2025 Year in Review
What a year! Our work really spanned the globe this year— we witnessed the migration of butterflies in Mexico, explored brain health in the “Blue Zone” of Sardinia, walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and explored the culinary heritage of Ghana! For each experience, we sought to transform travelers’ lives through well-crafted experiences and meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. Other notable experiences this year included:
- The chance to work with Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Chef Nok Suntaranon on a Bon Appetit culinary trip to Thailand. Nok was also featured on TIME’s 2025 Top 100 List and Forbes’ 50/50 and is a James Beard Award recipient.
- A collaboration with Duolingo’s Social Impact Team on a new “DuoTrip” in Beijing. DuoTrips are week-long international trips for small groups of employees to foster understanding of the company’s global learners and their connection to Duolingo’s mission.
New Relationships
This year, we were delighted to welcome three new partners—Doughboy Foundation, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, and The Mediterranean Dish—to our community. Together, we are creating new trips that honor each partner’s unique mission, whether it’s preserving history, celebrating art and culture, or inspiring culinary exploration, and look forward to ongoing collaboration in the new year.
In Study Abroad...
- In October, CET was honored to win the International Education Employer of the Year Award at the DA Global Annual Conference in Minneapolis. The award recognized CET’s efforts to empower and support its growing staff worldwide.
- CET launched its newest program in Barcelona in the fall semester. In a city crowded with large programs, we’re proud of our experienced staff, passionate faculty, beautiful facilities, and thoughtful approach to student management. Our spring 2026 term enrolled 130 students, and we plan to cap the program at 200 beginning next year.
- For the first time since the pandemic, CET hosted an Overseas Professional Development Seminar (OPDS) in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The program brought together colleagues from our offices in Colombia, Brazil, the US, and Puerto Rico to discuss successes, challenges, and the future of our Latin American programs. We treasure these opportunities to work face-to-face with our talented colleagues abroad.
On the Sustainability Front
Our decarbonization fund rose to $83,000 this year and will support three projects managed by Cool Effect, a company that supports carbon emissions reductions. The projects are: The Giving Trees in Uganda; Sea of Change in Myanmar, and The Dirt on Dirt in the US. In other areas of the company, we also reduced carbon emissions by hiring 31 local Tour Directors; replacing our domain controller server with a cloud-based solution; diverting 20 laptops from the landfill through refurbishment and reuse; and continuing our office-based composting and recycling programs.
Building More Inclusive and Accessible Programs
This year, ATA deepened its focus on accessibility, inclusive program design, and staff education, strengthening how we support students and travelers across our global portfolio. Our teams improved digital accessibility, expanded inclusive advising and training, and integrated diverse perspectives into program content and experiences. This work shaped how ATA plans, delivers, and supports programs for students and travelers across our global portfolio. It also reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful global engagement and meaningful learning experiences.
As we conclude our 75th year in business, we remain proud of the legacy we’ve inherited and continue to shape for future generations. It’s a true joy to work alongside colleagues who share our heartfelt belief that travel brings extraordinary richness to our lives. Sending you our warmest wishes for a bright year ahead—may it be filled with new adventures, cherished moments, and lasting peace.
