Why Choose Putney: Reputation, Safety, Leadership, & Outcomes
Putney Student Travel is one of the longest-running educational travel providers in the world, founded in 1951 and trusted by generations of students and families. With small group sizes, highly qualified leaders, and partnerships with leading institutions, Putney programs emphasize personal growth and meaningful cultural engagement. Families choose Putney Student Travel for our intentionally designed programs, safety record, community, and focus on educational outcomes.
What Makes Putney Different Than Other Student Travel Programs?
75 Years of Experience
We’re not new at this. Parents have trusted Putney for 75 years because of our high quality programming and safety standards. Our unmatched safety record gives parents comfort and reflects decades of institutional knowledge and expertise in performing successful risk management, supporting young travelers, and delivering life-changing summer experiences. The New York Times has called us “the grandaddy of educational student travel.”
Innovative Programs
We continually strive to develop and improve our programming in response to world issues. Putney programs are designed not simply as travel experiences, but as educational environments where students actively engage with the world around them. Much more than teen tours, Putney students benefit from a global network of friends and partner organizations that has been built over seven decades and includes teachers, farmers, artists, activists, NGOs, and many others.
Lasting Benefits & Outcomes
We intentionally design our programs with a focus on personal and educational outcomes, based on our seven decades of experience working with young people. Students return home with increased independence and confidence, great cultural awareness and global perspective, strong friendships and lasting connections, and greater clarity about their interests and goals—benefits that extend far beyond summer.
Exceptional Program Leaders
We select Putney leaders not only for their professional credentials and experiences, but for their ability to mentor and inspire students. The average age of Putney leaders is 32. Many have advanced degrees (52% in 2025) and take time away from successful careers to lead because they love our students and believe in our mission. We have a 67% leader retention rate—every year 65–70% of Putney’s program leaders are returning veteran leaders.
Great Students
Our application process (rather than direct enrollment) enables us to carefully review applications and accept only students who have the ability to thrive on a Putney summer program. Our goal is to accept young people who are well adjusted, bright, curious about the world, and who can contribute positively to their group and the group experience. This selectivity results in a more intentional, higher quality peer environment for our students.
Excellent Group Dynamics
Great summer programs start and end with great group dynamics. Our leaders facilitate positive environments where everyone is included, celebrated, and invited to participate. These group experiences lead to increased maturity, broadened perspectives, and lasting friendships.
“My husband traveled with Putney 25 years ago. He was thrilled to see that the quality of programming, leaders, and students drawn to Putney are just as great as they were back then.”
— Carolyn & Ray Evans, Charleston, SC
Student Ownership
Students learn and grow the most when they are given clear expectations and a chance to take ownership of their experience. While our leaders supervise and direct each program, students actively help lead many important daily tasks, activities, and discussions.
Inclusive Environment
We are committed to being allies to and advocates for all of our students. Our staff and leaders pledge to work with families and students to ensure we provide a safe and supportive experience for all students regardless of their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion.
High Expectations
We have clearly communicated expectations of behavior that are designed to keep students safe and bring out the best in them. Our simple rules—no smoking, drinking, or drugs, as well as a few more—promote safety and build trust within the group.
Global Stewardship
We partner with communities around the world through long-term collaborations. Our students benefit from authentic interactions with local people. As a result, they learn to value community empowerment, cultural diversity, and environmental sustainability.
Personal Connections
By keeping our groups small we create unique experiences where individual connections can take root. Our alumni stay in touch with us and each other for years because they have made real friendships with the people they’ve met through Putney.
It’s Fun!
While our programs all have ambitious educational goals, our founders believed that you learn best when you’re having fun. For 74 years Putney has made learning fun and we can guarantee that’s not going to change in our 75th summer. We hope you join us!