Youth Study Tours
Each year Global Opportunities for Youth hosts a Youth Study Tour to at least one foreign country.
2023 Study Tour to South Africa
Global Opportunities for Youth believes in the transformative power of experiential learning through international travel. Our youth study tours offer American participants the chance to explore diverse cultures, broaden their perspectives, and forge meaningful connections across borders. In 2023, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to South Africa, where youth travelers immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of the Rainbow Nation, from the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the historic neighborhoods of Johannesburg.
Cape Town: Adventure and Cultural Immersion
In Cape Town, our youth travelers delved into a myriad of enriching experiences. They toured and volunteered in numerous children's homes, spreading joy and building bonds with local youth. Exploring the city's cultural heritage, they visited major museums, delving into South Africa's complex history and vibrant arts scene. Ascending the iconic Table Mountain via cable car, they marveled at breathtaking panoramas stretching to the horizon.
A highlight of their time in Cape Town was a heartwarming home stay experience in Langa Township, where participants were welcomed into the homes of local families, sharing stories and traditions in an authentic cultural exchange. Partnering with Educo Africa, they embarked on a several-night camping trip alongside African youth, fostering friendships and mutual understanding amidst the beauty of the wilderness.
Johannesburg: Immersion in History and Community
Transitioning to Johannesburg, our youth travelers delved deeper into South Africa's complex narrative. At the Kliptown Youth Program in the heart of Soweto, they volunteered their time, engaging with local initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged youth. Sensitively exploring the community, they were welcomed into the homes of several residents, gaining firsthand insight into daily life and challenges in this vibrant but underserved neighborhood.
Continuing their exploration, participants visited poignant landmarks such as the childhood home of Nelson Mandela, tracing the footsteps of a visionary leader. They also ventured into the wilderness on an authentic African safari, encountering majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. Through these diverse experiences, our youth travelers gained a profound appreciation for South Africa's rich heritage, resilience, and the power of community in driving positive change.
Make a donation.
Global Opportunities for Youth will be conducting its 11th Youth Study Tour since 2000 to the African continent in the summer of 2025. Five Hudson Valley Youth will take part in a multi-week Study Tour in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa where they will:
Join a wilderness camp with South African youth
Visit and volunteer at Child & Youth Centers
Meet South African leaders in Advocacy for Child and Youth Development
Engage in historical tours focused on the history of South Africa, including the anti-apartheid movement, and the life of Nelson Mandela.
Join an all day Safari
These students need $2400 to cover their airfare and activity costs. Each student is working to raise and support their own costs. All donors will receive a video documentary of the 2025 Youth Study Tour in appreciation of their generosity.
