Authenticity Matters: On the Power of Mission-Driven Study Abroad

There are certain moments that define a study abroad experience, that linger in memories when time has moved on. It might be the sensory stroll through a Lima market, full of local life where the scent of freshly-baked empanadas mingles with the hum of Spanish and Quechua conversation. Or perhaps its the way you catch your students’ eyes light up when they understand the customs in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and it clicks then that language is learned on a deeper level through connection, not just conjugation. It’s these small, and often quite intimate, highlights that shape our students perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and create true lasting impact. 

Our team at EdOdyssey has worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm over the past decade to ensure that all of our students have study abroad experiences that feel like this—authentic, immersive, and deeply meaningful. Because it matters to us. And it matters to them. And we know it also matters to you. 

We’ve noticed that the international education landscape has been shifting slowly in recent years and not every study abroad provider shares this approach. Some have grown into more large-scale operations where an emphasis on bottom lines means that programs can begin to feel more about transaction and less about transformation.

We're here to reaffirm that, despite significant growth over the past decade, we've always stayed true to the strong foundation we built as a one-person operation 10 years ago. We're still the same trustworthy, mission-driven, and values-led study abroad partner we set out to be.

Mission Over Margins

EdOdyssey was built on a simple but powerful idea: That study abroad should be rooted in authenticity, immersive learning opportunities, compassion for our world, and meaningful connections with local communities. Study abroad should be personal and purposefully designed so that students are able to dip beneath the artificial layers of tourism and understand a deeper sense of place and the people who call each of our carefully selected destinations home. 

Yes, we are a business, but we’re not backed by private equity or venture capital which means we don’t have to answer to investors who are looking for quick growth or who have their focus primarily on financial returns. Instead, we answer to, or collaborate with, the schools and students we serve—those who are aligned with our mission and values. 

We may not have such large sums of money pouring in, but we value this independence because it allows us to: 

• Prioritize unique immersive experiences over standardized, one-size-fits-all programs.

• Pour the necessary time into investing in long-term relationships with our host communities. 

• Keep education at the center of each program by ensuring each itinerary is in line with our partners’ academic goals and student growth. 

• Create opportunities for students to contribute to the communities they engage with, which gives them a real sense of responsibility and connection to a wider world. 

• Maintain our commitment to authenticity by making sure that each program reflects the true spirit of the destination and its people.

Partners, Not Only Providers

This mission-driven approach is why we see ourselves as partners with our schools, not just as a company providing a service. When institutions are truly committed to giving students access to the high-impact learning that a global approach provides, we know that they select their study abroad provider carefully because it becomes about more than just logistics and people-moving. 

It becomes more about values. 

The universities we work with have missions that emphasize the importance of not only education, but also integrity, inclusion, and the cultivation of a global mindset. It makes sense that they would seek out a study abroad provider who reflect those same values. 

We collaborate closely with these schools as partners. We create programs that align with their goals. Whether it’s shaping academic experiences, building in opportunities for immersive connection with locals, or making sure each student feels welcome and supported on their journey, this is about building something meaningful together. It’s about believing in how powerful these adventures can be for our students and knowing what we’re doing is truly impactful and important. 

Choosing a Study Abroad Provider

We know that we’re not the right fit for everyone and that’s okay! Choosing a study abroad provider for your students is not easy. Alongside cost, it’s also about quality, connection, alignment in mission and values, and the ever-important question of impact and return on investment for students. 

To us, study abroad shouldn’t feel like a big box store experience, like ticking boxes, or like a generic cookie cutter trip. Instead, it should be shaped with intention and purpose, lean into local life, be built on a foundation of connection and authenticity, and inspire lasting change in the way students see themselves and the world. 

If you agree, let’s have a conversation and work together as partners to create a beautiful educational travel opportunity for your students.