
The Top Ten Reasons Teens Choose Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
As travel programs become more available for teens worldwide, Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder has stood out as a preferred choice for those seeking meaningful service with unique global experiences.
The organization attracts hundreds of student applicants yearly, with over 1,200 enrolled in the past decade, thanks to its blend of cultural immersion, hands-on learning, leadership development, and an adventure-packed travel experience.
The responses of 156 teens in a recent survey make it clear why Shoulder-to-Shoulder has become a top choice for high school students who wish to make an impact abroad.
This article details the top ten reasons teens choose Shoulder-to-Shoulder to travel and serve worldwide.
1. Cultural Immersion and Global Perspective
Shoulder-to-Shoulder offers students the rare opportunity to visit and work alongside local communities in various parts of the world. This immersion allows teens to experience cultural traditions, daily lifestyles, and values that differ from their own.
Many students are drawn to Shoulder-to-Shoulder because they recognize the importance of understanding different cultures in an interconnected world. Whether they’re helping to build infrastructure in South America or learning about conservation in Africa, the cultural experiences give them an enriched worldview that traditional travel rarely provides.
For teens eager to gain a global perspective, Shoulder-to-Shoulder is a gateway to an expansive and deeply personal understanding of the world beyond their borders.
My experience with Shoulder-to-Shoulder in Panama was truly life-changing. It opened my eyes to the possibility of traveling through volunteer projects in the future. Something I will always remember is the gratitude expressed by the kids at the after-school center. Their joy for all that life has to offer was contagious and uplifting. A lesson I learned was to take life slowly and appreciate the simplicity of things. — Julia S., Branson High School, Panama ’23
2. Meaningful Service and Impact
Students today are highly motivated to create positive change in the world, and Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s focus on meaningful service aligns with that ambition.
The Field Studies allow teens to contribute to impactful projects that address real community needs. These aren’t superficial volunteer experiences; students often work on projects focused on infrastructure development, healthcare initiatives, education support, and more.
The immediate impact of their work becomes evident as they create personal relationships with community members and witness the positive transformations in local areas over time. For many, the chance to contribute to real-world change and see the direct effects of their actions is a powerful motivator.
This commitment to meaningful service is a cornerstone of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder experience and a big reason teens are drawn to Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s Field Studies.
3. Personal Growth and Leadership Development
Traveling and serving through Shoulder-to-Shoulder is not only about helping others; it’s also a journey of self-discovery and growth. The Field Studies emphasize ethical leadership, pushing students to develop resilience, empathy, and responsibility.
Teenagers will encounter challenging situations that test their leadership skills and decision-making abilities, allowing them to step into roles of influence and responsibility. With guidance from experienced mentors, students learn to lead with integrity and collaborate with diverse groups. Many teens are excited about how the Field Studies helps them grow as individuals, preparing them to be effective community leaders.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s emphasis on character development makes it an appealing choice for students looking to emerge as strong, compassionate leaders.
During my trip to Panama with Shoulder-to-Shoulder, I learned so much about the overall region of Bocas de Toro, the history of Panama, and the culture of the local Ngobe community. It was a life-changing experience. It helped me see that some communities here in the US face similar challenges, and that I can impact people’s lives in big and small ways. — Alina P., Branson High School, Panama ’23
4. Unique Learning Experiences
Learning with Shoulder-to-Shoulder goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. The Field Studies are designed to provide hands-on educational experiences that deepen students’ understanding of critical global issues.
Students engage in experiential learning, applying concepts like ecology or social responsibility to real-world situations.
The variety of programs allows teens to explore fields that interest them, whether environmental studies, public health, or economic sustainability. Through interactive workshops, site visits, and direct community engagement, students gain practical knowledge and skills they can carry forward.
The unique learning experiences make Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s Field Studies transformative for students interested in learning through direct action.
5. Language Skills Enhancement
For many students, especially those aiming to improve their Spanish, Shoulder-to-Shoulder’s programs in Spanish-speaking regions offer a unique opportunity to practice and develop language skills in an immersive environment.
Living and working in communities where English is not the primary language provides teens with a reliable setting to practice speaking and understanding Spanish. Whether stopping by the local market, chatting with local guides, or playing a pick-up game of soccer, high school students can speak freely without the pressure of peers listening in. Homestays go even further by directly connecting students with local families to practice their conversational fluency.
