Below, Jamie shares a bit about their experiences in her own words.

Please share a bit about your journey.

When I was in college, I had my first opportunity to live in another country when I went to Baja, Mexico for a 6-month school program. It changed my life. I loved the experience of being immersed in another culture and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty that surrounded me with the people, their way of life, and the natural landscape. It was an experience that I have wanted my son to have. I had been looking for opportunities for a while and more so in the last few years, knowing my son would not want to be going on these excursions with his mom much longer and leaving his friends and his activities. An opportunity came my way last year and I was able to start up my own business and make enough money to be able to travel and work. 

Jace making a bowl in pottery class.

What was one of the most important ingredients in getting your family on the road – what did you do that worked out well? 

Determination. I had my mind set and was going to do whatever it took to make it happen, which included finding someone to take care of my house and dog for a month, setting up my business to still function while in Peru, getting his dad on board for this trip to Peru, saving up enough money to be able to go, and not letting my anxiety about such a huge undertaking so far away from home stop me.

Why did you decide to attend a Working Without Borders program? How did it fit into your overall journey and worldschooling plan/approach?

I had a childhood friend that I had reconnected with on Facebook recently and was reading her posts on her worldschooling journeys. As soon as I saw what she was doing, I thought to myself, “This is it!” Working Without Borders was the perfect program for me because it offered programs that were during my son’s summer break. I felt a month-long program was the perfect amount of time for us. It was long enough to really get to know the area and the people and he could still have half his summer to do other things at home. WWB also had everything planned out for us, including safe and comfortable living arrangements, transportation, schooling, after school classes, and weekend adventures. 

Where was the WWB program you attended? Please tell us what the experience was like for you and your son. Are there specific aspects of the program you feel are a good fit for single parents?

We attended the Sacred Valley program in Peru. It was the most wonderful experience and was above and beyond my expectations. Jace left for classes at a local school around 7am and returned around 5pm after attending different classes after school each day that taught the visiting kids about local cooking, music, outdoor adventure, art, and pottery. While he was busily engaged and learning during the day, I was able to do my job remotely from my home office–my bungalow’s back patio overlooking a river and mountains! Jace was totally immersed in the culture and made friends with local students in spite of the language barrier, and that was one of the most important experiences I wanted for him. 

What are the lasting impressions of your WWB experience? How has it impacted you and your son?

It was an incredible eye-opening experience that allowed my son to experience getting to know kids from another part of the world and to learn how much they had in common, as well as understanding and appreciating the cultural differences.

What are some of the unique aspects of long-term travel and/or world schooling as a single parent? What do you wish you knew before you started, or what would you like to share with other families before they launch?

It was financially difficult to come up with the money and it was a little scary to be the only available on-site parent being responsible for making decisions for my son in a foreign country.

Learning how to harvest potatoes with members of the Huama Community.

What does community mean to you, and how have you found it during your travels? Have you attended other organized programs besides WWB?

Community is essential to thrive, to learn from others, to share experiences with others, to make this world a better place. WWB provided a great community for all the families who participated–both visiting families and local families. Building community is one of the best strengths of WWB.

What have you discovered about your family by being on the road together?

I loved traveling with my son, Jace, and this experience reaffirmed my belief that he is an incredible human being. I am constantly amazed and impressed with who he is becoming. His willingness to try new things is delightful. It is not easy to go to a totally new country without friends, cousins, or siblings. His trust in me and my decisions for this trip humbled me. He took all the new experiences in stride and fully participated in all the opportunities and adventures the program provided him. He even handled being the only boy of the visiting families without complaint.

What’s your favorite story to share about this experience?

On the last day of school, the local teachers and students held a gratitude ceremony that was heartfelt and beautiful. The students, both local and visiting, all went around a circle and shared words of gratitude. At the end of the ceremony, my son was surrounded by a large group of kids chanting his name and giving him hugs. He was loved. He had made his mark. This is exactly what I had hoped would happen for him.

What are you excited about seeing/doing/learning next? 

I would love to go on another trip next summer with Jace. If we cannot afford another extensive trip abroad so soon after Peru, then I am hoping we can visit a National Park or two this coming year.

From the Wonder Year team: We so appreciate Jamie telling us about her family’ travel experiences, including the time she and Jace spent attending a Working Without Borders program. If you are interested in learning more about WWB for your family, you can start with the blog post here.

One of the many dishes the kids made in cooking class.

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A Certified B Corporation, Discover Corps is a trailblazing company that understands the power of travel to make positive changes in both travelers and the communities they visit. We at Wonder Year appreciate and admire their impact and share the desire to help traveling families deepen their understanding, empathy, and connection to people and communities around the world. 

