Welcome To Students Going Global

Empowering Detroit Youth Through Global Travel

“It is difficult to imagine all that you can be when you have a very limited view.” ~Iris Ware

Students Going Global is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing youth engagement in global education and awareness. We make life-changing Educational Tours Abroad possible for Detroit youth—from elementary through high school graduation and beyond.

We are a passionate collective of educators and youth advocates who believe in the transformative power of travel. Through culturally immersive, real-world global learning experiences—both locally and internationally—we enhance student preparation, motivation, engagement, and access to opportunity, while working to close the opportunity and achievement gaps that disproportionately impact underserved youth in Detroit.

While thousands of students across the United States participate in Educational Tours Abroad each year—and research consistently highlights the academic, social, and personal benefits—students in underserved communities like Detroit are often excluded due to financial barriers. Predominantly African-American students in Detroit have historically been under-resourced, and studies show that African-American students remain among the least represented in study abroad programs, participating at rates as low as 6%.

We are committed to changing this narrative.

We believe that when Detroit students are given access to global experiences, they are empowered to think beyond the boundaries of their immediate environment, recognize greater possibilities for their future, and gain the confidence to pursue their full potential. Educational Tours Abroad serve as a catalyst—broadening perspectives, elevating aspirations, and inspiring students to lead purposeful, impactful lives.

---

Developing Globally Minded, Future-Ready Leaders

We prepare students to thrive in a 21st-century global economy by cultivating leadership, global awareness, and solution-oriented thinking through the following pillars:

---

✈️ Access to Travel Abroad Opportunities

Students Going Global is committed to expanding access to educational tours abroad for students who may not otherwise have the financial resources or exposure to study abroad. Through our grassroots, community-powered fundraising platform—including fundraising events, travel abroad scholarships, grants, sponsorship initiatives, community volunteers, global education ambassadors, mentorship, and community partnerships—the organization helps reduce financial barriers that often prevent underserved youth from accessing international travel and global learning opportunities.

By creating attainable pathways to travel abroad, Students Going Global empowers students to explore new cultures, develop leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and increase their confidence in pursuing future educational and career opportunities. These experiences help students see greater possibilities for their lives while building global awareness, independence, and personal growth.

We offer the following six dynamic year-round, after-school global education programs, each designed to provide students with an Educational Tour Abroad alongside immersive, real-world cultural and global learning experiences. Each program serves Detroit-area students, grades 5–12, who are ready to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone, and expand their horizons.

International Leadership Program 
International STEM Program 
International College Bound Program 
International Cultural Immersion Program 
International Young Entrepreneurs Program 
International Space and Aviation Program 

Additionally, we provide access to an extensive resource library that includes a myriad of global travel opportunities and scholarship information to further support students’ journey.

---

🌎 Engaging Global Education Curriculum

Our innovative, student-centered curriculum delivers meaningful global learning experiences both locally and abroad. It supports academic, social, and personal growth while strengthening essential 21st-century skills such as global competence, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Students actively engage in discussions, debates, hands-on projects, and experiential learning opportunities that deepen understanding, build independence, and foster a sense of achievement. Program experiences include:

• Competitions and group projects
• Experiential and problem-based learning
• Guest speakers and cultural exchanges
• International pen pal and virtual global connections
• Community service opportunities
• College mentorship opportunities
• Annual Educational Tours Abroad

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel supported, connected, and inspired. Upon program completion, participants are awarded a Global Citizen Certificate in recognition of their personal commitment, achievement and participation in an educational tour abroad. Students are recruited through strong community partnerships across Detroit.

---

🔗 Building a Pipeline to Maximize Impact

We expand our reach and deepen our impact by creating a continuous pipeline of global engagement opportunities from elementary through college. Our model supports multiple Educational Tour Abroad experiences, ensuring sustained exposure and growth over time.

We collaborate with Detroit-based colleges to engage college students as mentors who travel abroad alongside global education program participants—providing guidance on college, career pathways, and global engagement.

Additionally, we replicate our program model across schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations throughout Detroit, empowering local institutions to bring global education directly to their students. This approach not only increases student access but also provides tour group leaders, educators and chaperones with fully funded opportunities to travel abroad.

As a result, both students and adults return with expanded perspectives—more culturally aware, globally minded, informed, motivated, and inspired—positively impacting their classrooms, families, communities, and beyond.

Why Educational Tours Abroad Matter

Educational Tours Abroad provide transformative opportunities for young Detroit scholars to expand their minds, hearts, and horizons. Through these experiences, students cultivate a global mindset and perspective while connecting classroom learning to real-world application.

Students engage in culturally immersive, hands-on global experiences that strengthen essential 21st-century skills, including global competence, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, develop greater awareness and sensitivity, and experience firsthand the social, economic, and environmental challenges facing communities around the world.

These experiences inspire students to think critically, develop a solution-oriented mindset, and build a lasting passion for travel, exploration, and lifelong learning. Educational Tours Abroad also enhance resumes and strengthen college and career readiness, preparing students to navigate and succeed in diverse academic and professional environments.

Perhaps most importantly, students return more confident, independent, and globally connected—having built meaningful relationships and cross-cultural friendships that can last a lifetime.

Journey around the world & get inspired:

Visit Our Pinterest Page