Logo

World Class Programs

Why choose World Class Programs?

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad and experience cultures from around the world. We hope to prepare students for an ever more globalized world while allowing them independence and exciting experiences abroad. Through our Experiential Learning Method students use hands on learning and immerse themselves in different cultures for the summer of a lifetime.

Founded
2016

Diversity & Inclusion

Embracing and celebrating the diverse experiences, cultures, and perspectives of others is the foundation of World Class Programs.
We would be happy to discuss options for neurodivergent student support and for student accessibility.

Impact

We would be happy to answer any questions about our sustainable practices and our ethical impact.

Reviews

Default avatar
Elizabeth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Fantastic experience to grow independence and self-confidence in healthy way

My 16 year old took their first trip abroad with World Class Programs and it was an incredible experience. Staff was so fun, kind, and thoughtful with the students and truly loved sharing their passion for Italy with the kids. They were great at keeping parents in the loop with weekly emails that detailed everything they had been up to during the week and lots of photos. It was wonderful to see how much my child gained in terms of confidence, as well as passion for a new culture. We can't wait to take another trip with World Class Programs!

Default avatar
Aiden
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

great summer

This is such a great progarm because you get a lot of free time and schedule things to do. I had a great time the people are good and the food is great. The staff care about you and want you to have a great time while keeping you safe. If you want to do something that they didn't plan for they are willing to adpat to things as long as they are reasonable. They also have group flights to and from the place you are visting or take your own flight. They reaaly try to get you to embacre the culture of the country by giving you cool experinces.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
always have cash on you because lot of the smaller place to buy things only take cash.
Pros
  • lots of free time
  • classes are fun
  • lots of things to do
Cons
  • lots of waiting when going on trains
  • having to wait for everybody to catch up even if far behind
Default avatar
Mark
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

peak trip

Best summer of my life. I met a ton of cool people, the staff were awesome and the food was amazing. In my opinion I think my favorite part of the trip was Kyoto because of the sheer amount of temples and shrines there. All of the courses were cool and teach a good amount of material and let you explore many new places related to the courses. The free time you get nearly everyday is great and super fun to walk around the city with friends. There are also multiple day trips in which you travel to nearby cities. 10/10 program, would recommend.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be careful and watch your money because you’ll spend so much during the program on stuff like souvenirs.
Pros
  • Got to see amazing sights (huge cities and shrines)
  • Had a ton of fun with friends
  • Bought a ton of cool stuff
Cons
  • none
Default avatar
Claudette
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Japan trip 2024

I went on the Italy program for 3 weeks about a week before the Japan trip was going to leave. I was heavily convinced to come on the Japan trip a week before and it was one of the best decisions I have made. I love this program with all my heart and have learned so much and I have so many memories that I will hold. I love the entire staff and they we genuine friends to us and were so dedicated to keeping us safe and having fun. They were not overruling and being unnecessary when it came to telling us to do something. They were very reasonable and considerate and genuinely our friends that we could have fun and laugh with. They program is so well organized and a wonderful opportunity for any high schooler wanting to travel and go explore a new country. You truly get your money’s worth and we did not have to worry about anything when it came to the itinerary. It was all super well planned out and I loved having something new every single day. Each day was a new adventure and had a new experience. Italy was such a good experience for me that I never wanted it to end so I had to do another trip and I also plan on attending a third trip next summer before I leave for college. These two trip has made me learn so much about Japan and meet new people and I am so he for this opportunity. The staff was so accommodating and so helpful. I would recommend this program to anyone it truly is worth every penny.

What was your funniest moment?
My friend eating 40 plates of sushi at the all you cna eat sushi converter belt
Pros
  • Everything
Cons
  • None
Default avatar
Laila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

World Class Programs Osaka 3 Week Trip

Going on this trip was more of a last minute miracle for me. I was incredibly nervous that I wouldn’t enjoy my time and I would feel home sick fast. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. The trip honestly felt like a little family and I enjoyed every moment. I myself am not an athletic person and I normally don’t enjoy long walks and sight seeing, however, this trip made it all worth it. The sleeping situations were good and I was always generally comfortable. It can become tiring but the staff is so supportive and always willing to give you time to rest.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The most amazing thing that I saw this whole trip was the shrines and temples at Nara park. It was genuinely a really amazing moment of realization for me when I read the prayers of other people. It helped me become grateful for being able to have this opportunity and really take in the fact that I was creating new memories to last a lifetime.
Pros
  • Amazing community
  • Beautiful sights
  • The best food
Cons
  • Classes weren’t the best planned

Programs

Displaying 1 - 4 of 4

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Jaclyn Tano

Job Title
Program Director
My name is Jaclyn Tano and I have been traveling my entire life! I have been with World Class Programs since the first program, and originally joined the World Class team fueled by my passion to educate students from around the world through the Experiential Learning Method! The only passion that can compete with my love of travel, would have to be my love of teaching! I am a licensed teacher, and currently hold a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Concordia University, St. Paul. When I'm not traveling the world, I enjoy reading, and spending time with my family. I can't wait to meet you on one of our upcoming programs!
Jaclyn Tano on a beach smiling wearing a dress with dark hair and glasses

What is your favorite travel memory?

Although there are too many wonderful memories to count, my favorite travel memory would have to be the first time I ordered gelato in Italian in Florence, Italy. On my first trip with World Class Programs, I was confident in my Italian, but once it became time to test it out with a local, I was nervous! After I gained the courage to order, he treated me like a local, and it gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and continue to join the incredible culture surrounding me! I take that experience with me, and encourage my students so that they can feel confident enough to do the same!

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I have always been interested in kinesthetic and visual learning during my time teaching in a traditional classroom. However, since I started working for World Class Programs, it took my interest in hands-on learning to the next level! Instead of creating pseudo-scenarios, though the use of textbooks and videos to show my students new skills and concepts, I am able to bring them into the cities where those skills can be practiced first-hand!

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

My favorite story I've heard from a return student was all centered around how their entire world-view had been shifted in a positive way after experiencing the program. They said that they not only started to view the world in a broader way, but they also began to understand themselves more. This story stands out to me the most because of how powerful their words were when they expressed this to me.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

This is a difficult question for me because all of the programs have something unique to offer that sets them apart from each other in the best ways! That is why I will instead talk about my favorite unique parts of the programs I have attended already! The raw history woven in every place we visit in Italy is breathtaking. The rich art history that brings France to life is unforgettable. Lastly, the innovation and food that Japan has to offer makes it an uncommon and exclusive gem.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Every year I am proud of my team! These past years pushing through with the new COVID-19 measures that needed to take place really showed that we were all in it together, and still were able to make incredible programs just as memorable for students, while still maintaining the safety of everyone. I couldn't be more proud of my team, but these past couple of years have really showed our tenacity to stick together and keep the students' in the forefront of our priorities!

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company all comes down to the community and environment that is created. If staff are not happy, then the students will not be happy. The staff at World Class Programs all love what they do, and come from different backgrounds, so they all bring something unique and valued to the company. That is what makes me proud to come to work everyday, because I don't consider it "work" in the slightest.

Professional Associations

USA Gap Year Fairs Logo