When we think about student travel, we often picture sightseeing and checking monuments off a list. But for the students and educators who recently journeyed abroad with Somos Impact Travel, the experience was about profound human connection, personal growth, and seeing the world through a different lens.
Check out this inspiring 1.5-minute video with traveler testimonials!
Trip Highlights
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Cultural Immersion & Community Connection: Participants spent time connecting directly with local communities, sharing moments with children, engaging in traditional music around a campfire, and participating in local community projects.
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Outdoor Adventure & Nature: The group explored the lush natural beauty of the region, from cave tubing down winding rivers and hiking through dense jungles to swimming beneath breathtaking waterfalls.
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Hands-on Learning: Students stepped out of their comfort zones, learning about local ecosystems, agriculture, and traditions firsthand alongside local guides.
What Participants Are Saying
The impact of the trip resonated deeply with everyone involved, leaving lasting impressions on both educators and students alike:
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For the Teachers: Educators like Lisa Cooper (Bishop Kelly High School, Boise, Idaho) noted that the trip is ultimately about “how you connect with people, and that’s what we need more of.” Teacher Rebecca Travis highlighted the joy of “watching my students connect with children from Guatemala and seeing how much they love making that connection.”
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For the Students: Participants shared powerful transformations in their self-perception and worldview. Kim Lopez from Brooklyn reflected, “Doing all these things, I’m a lot stronger than what I thought I was.” Meanwhile, Josiah Jacobs from the Bronx shared how the experience made him fully aware of the wider world, and Sofia Sobel from Boise noted how it opens your eyes and makes you deeply appreciate what you have.
Ultimately, the experience proved that stepping outside familiar borders does more than change your scenery. It builds resilience, fosters empathy, and creates lasting bonds.
Watch a 90-second video with traveler testimonials!
Somos Impact Travel runs programs in Guatemala in partnership with local guides, NGO partners, and community organizations, connecting schools, corporate groups, Rotary clubs, and other donor groups with local leaders. Visit somos.travel/experiences to explore programs or start planning your group’s expedition.