Thank you to Lynne Corvaglia, Travel Specialist, and Alex Dubois, Executive Director, for sharing your insights and perspectives. 

Please tell us how Discover Corps started. 

Founded in 2011, Discover Corps was created to harness the power of travel – aiming to foster peace by forging ties of cultural understanding between people of different cultures. We also have a social mission to protect and preserve the geographic, ecological, and cultural environments we visit.

Founded upon the core tenets of volunteer service, sustainable travel, and cultural sensitivity, Discover Corps creates experiences that resonate with travelers from all parts of the world. Embracing our shared humanity, we facilitate positive change in the people we guide and the places we travel.

Discover Corps is part of Terra Education’s portfolio of travel & education programs. We were founded as the second brand in the Terra family following the success of the Global Leadership Adventure’s teen service-learning programs. 

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you got involved with Discover Corps? 

I joined Discover Corps in 2012 shortly after it was established. Prior to this, I was living all over the world – from Poland to Germany to Australia – and, through these experiences, developed a passion for travel and all of the ways that it could be used to improve communities across the globe. Beyond this, I wanted to be involved in a business that worked as a force for good in the world. 

Discover Corps (and Terra Education) are B Corporations meaning that they have a social responsibility enshrined in their operations. With this, I helped develop Discover Corps from a small project of just two destinations to over 20 destinations that we offer today. It has been a fascinating experience meeting people and seeing places all around this big, wide, beautiful world of ours.

What kind of travelers do you serve? What kind of trips do you offer? 

Discover Corps serves a diverse range of travelers, from families and solo adventurers to couples and groups of friends. We also provide B2B trips for corporations, universities, and organizations.  Our mission is to provide meaningful travel experiences for those who seek a deeper connection with the world and have a desire to make a positive impact while exploring new cultures.

We offer a wide variety of trip options to cater to different interests and travel styles. Our programs include family-friendly adventures, volunteer opportunities, wildlife conservation projects, cultural immersion experiences, and more. Whether you’re looking for an educational journey, an adventure in nature, or a chance to give back to the communities you visit, we have a program that suits your preferences.

Our programs typically focus on destinations in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, and we work closely with local communities and organizations to create unique and enriching travel experiences.

What are the educational opportunities you offer for kids and adults on your trips? 

At Discover Corps, we believe that travel is one of the most powerful educational experiences for both kids and adults. Our trips are designed to be immersive and educational, offering a wide range of opportunities for learning. For kids, our trips provide a chance to explore new cultures, learn about wildlife conservation, and engage in hands-on activities that foster a sense of curiosity and discovery. They might participate in interactive workshops, visit local schools, or even take part in community service projects. 

For adults, our trips offer opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the world through interactions with local experts, cultural immersion experiences, and educational excursions to historical sites or natural wonders. Our trips often include guided discussions and workshops on topics like environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and local traditions.

Both kids and adults have the chance to connect with local communities, fostering a sense of global citizenship and empathy. We believe that these educational experiences can have a lasting impact, broadening perspectives and inspiring a commitment to responsible travel.

We know that the impact of travel is very important to you. Can you tell us about how your trips and partnerships impact communities, the environment, and wildlife? 

Every Discover Corps itinerary is designed around a unique purpose that connects travelers to local communities in a meaningful way and gives a deeper understanding of a unique and extraordinary part of the world. And it is the local organizations, projects, and inspiring local leaders that bring these experiences to life. Throughout the world, Discover Corps seeks partners that are involved in a range of causes and missions that work to improve their communities, local wildlife, and the world as a whole.

These partnerships are the heart of the Discover Corps experience. Not only do they provide you with a rich, completely unique behind-the-scenes experience, but also allow you to see the world through a different lens – one that you may carry with you long after the trip. Your decision to travel with Discover Corps has ripple effects across these communities supporting these organizations and projects financially and creating advocates for change. Regardless of the destination, all of our trips will impact not only the communities we visit, but you and your family in a positive way.

Discover Corps has a different idea about family travel. How do you differentiate yourself from other travel companies?

Our trips are designed around people, communities, and projects that reflect our commitment to inspiring our travelers to explore and do good across the globe. Many of these partnerships we’ve carried for over a decade (and sometimes even longer via our sister organization Global Leadership Adventures). These unique connections allow for an experience that is completely unrivaled – taking our travelers behind the scenes and a layer deeper into the places that we visit. We’ve realized that this resonates well with families not only because it leads to a richer travel experience, but also because it forms irreplaceable bonds between parents and their children. 

