Taking off June 27 - July 13, 2025 âď¸
WHAT IS STUDENT TRANSFORMATION ABROAD?
It's not just any travel abroad program. It's a meticulously curated Europe trip specifically designed to empower young individuals from diverse backgrounds to broaden their horizons, embrace cultural diversity, and unlock their full potential.
Student Transformation Abroad is a life-changing, four-month program designed for underserved high school students that culminates in a 17-day trip across Europe. This unique experience goes beyond traditional travel by combining it with transformational education, equipping students with essential life skills and broadening their horizons in ways that transcend geographical boundaries.
The program began as a deeply personal mission for Justin Michael Williams, whose own life was transformed by a high school travel experience to Europe. Coming from a background filled with challenges, this trip offered Justin a chance to see the world differently and unlocked a path to leadership, academic success, and personal growth. The impact of that journey inspired him to create Student Transformation Abroad, with the goal of providing similar opportunities for other young people who may not otherwise have the chance to travel or experience cultures beyond their own.
What sets this program apart is its focus on transformation, not just travel. Students participate in a three-month online masterclass prior to the trip and an additional month of programming afterward, learning leadership skills, emotional health, mindfulness, and how to envision a future beyond their immediate circumstances. This is paired with the immersive, real-world experience of traveling to Florence, Rome, and Barcelona, where students engage with local communities and participate in cross-cultural exchanges. The goal is to build a community of future leaders who understand that, while the world is vast, our shared humanity connects us all.
By combining structured education with international travel, Student Transformation Abroad offers a powerful opportunity for personal growth and discovery, preparing students to return home with new perspectives, greater confidence, and a clearer vision for their future.
What:
A meticulously curated 4-month transformational program culminating in a 17-day European expedition
For Whom:
15-30 hand-selected underserved high school sophomores and juniors (ages 13-17)
Hosted By:
The Dream Bigger Foundation in partnership with Academic Travel Abroad, the worldâs leading student travel company
THE STUDENT TRANSFORMATION ABROAD DIFFERENCE
What Makes Us Different
Why You Should Join Us
Our Meticulously Curated Schedule
What Expenses Do We Cover?
What Expenses DON'T We Cover?
WHERE WE'RE GOING
The full 17-day itinerary for our Europe transformational adventure.
Florence
June 27th - July 3rd
- Day 1: Depart US and arrive in Florence! âď¸
- Day 2: Private pick-up from Airport to hotel. Kick-off with a Welcome Dinner at local restaurant.
- Day 3: Florence Walking Tour
- Day 4: Half-day excursion to Pisa via private coach + Meet & Greet with local students
- Day 5: Full-day excursion to Siena via private coach
- Day 6: Two tour options: Palazzo Pitti OR Uffizi Galleries
- Day 7: Depart Florence and arrive in Rome! đ
Rome
July 3rd - 8th
- Day 7:Â Private pick-up from Rome train station to hotel. Rome Walking Tour + dinner at local restaurant.
- Day 8:Â Roman Antiquities Walking Tour + Meet & Greet with local students
- Day 9: Guided tour of the Vatican via public bus
- Day 10: Full-day excursion to Naples and Pompeii via train
- Day 11: Small group excursion led by Tour Staff to park, free museum, OR street fair
- Day 12: Depart Rome and arrive in Barcelona! âď¸
Barcelona
July 8th - 13th
- Day 12:Â Private pick-up from airport to hotel. Intro to Barcelona Tour + dinner at local restaurant.
- Day 13: Barcelona Walking Tour + Small Group Excusion led by Tour Staff to park, free museum, or street fair
- Day 14: Meet & Greet with Local Students
- Day 15: Tours to La Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell via public transportation
- Day 16: Beach day at Sitges via train
- Day 17: Depart Barcelona for the US! âď¸
MEET YOUR TEAM
DBF FOUNDER:Â JUSTIN MICHAEL WILLIAMS
Called an "Inspirational Powerhouse" by Grammy.com, Justin Michael Williams is a Grammy-nominated recording artist, best-selling author, and award-winning motivational speaker who is on a mission to empower everyone â regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or circumstance â to unlock their greatest potential.Â
He has captivated audiences at some of the world's most prestigious organizations, such as Forbes, Google, Apple, Bloomberg, Essence, Billboard, SXSWÂŽ, and more, and empowers people of all backgrounds with his multigenerational message of hope, unity, and mindfulness.
From growing up with gunshot holes outside of his bedroom window to sharing the stage with Marianne Williamson and Deepak Chopra, Justin has dedicated his life to helping people transform their pain into power. With 15 years of teaching experience, and two best-selling books, Justin's global reach spans more than 40 countries.
