Expanding Minds. Building Leaders. Creating Global Citizens.
The YMCA Global Teens Program is an international travel and teen leadership program designed to broaden perspectives, build confidence, and inspire a sense of purpose. Through immersive global travel, cultural exchange, and service opportunities, teens gain real-world experience and a deeper understanding of global communities.
Participants engage in pre-trip leadership development sessions focused on cultural awareness, global issues, STEM and personal growth. During the international experience, teens connect with local youth, explore historic landmarks, and participate in meaningful community service. More than a travel program, Global Teens develops confident, culturally aware young leaders prepared to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Invest in the Next Generation of Global Leaders
A donation to YMCA Global Teens helps open doors to life-changing experiences that inspire leadership, service, and global understanding. Through travel, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning opportunities, teens develop confidence, compassion, and a broader perspective of the world. Your support helps ensure these transformative experiences are available to all young people, regardless of their ability to pay.
If you would like to support the YMCA Global Teens 2026 trip to Taiwan, click the donate button below.
Global Teens: Passport To Peru
Follow the journey of YMCA Global Teens as they travel, serve, and learn in Peru. Told through the eyes of the participants themselves, this documentary captures the challenges, discoveries, and life-changing experiences that shaped their perspective and deepened their understanding of the world.
🇹🇼 July 23 – August 3, 2026
In 2026, Global Teens will travel to Taiwan for an unforgettable international experience centered on cultural exchange, global leadership, and educational exploration. This life-changing journey will broaden worldviews, build confidence, and deepen appreciation for diverse cultures and global connections.
Participants will:
- Immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture and daily life
- Explore historic and modern landmarks
- Learn about Taiwan’s unique history and global impact
- Engage with local youth through shared learning experiences
Click here to support the YMCA Global Teens 2026 trip to Taiwan.
2025 Global Experience: Peru
In August 2025, nineteen Delaware teens traveled from Lima to Cusco for a powerful nine-day cultural exchange and service-learning journey. Participants led youth forums, completed hands-on service projects, and delivered school supplies to underserved children, strengthening global partnerships and supporting local education efforts.
Teens also explored Peru’s agricultural supply chain through a unique STEM experience, learning how innovation fuels international food production. While abroad, they painted and restored a community center serving more than 500 families and immersed themselves in Peru’s rich history by visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and meeting local leaders.
Students returned home with a deeper appreciation for culture, collaboration, and their ability to make a meaningful global impact.
This life-changing experience was made possible through the generous support of our dedicated sponsors and community partners:
- Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley
- Morton and Roberta Sheikman Fund
- Bob and Susan Hurka
- Discover Financial Services
- David Cullman and Anthony Latorella
- Barclays
- Bank of America
- Bill Ferrell and Tammi Gaskins
- Sky Airline
- American Airlines
2024 Global Experience: Kenya
In 2024, Global Teens traveled to Kenya for an unforgettable experience focused on civic engagement, leadership development, and cross-cultural connection. Through service learning and collaboration with peers from the Nairobi YMCA, students strengthened their understanding of global social issues while building lifelong relationships.
Participants explored Kenya’s diverse landscapes, including visits to Maasai Mara National Reserve and Aberdare National Park, while engaging in STEM education and leadership training.
The experience empowered teens with global awareness, practical skills, and the confidence to lead with purpose in their own communities.
This life-changing experience was made possible through the generous support of our dedicated sponsors and community partners:
- Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley
- Morton and Roberta Sheikman Fund
- Bob and Susan Hurka
- Discover Financial Services
- Barclays
- New Castle County
- Kenya Airways
- Bank of America
- Capital One
Global Teens: Journey To Kenya
Experience Kenya through the eyes of YMCA Global Teens as they immerse themselves in a new culture, build meaningful relationships, and explore complex global challenges. This documentary shares powerful moments of connection, service, and self-discovery that continue to shape the lives of the participants long after they returned home.