm 2025.)
The Yucatan Peninsula, one of the most diverse regions of Mexico, presents a fascinating landscape for experiential travelers. Historically, this region has been the site of significant events, ranging from the cataclysmic impact of the Chicxulub meteorite, which caused the extinction of dinosaurs, to the ancient Maya civilization’s remarkable advancements. Students will experience its paradisaical beaches, colonial architecture, major archaeological zones, amazing natural landscapes and flavorful gastronomy. Exploring mangroves and cenotes will provide students with a window into the region’s ecology while visits to Mayan ruins such as Chichén Itza or Ek-Balam will transport students back in time to the pre-Columbian era. Hotel accommodations, airfare and all meals will be provided.
Fringe Festival & Edinburgh, Scotland (Grades 9-11)
Apply Today – Click Here
$4,000 | July 31, 2025 through August 10, 2025.
(NOTE: This trip will have an on-campus ExTerm component. Students are strongly encouraged to work in the Spring theatre production to prepare. Because the trip takes place following graduation, members of the Class of 2025 are not eligible.)
Every August, 25,000 artists from roughly 180 countries converge on the Medieval capital of Scotland for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, transforming it into the third largest ticketed event in the world (right behind the Olympics and the World Cup!).
Students on this trip will produce and perform in an adaptation of our student created Spring production. We aren’t just visiting the Fringe, we will be a part of it: Students on this trip will work as performers, promoters and producers of their own show. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the energy and creativity of the largest performance experience on earth. When not making our show happen, students will see dozens of other fringe shows. All of this in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Edinburgh itself: home to Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and countless other wonders. Airfare, Housing, Food and event tickets will be provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which grades are eligible to apply for the programs?
Unless otherwise noted in the description, trips are open to all Upper School students who are in good academic and behavioral standing.
What do the programs cost?
Program estimates are listed above. These costs most likely represent the maximum cost of each trip. In some cases, the cost will be a bit less. A non-refundable deposit will be required to confirm participation on trips and will be due approximately one week after notification of selection.
We try to make these trips as accessible as possible to all families. We have some limited resources for trip fee assistance, though families should plan ahead to manage their financial contribution.
Is the application process competitive?
Yes. A committee of teachers will review the applications, conduct follow up interviews if necessary and make the final decisions. The selection committee strives to build a team of students who will bring out the best in each other. The applications are designed to let us know more about you and hear what your motivation is for going on your selected trip. Each trip will have a maximum number of students and it varies by trip.
What is the process of applying for financial assistance?
There are two avenues for financial assistance which will be clearly articulated in the trip application. Once we have determined the entire pool of students who will be attending the trips, we will be also making small needs-based awards. In most cases, financial awards will be communicated along with trip acceptance notifications.
Additionally, families can set up a flexible payment plan by contacting Martha Scache in the Business Office.
Is there an opportunity to help support travel programs at AFS and make trips accessible for more students?
Yes. If you can make an additional contribution to the travel programs at AFS please indicate that on your application. You can make contributions by check, made out to AFS and dropped off in the Business Office. Your money will go directly to helping another student attend one of the trips.
Who do I contact with questions about the trips?
Please contact Brian Cassady.
Memories: Spring 2024
Adirondack Adventure
We partnered with GuideADK for this exciting introduction to one of the region’s most beautiful areas: the Adirondacks. This trip introduced students to backpacking, camping, outdoor cooking and paddling. Additionally, the group will learn about the wilderness and local ecology of this area, which is the largest park in the lower 48 states.
Sueños Service Learning Trip: Antigua, Guatemala
We traveled to Guatemala to gain insight into the social challenges and efforts that contribute to the development of Guatemalan youth and local communities. Through interactions with local artisans, weavers, families, farmers and community leaders, our students in Antigua, Guatemala explored the best preserved colonial cities in Central America and its picturesque volcano surroundings. We learned all about Maya living culture, practiced our Spanish in an authentic, immersive environment and made an impact at Sueños.
French Canada : Quebec City & Montreal
We went north to Quebec to explore the culture, lifestyle and complicated past of this dynamic corner of our continent. Students explored this francophone region to develop a better understanding of its diverse culture, practice their language skills and experience how the natural environment also plays a role in the French Canadian lifestyle. From old ports and villages to modern cafes and sugar shacks, we experienced firsthand what makes Quebec special and consider how communities grapple with questions of identity today.
Memories: Spring 2023
Outdoor Education and Photography
Ricketts Glen, PA and Cape May, NJ
This trip combined outdoor education with photography. Working alongside a professional photographer, students spent three nights honing their outdoor photography skills in one of the most scenic State Parks, Ricketts Glen, featuring stunning geography and wildlife, including the Falls Trail in the Glens Natural Area which has a series of 22 free-flowing waterfalls, which offers a backdrop for any budding nature photographer. After a day back on campus, students traveled to Cape May, New Jersey, where they explored the Jersey Shore and its ecosystem while building on the photography skills that they had practiced in the Poconos.
Trip Chaperones: AFS Upper School Photography Faculty Donna Russo, AFS Upper School Math Faculty Wayne Kurtz, AFS Upper School Math Faculty Mary Anne Wassel
Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership
Rockland, Maine
The Hurricane Island experience provided students with learning opportunities around the intertidal environment, its sustainable infrastructure, terrestrial ecology, freshwater resources, and migratory birds, and then helped them formulate a field experiment around that topic. Students designed data collection forms and sampling protocols, synthesized and presented their data, and held a debrief of the scientific process—invaluable skills for those interested in pursuing field-research focused degrees in college. Students also had plenty of other fun on the island, participating in rock climbing, kayaking and other adventure programming!
Trip Chaperones: AFS Assistant Director of Admissions Mary Kay Napoli, AFS Upper School Math Faculty Eugene Feeley, AFS Upper School Math Faculty Nate Bridge
Civil Rights Legacy Tour
Students were guided through some of the most significant historical sights, museums and parks related to the Civil Rights Movement, such as Kelly Ingram Park, the city of Selma and the Tuskeegee Airmen National Historic Site. Deeply rooted in Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusion, students affirmed and celebrated the experiences of those who fought and continue to advocate for racial injustices.
Trip Chaperones: AFS Middle School and Upper School Counselor Ebony Holloway, AFS Director of Libraries Toni Vahlsing
Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Ecology
San José, Costa Rica
“Study an endangered reptile with a 100-million-year history. Protect critical ecosystems. Walk beneath lush rainforest canopies and learn about the immense biodiversity of tropical flora and fauna. Exchange ideas about life, science, and our shared world with Costa Rican students.”
This is just a sampling of the experiences that students had on this amazing opportunity while on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast.
Trip Chaperones: AFS Upper School Science Faculty Lisa Ammirati, AFS Upper School Language Faculty Brian Cassady
Costa Rica: Sea Turtle Ecology trip information from Ecology Project International