This real-world practice is invaluable, as students must communicate effectively with community members and Shoulder-to-Shoulder partners. As they navigate daily interactions in Spanish, they gain confidence and practical fluency that would be hard to achieve in a classroom.
6. Reputation and Recommendations
A significant draw for many teens considering Shoulder-to-Shoulder is the organization’s positive reputation, bolstered by recommendations from alumni, teachers, and friends.
Past participants often share stories of the Field Studies’ deep, transformative impact on them, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. This word-of-mouth influence is powerful; teens trust the opinions of their peers who have experienced the programs firsthand.
Schools and educators also recognize Shoulder-to-Shoulder as a credible and impactful organization that reassures students and parents. With glowing testimonials from alumni, school support, and teacher endorsements, students feel confident in choosing a program that has earned its reputation as a high-quality service and travel experience.
We have thoroughly enjoyed and been inspired by reading about the group’s experience through Journals and can’t wait to hear about it from Ryan. I don’t think we fully appreciated how impactful this trip would be for him, and we had high expectations! — Derek and Tracey, parents of Ryan C., Vail Mountain School
7. Adventure and Travel
Adventure is a core part of what makes Shoulder-to-Shoulder so enticing. For teens eager to explore the world beyond their hometowns, the Field Studies offer travel opportunities to countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
From navigating the lush Amazonian rainforests of Peru to trekking across towering mountain peaks in Nepal, each destination provides a unique backdrop for new and exciting learning experiences.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder combines travel with exploration, immersing students in some of the world’s most fascinating environments. Beyond traditional sightseeing, students can interact deeply with local communities and engage in meaningful service work.
The promise of adventure and exploration is a big draw for teens who seek a thrilling yet purposeful travel experience.
8. Building Relationships
One of the most rewarding aspects of Shoulder-to-Shoulder is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships. Students work closely with their peers, local communities, and Field Study instructors, fostering lifelong friendships and connections.
The intense shared experiences, whether building a school or working on environmental conservation, create a bond among participants beyond typical friendships. These connections aren’t just limited to other participants; students also form bonds with local community members, gaining mentors and friends worldwide.
Many students appreciate this aspect of Shoulder-to-Shoulder, as it allows them to build a global network of friends, mentors, and fellow changemakers who share their values and commitment to service.
9. Environmental and Conservation Focus
In a world increasingly aware of environmental issues, many students are drawn to Shoulder-to-Shoulder because of its strong emphasis on environmental conservation.
Our Field Studies offer opportunities to work on environmental projects, such as reforestation, wildlife conservation, and sustainable agriculture, that allow students to contribute to preserving natural resources and biodiversity.
For teens passionate about environmental protection, the Field Studies provide a meaningful way to engage with conservation efforts firsthand. They learn from environmental experts and local activists about the planet’s complex challenges and participate in sustainability initiatives.
This focus on conservation resonates strongly with eco-conscious teens, giving them an outlet for expressing their environmental concerns.
10. Preparation for Future
Students often see participation in Shoulder-to-Shoulder Field Studies as a stepping stone toward college and future careers. The programs helps them build valuable leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills—all highly sought-after by universities and employers.
Additionally, the experience can strengthen their college applications, as admissions committees recognize the value of international service and community involvement.
Some students view the program as a way to gain a competitive edge, develop a more mature outlook, and gain experiences that will serve them well in higher education and beyond.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder provides early exposure to the field for those who dream of a career in areas like international development, environmental science, or social work, helping them clarify their academic and career goals.
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Provides Teen Travellers a Combination of Service and Learning
Community service, cultural immersion, and hands-on learning make Shoulder-to-Shoulder stand out among travel programs. The blend of service and learning allows students to connect what they’ve studied in school with real-world applications, bringing lessons to life in ways a classroom can’t replicate. They engage deeply with topics like social justice, sustainable development, and ethical leadership, fostering a richer understanding of the issues that matter to them.
Shoulder-to-Shoulder offers an enriching, purpose-driven travel experience for teens eager to make a difference. The Field Studies stand out not only because of their focus on impactful service and cultural immersion but also because of the unique opportunities they provide for leadership development, personal growth, and adventure.
With its reputation for excellence and emphasis on meaningful learning, it’s no wonder teens are choosing Shoulder-to-Shoulder as their preferred organization for travel and service. Support your child’s personal growth with impactful global travel this summer and explore all of Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder Field Studies in Ethical Leadership.