GEC is a proud member of the Southwestern Family of Companies (www.southwestern.com), founded in 1855. We have been a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s cultural exchange programs for more than 20 years. Each year we help thousands of individuals from around the globe safely participate in U.S. cultural exchange and global student travel programs.
Our mission is to inspire and empower students through transformative educational travel experiences, fostering cultural understanding, personal growth, and lifelong learning while upholding the highest standards of quality and service.
Taking a school trip is a great chance to inspire and educate your students. Here at GEC, we are committed to creating an unforgettable experience. With our dedication to excellence and love for enriching educational journeys, we assure you of unparalleled support and service at every turn. Here's how we keep our promise;
Our trips stimulate learning by placing students in the right place and context for their chosen field.
In our approach to education we value the idea that learning should be holistic and experimental. We create travel programs for students that involve real life experiences where they can put their knowledge into practice. This kind of learning experience can foster empathy, creativity and critical thinking skills while also promoting an understanding of diversity and global interconnectedness. Our educational trips offer a mix of activities and free time focusing on service learning, cultural immersion, environmental conservation and outdoor exploration. We believe these programs give students the chance to step out of their comfort zones face challenges and discover…
We have in place a robust, externally verified safety management system, giving you complete peace of mind.
At GEC, our top priority is the well being of all participants, with our “Safety First Policy.” We have a framework in place to make sure everyone has an enriching travel experience. By assessing risks and working closely with experts we proactively identify and tackle any potential dangers. Our tour leaders are highly trained in emergency response and risk management to act swiftly and effectively in situations. Detailed guidelines and safety protocols help participants make decisions. We rigorously check on our program partners to maintain high safety standards. With emergency plans, 24/7 support and access to professionals we ensure quick assistance during emergencies. Our dedication to participant well-being includes health support like vaccination guidance and access to facilities. We also focus on educating participants about customs and laws to promote positive interactions and reduce the risk of cultural misunderstandings.
At GEC, we go beyond discovering new places; we focus on practicing responsible travel that values the well being of communities safeguards the environment and respects cultural heritage.
Our guidelines for Responsible Travel highlight our dedication to ethical practices. Showing respect for culture and traditions is central to all our activities. We appreciate the diversity of the communities we visit and make an effort to engage respectfully with their customs and ways of life. Through interactions support for local businesses, artisans and traditions we aim to promote cultural understanding among both our team members and travelers. Environmental stewardship is at the heart of everything we do. We work towards reducing our impact by incorporating sustainable practices into all aspects of our travels. Whether its minimizing waste conserving energy opting for eco transportation options or cutting down on single use plastics every decision is guided by a commitment, to preserving our planet for future generations.
