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Taking off June 27 - July 13, 2025 ✈️

HOSTED BY THE DREAM BIGGER FOUNDATION


We're turning travel into TRANSFORMATION.

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OUR MISSION: to develop emotionally and spiritually mature young people who can dream bigger and connect across any divide.

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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 world’s leading student travel company

THE STUDENT TRANSFORMATION ABROAD DIFFERENCE

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! ✈️
  • 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! 🚆

Rome

July 3rd - 8th

  • Day 7: Private pick-up from Rome train station to hotel. Rome Walking Tour + dinner at local restaurant.
  • Day 8: 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! ✈️

Barcelona

July 8th - 13th

  • Day 12: 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! ✈️

MEET YOUR TEAM

DBF FOUNDER: 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 — regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or circumstance — to unlock their greatest potential. 

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: 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 company’s vision is to “enhance global understanding through travel and education.”

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 FEA’s 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 NTA’s Woman of Vision title in the fall of 2019. Kate currently serves on the Yale President’s 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.

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO FOUNDER: 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.

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ATA PROGRAM MANAGER: MARY SPADONI

Originally from Chicago, Mary’s passion for travel was ignited when she performed in Scotland’s 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.

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ATA TOUR MANAGER: 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.

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About Academic Travel Abroad


Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. is an educational travel provider for some of this country’s 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 “brand behind the brand.” 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 ATA’s 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

Academic Travel Abroad

READY TO TAKE OFF WITH US?

Submit your student on our interest list and get notified when the application opens on November 1st!

FAQ

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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. 

For any questions, please email us at [email protected]

DONATE NOW & HELP TRANSFORM A STUDENT'S LIFE

JUSTIN'S WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED BY