Mission – To inspire and empower economically disadvantaged teens to change the(ir) world through global voluntourism.

Vision – A global community where everyone seeks to authentically connect with as many people as possible to touch, move, and inspire them …to connect, love, and empower others.

Purpose – To provide an opportunity for teens in economically disadvantaged families to utilize development workshops, adult/teen mentoring and global voluntourism to:

• Transform themselves, their families, their local and global communities
• Authentically connect with people and cultures around the globe
• Develop communication, professional and leadership skills
• Explore their highest potential and grow into cultured, responsible and productive adults
• Discover the arts, food, language, customs and socioeconomics of foreign countries
• Participate in recreational, cultural, social and philanthropic activities in foreign countries
• Create saving, investment and spending plans as they account for their trip budget
• Practice the art of persuasion, presentation, sales and promotion as they fundraise

Philosophy – If you’ve ever witnessed the flower auction in Holland, a walk to the corner bodega flower shop is never the same again.  And, if you’ve ever walked with the Maasai to collect water from a well, then your opinion of a long hot shower will be changed forever. Travel, and the texture and perspective that it adds to everyday life, is a luxury of the affluent.

Nomadic Explorers, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, was founded on the principle that every teen, regardless of socio economic status, should have the opportunity to experience the personal growth and paradigm shift that results from first hand travel and exploration of foreign countries. Specifically, Nomadic Explorers focuses on exposing young adults (ages 15-18) in low income and economically disadvantaged communities to mentor relationships, international travel and ‘voluntourism’. We believe that through these enrichment activities they are able to develop leadership skills, increase cultural awareness, and explore what it means to live at their highest potential as a global citizen. Travel broadens their perception of the world and themselves.

The Mentor Relationship – Teens are paired with experienced professionals across all industries that sponsor and/or mentor for the ten-month program –opportunities that they normally would not have access to. The mentors provide one-on-one attention and guidance as teens make decisions about their education and future. Teens aged 15-18 are in a pivotal point in their development and educational careers and are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and get objective and expert advice about their life path.  Mentors help the teens to reach their maximum potential both as a student and as a local and global citizen.  In return, the teens have the chance to inspire—and be inspired by—the mentors.

What does mentoring look like?

• Email/Phone communication between mentor/mentee once a week
• Face-to-face /Skype meeting between mentor/mentee once a month for ten months
• Mentors assist in building and accessing professional networks and in reviewing college forms
• Mentors encourage continuous learning and problem solving
• Mentors as Sponsors can travel with the teens on the culminating international trip

The Development Program – The ten-month program coincides with the school year and runs from September – June with the culminating trip taking place in July. The teens:

• Participate in monthly self development workshops
• Create a one-page business plan for an entrepreneurial endeavor (to fundraise for trip spending allowance)
• Meet with US based businesses, NGO representatives, and community leaders focused on the target country to gain insight into the current socio-economic conditions
• Explore the music, arts, culinary, and arts and culture of the foreign country
• Participate in a cross-cultural buddy exchange with a school/group in the foreign country
• Discuss the social, political and current events of the focus country.  The ten-month development program culminates with a one-week trip to the foreign country.  
• Create saving, investment and spending plans as they account for their trip budget
• Practice the art of persuasion, presentation, and promotion as they fundraise for the trip
• Learn the importance of philanthropy, volunteerism and social change programs

The International Trip - During the culminating trip, the teens (along with the invited sponsors/mentors) travel to the focus country for one week. While there, they:

• In-person cultural exchange with their foreign buddies who accompany them on tours
• Visit museums, galleries, cultural and historical sites  
• Visit educational institutions
• Volunteer with a local charity or development program
• Participate in music and dance events
• Take adventure tours that test their own limits of physical, mental and emotional strength
• Upon returning to the US, the teens share their experiences with the local community via a group showcase of artistic expression. The content is also shared via social and media outlets

The Benefits – The ten-month experience creates a foundation on which the teens develop their leadership skills and explore their educational, career and philanthropic goals in this increasingly connected global community. The memories of the experiences carry with the teens and mentors long after they return home. Travel opens them up to the possibilities of ‘What if?’, and sets off a ripple that will continue long after they return home. The experience makes them want to travel more, it flames their desire to do well in school and continue on to college, it makes them want to participate in other foreign exchange and voluntourism programs, it encourages them to volunteer in their own communities, it promotes the each one teach one philosophy, and most importantly it empowers them to ‘bootstrap’ themselves up off of the margins of society and empower others to do the same. 

The Funding - As a 501c3 non-for-profit organization, Nomadic Explorers relies on the support of individuals who believe in the transformative power of world travel.  Charitable donations, corporate contributions and the philanthropy of individuals allow us to carry out the vision and fund the participant's journey to change the(ir) world.

For additional information, contact us at info@nomadicexplorers.org or 1.646.598.TEEN