His transformational masterclasses are accessible for free to those in underserved communities through his nonprofit, The Dream Bigger Foundation, and he is on a mission to make sure everyone of every background has access to the tools they need to change their lives.
To learn more, visit www.justinmichaelwilliams.com
ATA PRESIDENT:Â KATE SIMPSON
Kate, daughter of an American diplomat, spent most of her youth in France, where she was born. Kate has lived and studied in Australia, Algeria, Ireland and Taiwan. Kate graduated from Yale with a degree in East Asian Studies and pursued a post-graduate fellowship in Chinese Literature at Taiwan National University before settling in Washington, D.C.
After stints in public relations and working on the Hill for Senator Harry Reid, Kate began her career at Academic Travel Abroad, Inc (ATA) in 1988 as their China Program Manager and is now a proud owner of the business with two partners. Her companyâs vision is to âenhance global understanding through travel and education.â
In 2008, Kate completed a three-year executive education program for owners and presidents at Harvard Business School. In 2010, Kate and her partners founded a non-profit, the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA), to support Black and other students of color, as well as first-generation students, in their quest to study abroad. Kate now serves as FEAâs Finance Director, Co-chair of the Campaign Steering Committee, and a Trustee Emerita. Kate has also served on the Board and on leadership committees for the NTA (National Tourism Association) and was awarded NTAâs Woman of Vision title in the fall of 2019. Kate currently serves on the Yale Presidentâs Council on International Activities.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR: STEPHANIE WORRALL
Stephanie brings over 20 years of experience as an educator and wellness advocate to her role as Program Coordinator for Student Transformation Abroad. With a deep commitment to nurturing personal growth, Stevie guides students on their journey of self-discovery through immersive travel experiences combined with holistic wellness practices.
...Read MoreEXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO FOUNDER:Â KATE MCCULLOUGH
As Justin's Executive Assistant at The Dream Bigger Foundation, Kate is focused on empowering the Foundation through streamlined operations and transformational growth. With over a decade of experience in business operations, project management, and client relations, she brings a unique blend of organization and heart to everything she touches.
...Read MoreATA PROGRAM MANAGER: MARY SPADONI
Originally from Chicago, Maryâs passion for travel was ignited when she performed in Scotlandâs Edinburgh Fringe Fest with her high school drama club. She then spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, where she discovered the delicious art of gelato flavor pairing. Mary holds a BA in Theater from St. Norbert College and an MS in Travel & Tourism from Temple University.
...Read MoreATAÂ TOUR MANAGER:Â MARIO VILLANIS
Mario is Italian and has a wealth of touring and traveller experience, having worked as a tour manager throughout Europe for the past 12 years and in hotel management and hospitality before that.
...Read MoreAbout Academic Travel Abroad
Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. is an educational travel provider for some of this countryâs most prestigious organizations. Riding the post-war wave of interest in travel to Europe, ATA launched operations in 1950 by assisting universities and cultural institutions in the creation of group travel programs for their members. Today, ATA is a leader in cultural and educational group travel and serves partners such as The New York Times, Smithsonian Institution, American Institute of Architects, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
As a business-to-business enterprise, ATA is frequently the âbrand behind the brand.â However, the company does have two public-facing brands: CET Academic Programs operates study abroad programs for high school, gap year, and college students, and Professionals Abroad organizes delegations that connect professionals through international exchange. Tying together all brands and services are ATAâs focus on innovative program design, collaborative approach to partnership, steadfast insistence on quality, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Every ATA program is designed to change perspectives, deepen understanding, and engage communities.
To learn more, visit www.academic-travel.com
READY TO TAKE OFF WITH US?
Submit your student on our interest list and get notified when the application opens on November 1st!
FAQ
Have questions? You're in the right place!
What is the duration of the program, and where will students travel?
Who is eligible to apply, and are there academic requirements?
Is prior travel experience or health clearance required?
What is the cost of the program, and what does it include?
How do I apply, and what documents are required?
What safety measures are in place, and what happens in case of an emergency?
Will students have travel insurance, and what should they pack?
Where will students stay, and are meals included?
What will a typical day look like, and will students have free time?
How will parents stay informed, and can they contact their children during the trip?
Is there a pre-departure orientation for students and parents?
NOT SIGNING UP, BUT WANT TO HELP SUPPORT?
Your Donation Makes a Difference!
We request your support in the form of a generous donation to complete our fundraising efforts for the Student Transformation Abroad experience.
With your support, we can break down all barriers to entry by providing full scholarships for students in need. All donations, large and small, help us fulfill this mission.
Your donation is fully tax deductible.
Your generosity means the world.Â
For any questions, please email us at [email protected]