Why Choose Terra?
Our mission at Terra Education is to provide the most inspiring range of educational travel experiences to benefit the next generation and our world.
With our full portfolio of best-in-class, intentionally designed summer programs for teens across four different segments, as well as a family travel option, there truly is something for everyone at Terra Education.
✓ Best-in-class travel & academic programs. With intentional design, sky-high safety standards and collective decades of experience, Terra is a leader in the industry in all of the ways.
✓ Knowledgeable pre- and post-program service. Whether you are traveling across the city or across the world (or participating in a virtual internship from home), we know that feeling prepared for your experience is crucial. All of Terra’s divisions include pre-departure representatives who can answer all of your questions.
✓ Strong alumni network. With thousands of alumni across our segments, our global network is vast and strong. Connect with former travelers, reach out to references or serve as an ambassador. It means something to be a part of the Terra family!
✓ Decades of experience. Between our long-standing leadership team and dozens of committed partners, we’ve got teen programs down pat. This knowledge not only shapes our curriculum and policies but makes us innovators in the space, offering more than just another tour or academic program.
✓ Certified B Corporation. Terra Education expands access to transformative global education while operating as a force for good, advancing opportunity in society, protecting the environment through responsible business and travel practices, and cultivating a values-driven culture for our team, our students and our travelers.
Our Core Values
Our six core values have been adopted from the African Leadership Academy, and sit at the heart of Terra Education’s mission. ALA is at the root of the journey that eventually led to the formation of Terra Education and its programs around the world, and these values continue to embody everything Terra stands for as an organization.
★ Integrity: We are a people of our word, with the courage to do what is right.
★ Curiosity: We challenge the status quo and take the initiative to pursue new Ideas.
★ Humility: We are thankful for opportunities and are aware of our limitations.
★ Compassion: We empathize with and care for those around us.
★ Diversity: We respect all people and believe that difference should be celebrated.
★ Excellence: We set high standards for our own achievement and celebrate the achievements of others.
How We Live These Values
Terra Education welcomes students and staff from all backgrounds. Across our programs, we intentionally bring together individuals with diverse identities, perspectives, and lived experiences. This includes participants across races and ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, religions and belief systems, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, and countries of origin.
Inclusion at Terra Education is not a standalone initiative—it is embedded in how we design programs, train our teams, cultivate group culture, and support each participant. From arrival through departure, our staff are equipped to foster environments where students feel physically safe, emotionally supported, and culturally respected. They are trained to navigate group dynamics, support a wide range of identity, cultural, and neurodiversity-related needs, and facilitate meaningful dialogue where every voice has a place.
We encourage participants to engage with one another through curiosity, empathy, and openness. Each individual is valued for who they are, and we set the expectation that the group will actively contribute to a culture of respect and belonging throughout the experience.
Prior to program start, all participants agree to a shared Code of Conduct grounded in respect, accountability, and community-minded behavior. On program, students and staff co-create Community Agreements that define expectations for communication, responsibility, and care for one another. These agreements are revisited throughout the experience and serve as a foundation for a safe, inclusive group environment.
How We Engage with Host Communities
Terra Education programs take place in communities that welcome us as guests. We approach these partnerships with humility, respect, and a commitment to responsible engagement. Our relationships are built through listening, collaboration, and long-term partnership.
We learn from local leaders and partners, honor cultural traditions, and recognize the importance of community voice and agency. We also acknowledge the environmental and cultural significance of the places we visit and take care to minimize our impact.
In practice, this means:
- We listen before acting
- We follow community leadership and local guidance
- We honor cultural traditions, values, and customs
- We engage with a mindset of mutual learning and exchange
- We act as responsible stewards of natural environments
- We treat wildlife and animals with respect
- We minimize our footprint in shared and natural spaces
- We reflect on the impact of our presence
- We remain open to new perspectives and continuous learning
Our Values Beyond the Program
The impact of a Terra Education experience often continues well beyond the program itself. Students leave with expanded perspectives, a deeper understanding of themselves, and a stronger sense of connection to people and communities around the world. Many return home inspired to lead with empathy, take initiative, and contribute meaningfully within their own communities.
These outcomes are rooted in the values that guide every Terra Education experience.
Our commitment—to students, families, staff, and host communities—is to foster belonging, celebrate diverse perspectives, and act with integrity, humility, and care in all that we do. We believe this foundation shapes how our alumni engage with the world long after their program concludes.
We also recognize that this work is ongoing. As an organization, we are committed to continuous growth—guided by reflection, feedback, and accountability to the communities we serve. We approach this evolution with humility, knowing that meaningful global education requires listening, learning, and a willingness to adapt and improve.
Human Rights and Environmental Commitment
Terra Education commits to respecting and upholding human rights and environmental responsibility across all aspects of our operations, programs, partnerships, and supply chains. We align our practices with internationally recognized standards, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the rights articulated in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the broader International Bill of Human Rights, and the International Labour Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
In addition, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting responsible stewardship of the natural environments and communities where we operate. We strive to integrate environmental responsibility into our decision-making, partnerships, and programs, recognizing that the protection of ecosystems and responsible use of resources are essential to the wellbeing of people and the planet.