As part of WorldStrides, Explorica is an accredited institution just like your school. Students traveling on qualified tours have the opportunity to earn academic credit, and educators are eligible to receive free professional development.
Students
Accreditation
We are independently accredited for K-12 education by regional accrediting bodies across the nation, including:
- Cognia (formerly AdvancEd), the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement, and the Northwest Accreditation Commission
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Free high school credit
Middle and high school students traveling on an Explorica tour can earn free high school credit in conjunction with their trip. To participate, students will be able to choose a course from the options carefully paired with their travel program, then work at their own pace to complete the online coursework within six months of their tour. Students must be in grades 6-12 at the time of travel, and they can earn .5 HS credits. For more information or to enroll, email academiccredit@explorica.com.
College credit
We partner with George Mason University to issue college credit in conjunction with our travel programs.
High school students traveling on an Explorica tour can earn college credit by successfully completing a course after they return from their travel program. To participate, students will choose a 1-credit or 3-credit course option, then work at their own pace to complete the online coursework within six months of their tour. Students must be in grades 9-12 at the time of travel, and the cost of credits is based on George Mason University's competitive fees. For more information or to enroll, email academiccredit@explorica.com.
Group Leaders
Professional development
Educators traveling on an Explorica tour, either as a program leader or chaperone, can earn free professional development for their tour. A professional development certificate will be issued for up to 35 points/hours or 3.5 CEUs based on the length of the tour. To learn more, please email professionaldevelopment@worldstrides.com or call 1-888-310-7120.
Select Teacher Conventions also include an optional professional development seminar at no cost. See the Teacher Conventions page for current options.
Graduate credit for teachers
Our Curriculum and Academics team, in conjunction with multiple regional accreditation partners and the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Extended Studies, offers teachers the opportunity to earn graduate credit. For a special educators' discount, traveling teachers are invited to participate in our online graduate credit course. This course is available each year. To learn more, please email professionaldevelopment@worldstrides.com.