Global STEM Travel

Not only can girls use travel experiences to grow personally, but they also use these opportunities to enhance their college admissions and scholarship applications. We believe that in order to diversify college campuses, underrepresented students must be competitive academically and experientially to stand out from the pack. Additionally, STEM travel fosters real-world experiential learning beyond the bell. In 2016, the Institute for International Education of Students conducted a survey to explore the long-term impact of study abroad programs. Even though the GEMS Global STEM Travel Experience is not a traditional study abroad program, survey data from the 2018 cohort yielded similar benefits to the IES 2016 findings. Students who studied abroad reported (IES, 2016):

• 96% increased self confidence

• 75% acquiring a skill set that influenced their career path

• 98% better understanding of cultural values and biases

• 86% influenced subsequent educational experiences

Previous Trips

TRIP 2: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 2019

July 5-15, 2019, 12 high school girls participated in a uniquely designed learning experience to the United Arab Emirates, including cultural immersion, sight-seeing, and STEM. Traveling Gems spent ample time between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai learning Arabic culture and observing architectural engineering at its finest. In addition, participants attended a customized career day interacting with local women STEM leaders about their expatriate career journeys. As a bonus, Gems were able to visit the U.S. Consulate to learn all about USA and UAE relations and meet our country’s foreign service diplomats. View our photos here.

In 2018, we took our first international trip! 8 chosen girls traveled to Italy (Naples, Rome, and Florence) to explore the “M” in STEM - geometric concepts of ancient and modern architecture, technology, and engineering. The trip itinerary was organized and executed by the GirlGo travel agency.