Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Programs

What types of study tours do you offer?

We offer immersive, purpose-driven study tours for students, educators, homeschool families, and adult learners. Our current offerings include:

Civil Rights Tours focused on justice, faith, and leadership
Indigenous History and Land-Based Learning on Martha’s Vineyard and the Southeast
Climate Science Tours in New Orleans and coastal regions
PRECE Brazil Professional Development Tour, exploring cooperative education models
Homeschool Travel Pods with optional academic credit
Adult Sabbaticals and Faith-Based Justice Journeys

All tours integrate reflective learning, cultural immersion, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Do your study tours align with school or homeschool curricula?

Yes. Each program is designed using backward design and includes clear learning outcomes. For homeschoolers, we align experiences with state educational standards to facilitate credit. We also provide support for transcript documentation, portfolios, and capstone projects.

Homeschool-Specific FAQs

Can homeschool students earn credit for these trips?

Absolutely. Each tour includes a standards-aligned learning framework, project-based activities, and journaling. We provide documentation and rubrics to help parents or learning pods issue credit per their state’s homeschool guidelines.

What grade levels are these programs best suited for?

Our programs serve middle and high school homeschoolers, with age-appropriate scaffolding for reflection and discussion. We also offer mixed-age experiences for families or pods traveling together.

Do you support co-ops or homeschool communities booking group travel?

Yes! We love partnering with co-ops and homeschool pods. We can customize itineraries, integrate your group’s learning goals, and even co-lead with a parent educator if desired.

Can homeschool parents join the tour?

Parents are welcome to join most homeschool programs as chaperones or fellow learners. We provide optional reflection sessions for parents and often include workshops that support the family’s broader learning journey.

Logistics & Planning

Are your trips international or U.S.-based?

Both. We specialize in U.S.-based regional immersions and are expanding globally—like our PRECE Brazil Study Tour, a cooperative education experience for educators and program leaders.

Who handles logistics like transportation, lodging, and meals?

Our logistics team, led by Janet Rau, oversees all travel details, accommodations, and meals. You’ll receive a full itinerary, travel checklist, and support resources in advance.

Are your accommodations safe and student-friendly?

Yes. We prioritize safe, vetted partners and locally-owned guesthouses committed to sustainability and education.

Educational Experience

How are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) included in the curriculum?

Each program explicitly ties into one or more SDGs—such as SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities, and SDG 13: Climate Action. Activities encourage participants to reflect on their role as changemakers in a global context.

What teaching tools do you use during trips?

We incorporate Project Zero Thinking Routines, Design Thinking, Socratic Seminars, and community interviews. These tools help participants think critically, collaborate, and tell their own stories of growth.

Pricing & Booking

What’s included in the program cost?

Each program includes lodging, ground transportation, curated meals, educational activities, expert facilitators, and materials. Airfare may be separate, depending on the trip. We’ll always provide a detailed breakdown in advance.

How do I book a program or request a custom tour?

Easy! Schedule a consultation by clicking this link What’s in your backpack? or email us directly at [email protected]. We’ll explore your needs, provide a proposal, and support you every step of the way.

Our Philosophy

Why is it called “Yellow Backpack”?

It all began with a yellow backpack and a belief that learning should go where you go. Our founder’s first transformative travel experience planted the seeds for what would become a lifelong mission to connect students with the world—and themselves.

What makes your approach unique?

We combine academic rigor, cultural respect, and personal storytelling to make every journey meaningful. Our programs are student-centered, SDG-aligned, and built to create lasting impact.