Develop your students’ STEM skills with real-world impact.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL STEM PROGRAMS

Global STEM Squads provide the opportunity for High School students to partner with rural underserved schools to provide much needed water and sanitation infrastructure projects, cross-cultural exchanges, and education campaigns. These 7-10 day custom group volunteer travel programs also incorporate cultural learning and enrichment activities. Each Squad is comprised of a minimum of eight (8) student volunteers accompanited by a minimum of two (2) complimentary faculty leaders. Squads Abroad professional in-country teams (include Program Facilitators, Paramedics, Language Support Staff, and Private Drivers) handle all the program logistics and ensure group safety.

GLOBAL STEM PROGRAMS ALSO INCLUDE

COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEMS

Each Squad selects their client(s) such as artisans, farmers, and community banks from our waitlist.

WATER FOR SCHOOLS

Help design and build water tanks and rainwater harvesting systems to provide clean drinking water for schools.

SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Help design and build sanitation and hand washing stations in schools.

COMMUNITY SURVEYING

Shadow engineers surveying land for water sources and testing water quality

Where We Work

PANAMA

HONDURAS

GUATEMALA

GLOBAL STEM PROGRAMS ALSO INCLUDE

Cultural Learning

In each partner country, students and faculty will be immersed in the local culture and will be introduced to some of the region’s most beautiful traditions. For example, in Belize, students will learn from locals how to cook cassava pudding or practice “Cayetano” inspired artwork. In Honduras, students can practice their Spanish skills during a traditional candy-making workshop or local coffee tour. Or in Ghana, groups are welcomed by local communities with traditional drumming, dancing and songs. In every country, you and your students will dive deep into the culture and leave with a greater understanding of the local customs.

Enrichment Activities

All of our program countries offer optional add-on enrichment activities. In Panama, the options include an overnight trip to Soberania National Park Excursion, a day trip to Monkey Island or a Boat Tour of the Panama Canal. In Guatemala, you can spend one or two nights exploring the town of San Juan La Laguna on the majestic shores of Lake Atitlan. Or you can explore the historic city of Antigua Guatemala, or a climbing experience to the Pacaya volcano. Greece is famous for its striking islands, filled with blue and white architecture, against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Spend a weekend lounging on the Greek islands, or hopping between a few to experience delicious food, a warm and welcoming culture, and the peaceful island life. Ask us about specific options in each country.

Local Tourism

In addition to the optional enrichment activities, all groups will spend at least an afternoon or two enjoying local tourist sites as part of their trip. This might include a guided visit to Mayan ruins, a trip to a local beach or a walk through the jungle. We want students to understand the beauty and history of the region, and include visits to local historical monuments, like touring the famous city of Athens to view its great history with sites such as the Parthenon. In Panama, every group will have the chance to explore the streets of Casco Viejo, the oldest neighborhood of the city and one of Central America’s great cultural hubs. Come see the world on a Squad Abroad!

Explore each of our specific country pages to learn more about the unique individual offerings.