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Educational Travel Programs

CTY’s Educational Travel Programs fully engage CTY families in authentic learning experiences at destinations all over the world. Although each adventure is unique, they all aim to introduce students and parents to the rich natural, cultural, and historical aspects of spectacular destinations spanning the globe. Participants will build lasting memories and wonderful friendships as they expand their worldview.

Please note: Our Educational Travel Programs are recommended for students in grades 5 –12. However, younger siblings and Talent Search participants in grades 2 – 4 may be permitted to attend after a parent or guardian speaks with Family Academic Programs staff about the pace and content of the programs. Please read Educational Travel Policies, Terms, and Conditions for more information. Deposits are required to reserve your space.

To speak with someone about these trips or to register, call 410-735-6115, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET, or email ctyfam@jhu.edu.

Featured Program

Chile: Total Solar Eclipse 2020. Special edition, 8 days 7 nights

Experience the Total Solar Eclipse in Chile, December 2020

December 12 - 19, 2020

CTY invites families to join an incredible expedition to Chile, to watch day turn into night when a once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse passes along Chile's pacific coast December 14, 2020.

While the eclipse may be the initial draw of this world-class journey, families will be enthralled by this entire expertly curated week in Chile. Travel to Santiago and view the expansive Maipo Valley wine region, touring Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and the volcanic ash fields of the Osorno Volcano. A three day excursion to the Patagonia region begins with a flight to Punta Arenas, exploring the Sierra del Toro trail to see waterfalls, glaciers, and Campo de Hielo Sur (the Southern Ice Field). Families will visit a working estancia and learn how vastly outnumbered gauchos manage their Andean ranches, and take a boat trip on the magical turquoise waters of Laguna Amarga Park to witness the spectacular Grey Glacier and Salto Grande waterfall.

We are so excited to share this unique opportunity with CTY families!

Program includes accommodations, most meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Chile at the start or end of the program.

Detailed itinerary: Chile trip (PDF)

Price per person*

$6,695 for adults
$6,595 for students 16 and under at time of travel

*Price does not include $695 internal airfare charge per person.

CLOSED, Add me to the wait list

2019 Programs

Wild Wyoming: An Exploration in Nature

June 21 - 30, 2019

CTY and the Teton Science Schools invites families to participate in an exciting schedule of activities to connect with the wonders of the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Throughout the program, families have the opportunity to meet and learn from expert scientists and wildlife guides. The Teton Science Schools’ inquiry-based learning approach helps families discover the what, where, how, and why of this beautiful landscape, and be amazed by Grand Teton National Park’s majestic mountain range, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife which comprise one of our country's most breathtaking natural treasures. Equally unforgettable are the wonders of Yellowstone, established in 1872 as America's first national park. Participants discover the ecology of plants and animals living in this mountain environment as we wind our way through these parks. They investigate the geological forces that shaped the region while hiking among geysers and hot springs; ride the aerial tram at Jackson Hole to the top of Rendezvous Mountain, and explore String Lake on a canoe.

Families experience the magic of Yellowstone by day and night during a two-night camping excursion where they see a dazzling display of constellations, planets, and nebulae normally invisible to urban and suburban dwellers because of light pollution. We hope you join us for this exceptional experience organized exclusively for CTY families.

Program includes accommodations, all meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Teton Science Schools at the start or end of the program.

Detailed itinerary: Wyoming trip (PDF)

Price per person:

$3,699 for adults
$3,499 for students 16 and under

CLOSED, Add me to the wait list

An Ecological Adventure in Costa Rica

June 30 - July 5, 2019

CTY invites families to join an unforgettable immersive journey to Costa Rica combining adventure and nature. A quarter of the country is a protected paradise for everything from anteaters to orchids. Get an up-close and personal view from the cloud forest canopy by gliding through on a zipline or strolling on suspended bridges. Experience the Arenal Volcano by walking along its slopes or soaking in its heated natural springs. Spot crocodiles on a jungle river boat or slalom down a tropical jungle river by raft. All of these adventures are led by expert naturalists who are skilled at showing travelers where to spot the best fauna and flora. Participants meet native ticos, too, and learn about their life in Costa Rica. The trip features stays at the foot of Arenal Volcano and in Manuel Antonio Park.

Program includes accommodations, most meals, and transportation during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Costa Rica at the start or end of the program.

Detailed itinerary: Costa Rica trip (PDF)

Price per person:

$4,395 for adults
$4,195 for students 16 and under

Register now

Iceland: A Land of Fire and Ice

July 27 - August 3, 2019

Join CTY as we showcase the land and the people of one of Europe’s most gorgeous countries. Iceland is often thought to be covered by ice, but in fact its landscape is remarkably varied—from lush meadows and snowcapped mountains to stunning glaciers and bubbling hot springs. Iceland’s cultural story goes back more than 11,000 years, and its heritage is told through riveting sagas of real-life heroes and all manner of supernatural beings. Discover the extraordinary landscape and culture that has been shaped by the country’s impressive natural wonders, as well as the myths and folklore of Iceland’s legendary history. Our journey begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city, where we embark on a guided walking tour with none other than Leif Erikson. For the next five days, we leave the capital city behind to explore the surrounding geological wonderland and its rich Norse history. By horseback, foot, mask and fins, this trip includes visits to vast lava fields, imposing volcanoes, spewing geysers, cascading waterfalls, and a breathtaking volcanic crater lake. Our visit to Iceland includes many hands-on activities including white water rafting, knitting, and cooking using natural steam from the earth. We take a boat ride through Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, take a dip in the Blue Lagoon's thermal springs, and even take a whale watching excursion in Reykjavik's Old Harbor.

Program includes accommodations and most meals during the program. It does not include airfare or other transportation to and from Reykjavik at the start or end of the program.