Beyond this, we specifically work with small, boutique properties around the world that allow for a diverse, yet comfortable experience. We offer children’s pricing on all of our trips and design our dates so that they specifically fall over school holidays. Our guides, the heartbeat of our organization, are some of the best family-friendly hosts out there. In short, we tailor each aspect of our trip to help create a memorable experience for families looking to go beyond the norm.

Can you tell us a little bit about the pricing and logistics of your programs? 

Our trips vary in pricing and logistics depending on the destination and the duration of the trip. The best way to obtain detailed information about a specific program is to request an itinerary or check out our catalog and pricing online. In most cases (with some exceptions such as for Galapagos and Uganda), it costs only $395 to reserve a spot on one of our trips. Full payment for your trip is due 30 days after booking or 60 days prior to departure if you are on an interest-free payment plan where your balance gets stretched out but must be paid in full 60 days prior to departure.

Once you sign up for a trip, our dedicated pre-departure team, specializing in the country you are visiting, will assist you in preparing for your trip. They provide resources such as visa recommendations, packing lists, arrival and departure times, and more. Upon your arrival at your destination, we will pick you up from the airport and take care of you for the duration of your trip. All of our trips are locally guided, meaning you will have a local bilingual guide throughout the entire trip who can help you delve deeper and provide education about the area. Our guides are the heart and soul of our trips. Our packages include 3-5 star accommodations, most meals, local transportation, and activities. International airfare is not included, but we have a flight partner that can assist in booking flights. If there are local flights in the itinerary, we include a supplement fee, but we handle the coordination on your behalf. Additionally, all of our trips include medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance.

What are some of your most popular destinations right now? Why do you think families are drawn to these places?  

Our most popular destinations right now include Costa Rica and Thailand. Families are drawn to these places for several reasons. In Costa Rica, it’s the stunning biodiversity and eco-adventures that create the perfect backdrop for family bonding and learning about conservation efforts. In Thailand, the vibrant culture, friendly locals, and diverse landscapes make it a top choice for families seeking both cultural enrichment and relaxation. Additionally, spending time at a reputable elephant sanctuary is often a highlight for many.

Overall, families are increasingly seeking vacations that offer a balanced mix of education, adventure, and cultural immersion, and these destinations align perfectly with those desires. Our programs in these locations are tailored to cater to multigenerational families, ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What makes you most proud about Discover Corps?   

What makes us most proud at Discover Corps is the positive impact we have on both travelers and the communities we visit. Seeing our travelers return with a deeper understanding of the world, a stronger sense of empathy, and a commitment to sustainable travel is incredibly rewarding.

We take pride in our partnerships with local organizations and communities, which allow us to contribute to meaningful, long-lasting change in the places we visit. From supporting local schools to supporting wildlife conservation efforts, we believe in responsible tourism that benefits both our travelers and the destinations they explore

Additionally, our dedicated team and the testimonials from our satisfied travelers are a constant source of pride and motivation for us. We’re committed to making each Discover Corps journey a transformative and unforgettable experience. We love having a family come back with incredible stories and memories that will last a lifetime. 

Is there anything else you want to share? 

Since the age of 13, I’ve been exploring the world, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and customs. From the bustling streets of India to the majestic landscapes of Kenya, Ghana, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Guatemala, and more, my travels have gifted me with a profound appreciation for the beauty of our global community. I am originally from Ontario, Canada, but I now call Turrialba, Costa Rica, my home. By day, I serve as a travel specialist for Discover Corps, where I have the privilege of helping you fellow adventurers embark on unforgettable journeys!

In the background, I’m also a proud co-owner of Wearsos, a social enterprise dedicated to reducing waste, boosting rural economies, and creating spaces for education and empowerment. We work magic by upcycling discarded Southwest Airlines seats in rural Costa Rica, offering employment opportunities to women in remote areas while crafting unique, sustainable products such as purses, backpacks, etc.

That is also why I love working for Discover Corps so much, a company that shares my passion for making a positive impact on the world. I love the way they support sustainable tourism all around the world which helps support communities doing incredible work! So if you’re as passionate about travel, culture, and sustainable living as I am, let’s connect! Whether you’re seeking travel tips, inspiration, or just a friendly chat about our trips, I’m here to share.

We hope this proves to be a great resource for you when planning your Wonder Year. We know we’re inspired!

Check out their website to learn more or request a catalog.

www.discovercorps.com

Follow Discover Corps

@discovercorps

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