To wrap up 2024, the WYSE Travel Confederation Study Abroad Sector Panellists have shared what their organisations are eager to explore in 2025, as well as new opportunities on the horizon and key priority areas for the coming months.
Jacqui Fox
“I am happy to report as a positive highlight that the British Home Office have recently confirmed that European children traveling as part of a French school group will be exempt from the UK’s ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) requirement until a broader solution is implemented. Further details can be found here.
Another positive highlight is that the Twin Group’s youth division has also broadened its summer residential offerings for 2025. This will hopefully maximise the increased demand that it has for these programmes.
As a core priority for 2025, we want to remain focused on addressing the challenges associated with limited homestay and residential accommodation for year-round youth groups.”
Jacqui Fox
Co-founder
Twin Group
Terri Hamilton
Manager of International Travel & Student Services
Brigham Young University
Terri Hamilton
“BYU is gearing up for an exciting 2025, with a focus on interdisciplinary and immersive global experiences. We’re particularly thrilled about the integration of service-learning into our programmes. By combining academics with hands-on community work, our students can make a real difference in the world.
We’re also expanding our offerings to include specialised programs in sustainability, global health, and cultural preservation. These programmes provide unique opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide transformative experiences that broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for a globalised world.
One of our top priorities for 2025 is to deepen our commitment to cultural immersion. We want our students to truly engage with the cultures they’re studying abroad in. By providing opportunities for students to live, learn, and work in different cultural contexts, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of global diversity and prepare them for a successful future.”
Kevin Morgan
“The landscape of international education has shifted significantly in the past decade. With challenges like visa restrictions and global events impacting student mobility, agents need innovative solutions to continue growing their business.
Going into 2025 at Academic Language Solutions, we’re committed to supporting agents by developing new products and services that cater to the evolving needs of these agents. We are looking to focus on creating English language programmes that build confidence and provide measurable results. By working directly with agents, we can tailor our offerings to help them meet the unique needs of their students.
As the global landscape shifts, we at Academic Language Solutions are committed to overcoming challenges like nationalism, xenophobia, and immigration restrictions. We’re dedicated to developing innovative language solutions that inspire and empower individuals to explore the world.
Our goal is to provide opportunities for young people and professionals (e.g. recent graduates, the youth traveler) to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding. By offering high-quality language programmes and assessments, we aim to break down language barriers and foster international connections.”
Read more about Academic Language Solutions -iTEP.
Kevin Morgan
Chairman of Academic Language Solutions
iTEP
Jason Nusser
Vice President of International Business Development & Operations
Greenheart
Jason Nusser
“Greenheart is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, and we will continue to be committed to fostering global understanding through a variety of programs, including high school exchanges, work travel, internships, and teacher training. We are also expanding our offerings with new teen language camp programmes in France, Spain, and Thailand to complement the existing array of outbound programmes.
Over the next year, we will also be prioritising technology integration and supporting first-time travellers through scholarships.
On a more serious note, Greenheart remains dedicated to advocating for BridgeUSA programmes. We’ll continue to educate members of Congress about the significant impact these programmes have on both participants and the United States. We’ll work closely with our community of hosts, sending partners, and participants to showcase the economic and diplomatic benefits of cultural exchange.
We believe that international education is essential for a strong and prosperous America. By collaborating with other organisations, we can ensure that cultural exchange remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy. We’re excited to work together to shape the future of international education.”
Read more about Greenheart International.