World Class Programs
Why choose World Class Programs?
World Class Programs, established in 2016 by University of Minnesota alumni, offers a large array of study abroad summer programs for high school students. World Class Programs is the result of a cooperative effort by top-performing educators and young professionals from internationally recognized institutions and schools. Our team consists of staff members and curriculum developers from leadin...
World Class Programs, established in 2016 by University of Minnesota alumni, offers a large array of study abroad summer programs for high school students. World Class Programs is the result of a cooperative effort by top-performing educators and young professionals from internationally recognized institutions and schools. Our team consists of staff members and curriculum developers from leading universities like the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, Gustavus Adolphus College, Toyo University and the University of Florence. World Class Programs provide quality learning that fosters cross-cultural understanding, academic enrichment, and personal development. We maintain an unparalleled reputation in the field of pre-college study abroad programs because of our credent...
World Class Programs Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
My experience on the trip
August 27, 2025by: Isabel Miles - American SamoaProgram: Japanese Immersion Summer ProgramI had a amazing time in Japan! I learned a lot about the history of the country, saw many amazing sites, made awesome memories, and tried new things. I made some really good friends on this trip and always felt safe so I would recommend it for teenagers who are looking for life experience. The housing situation is great in Osaka and Tokyo and most of the time we were well fed. Meals could run late at times, but they always made sure to feed us. I recommend the history major because in that one you will take the most advantage of the country your in, sometimes even getting to see more sites than the other majors. But all in all I had an amazing time and am super glad I did it!

Sunset in Osaka, Sunrise in Kyoto, Departure in Tokyo!
August 19, 2025by: Eduardo Abascal - United StatesProgram: Japanese Immersion Summer ProgramIn short, this program offers an adventure of a life time in the 3 biggest cities of Japan. From climbing a mountain in Tokyo, to visiting the Osaka Castle, everyday is filled with fun, learning, and support from the amazing staff on this trip. The staff here are what make the trip so enjoyable, in fact one of the staff, Derick, bought me and my friends Uno at a convenient store in Kyoto and we had loads of fun playing it along the trip. We also got to go to a traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto where we wore traditional ceremonial clothing and got to whisk our own matcha
Amazon Japan Trip
August 18, 2025by: Olivia Steese - United StatesProgram: Japanese Immersion Summer ProgramThis study abroad was genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The staff really takes time to connect with the students as well as teaching them in fun and effective ways. The program was so well planned and I really feel like I made the most of my three weeks in Japan. There was such a great balance of education and fun activities. The other students on the trip were incredible, and I made friendships I’ll never forget. I loved this study abroad so much and will cherish the time I spent in Japan with World Class Programs.
World Class Programs Programs
Browse programs you might like
World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens fro...
Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Land of the Rising Sun through hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka and day trips...
There is no better place to have an amazing adventure abroad and experience the world outside your home than the birthplace of Western Culture it...
Join World Class Programs on safe, educational, and worldly experiences in France! Our summer study abroad program is for high school teens from ...
World Class Programs is a study abroad organization that gives high school participants safe educational and worldly experiences. Our summer stud...
Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Reilly Klug
Participated in 2021
Reilly Klug is currently a senior in high school. In school, she is involved as the president of the National Honor Society, speech captain, Youth in ...

Reilly Klug
Participated in 2021
Derek Tano, co-owner of World Class Programs, was a past teacher of mine and the previous head coach of the speech team at my school. He is an exceptional teacher and coach, and introduced me to the experience!

Jaclyn Tano
Interviewed in 2022
Jaclyn has been traveling her entire life! She has been with World Class Programs since the first program, and originally joined the World Class team ...

Jaclyn Tano
Interviewed in 2022
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always been interested in kinesthetic and visual learning during my time teaching in a traditional classroom. However, since I started working for World Class Programs, it took my interest in hands-on learning to the next level!

Steven Gottsacker
Interviewed in 2023
In 2018, Steven served as the Program Director for the Pilot trip to Osaka, Japan. He was selected for the Osaka Program Director position because of ...

Steven Gottsacker
Interviewed in 2023
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always loved Japan, its culture, and language. World Class Programs is unique in that it offers a study abroad program for high school students.
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions World Class Programs has received


