Baja & the Coast of California
Belize
Canadian Arctic
Chile
Iceland
Namibia
2-weeks & under
Campus-Based
Climate & Sustainability
Eligible for rising 9th graders
Intensives & Workshops
New for 2025!
North America Based
Putney Classics
Science & Nature
Canadian Arctic:
Photography
Ireland: Writing
Italy: Farm to Table
Namibia: Photography
Yellowstone: Photography
Barcelona: Sports
Germany: Cars
On the MIT Campus:
Engineering & Robotics
Switzerland: CERN & Science
Leadership
Travel programs with the Smithsonian Institution for grades 8–12
Challenge yourself academically at the world's most prestigious universities
Non-profit organization offering student travel scholarships
High school youth summit focused on public health, climate change, and equity
Campus-based climate change program for grades 9–12
Since 1951, Putney Student Travel has hired exceptional people to lead our programs. Our leaders are chosen from a highly competitive pool of diverse and qualified candidates. We draw leaders with incredible experience in youth engagement, foreign language, international living, and travel.
Our leaders are often graduates of the nation’s top colleges and universities and come to Putney from prestigious positions with organizations like the Peace Corps, Teach for America, the Fulbright Program, and an array of academic institutions. They are published authors, respected teachers and professors, award-winning photographers, and successful professionals in their fields. Our leaders come from diverse backgrounds and identities and are committed to working alongside students to become more informed global citizens. They bring with them both professional and real-world experience that enables them to be effective teachers, mentors, and guides.
—Michele & Tyrone G., Houston, TX
Our staff have considerable professional experience related to the program theme, language proficiency, and time spent in the program destination. More than half of our leaders hold or are pursuing master’s or other advanced degrees.
Every year we receive thousands of applications from candidates interested in spending their summer working alongside our students. Since these positions are in such high demand, we are able to hire the most qualified, charismatic, and passionate individuals possible.
Our leaders distinguish themselves in fields ranging from teaching to writing and the arts, science and technology, athletics, journalism, law, medicine, and international development. Despite the diversity of their experiences, they share a commitment to safety, a passion for exploration, and an enthusiasm for helping students make their own unique discoveries. They are not only advisers, guides, and mentors, but also good friends.
Our leaders are required to attend an intensive staff training every summer. During training leaders participate in workshops, discussions, and activities that focus on trip safety, group dynamics, program logistics, leadership, the Putney Student Travel philosophy, and emergency protocols. All leaders are First Aid and CPR certified, while many hold advanced certifications like Wilderness First Responder or EMT.
Our leaders report that they value the knowledge, expertise, flexibility, ownership, and independence that the Putney team offers throughout the year, from the recruiting and hiring process to leader training, travel, support in the field, and post-summer follow up.
Providing immersive summer travel programs for middle & high school students since 1951.
Putney has been the leader in student travel and educational summers for more than 70 years. As a family-run organization, our decades of experience, our dedication to quality programs, and the personal service you receive are unmatched.
We invite you to subscribe to hear about new programs and upcoming events, and start your path to the summer of a lifetime.
