A Decade In, and Just Getting Started: What’s Next for EdOdyssey

We’ve spent the last year marking EdOdyssey’s 10th anniversary by reflecting on memories, experiences, decisions, challenges, lessons, and relationships that shaped our first decade. 

Now, with our 11th anniversary just around the corner in August, we’re excitedly looking ahead to our second decade—already shaping up around a vision that’s bigger and bolder than before, but still grounded in the values that have guided us since day one.

NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME HEART

Steering us into our next decade—alongside CEO and Founder Peter McGovern—is our first ever Chief Operating Officer, Ben Polansky, whose leadership we welcomed on board this spring. 

“EdOdyssey has built something special: high-integrity programs, strong university relationships, and a passionate team,” Ben shared in a recent blog Q&A. “I’m excited to help sharpen the strategy, streamline the systems, and scale the vision in a way that stays grounded in our values.”

With a strong background in global education—particularly with mission-driven organizations like EdOdyssey—and a balance of big-picture vision and operational discipline, Ben is already making an impact and bringing fresh energy and insight to our team.

Here’s a look at what he is currently focusing on:

• Improving our outreach and enrollment process so students and partners have a clear, consistent, and supportive experience from the first conversation

• Sharpening our financial strategy to make sure we can continue offering high-quality, transformative travel programs in a sustainable way

• Streamlining program operations to ensure every trip runs smoothly and reflects our values on the ground

• Doubling down on risk management so families and university partners can feel confident we’re prepared, responsive, and always student-centered

• Investing in our team culture so staff feel connected, supported, and proud of the work we’re doing together

Importantly, Ben’s personal and professional values align with what lies at the heart of EdOdyssey: relationships and community. 

“I care deeply about people — our team, our partners, and the students we serve,” Ben said. “I want the systems I build to reflect that. I believe in keeping things human. We’re in the business of transformation through connection — and that requires humility, empathy, and a little humor along the way.”

INVESTING IN HIGH-IMPACT FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCES

One of the areas where EdOdyssey will focus on increasing its presence and efforts is in First Year Experiences (FYEs), both domestically and abroad. 

It has become abundantly clear in recent years that these programs are of tremendous value to both students and universities.

Universities that invest in FYE programs often see stronger student engagement, an increase in alumni loyalty, and long-term benefits like improved reputation and the ability to attract prospective students looking for more meaningful educational experiences. 

For students—at a crucial and transitional stage of their academic career—FYE programs spark a sense of curiosity, create opportunities for interaction with diverse communities and their cultures and customs, inspire new ways of thinking, broaden global perspectives, improve cultural competence, reveal the power of place, and build community and strengthen friendships which leads to a greater sense of belonging and less isolation and loneliness. FYEs also equip students with essential life skills like critical thinking, independence, problem solving, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, resilience, and so much more. 

The EdOdyssey approach to FYEs is led by intentionality, community engagement, peer connection, and a strong alignment with institutional goals and learning objectives as well as the specific needs of today’s students. 

As we increase our focus in this area, we’re thrilled to be taking the next step in our multi-year partnership with Northeastern University as we co-launch a brand-new first-year experiential travel program at their newest campus in New York City. We can’t wait to share more with you soon.

GROWTH OF CUSTOM PROGRAMS—ESPECIALLY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Custom programs have always been part of EdOdyssey’s story, but now, more than ever, we’re designing these programs for high school students and their faculty leaders. Just like FYEs, tailored, custom, faculty-led, educational travel experiences offer incredible value to both students and institutions.

“We know that institutions are increasingly looking for deeper student impact and value alignment in their partnerships, not just logistics. That’s EdOdyssey’s sweet spot,” Ben said. “Faculty and administrators are facing mounting logistical pressure. Our full-service, high-touch model is built to relieve that burden so they can focus on the learning. And students are looking for experiences that feel meaningful, not manufactured. EdOdyssey’s programs feel rooted—in people, place, and purpose.”

As always, we will continue to prioritize authenticity by building strong relationships with communities in EdOdyssey destinations. We will continue to design programs in partnership with you, where your goals and vision come together with our connections and expertise to create transformative and unforgettable experiences for your students.

Our approach to custom programs hasn’t changed. But the scale and scope of what we can offer have naturally evolved over the past decade. As we zero in on operational excellence and deeper client support, we invite our partners to dream even bigger than before.

OUR VALUES HAVE NOT CHANGED

As we grow, we re-commit to our core values: authenticity, kindness, passion for travel, and lifelong learning. We believe in small group experiences, direct relationships with host communities, the power of place, intentionally designed itineraries that shape immersive and authentic experiences, the magic of the spaces in between, and the importance of reflection. 

“We lead with heart, depth, and community,” Peter said. “We keep our student groups small and intentionally build experiences that challenge you to think deeply, engage respectfully, and grow meaningfully. Something that I'm really proud of as well is that our core values aren't just written down, but lived. They’re shared and discussed as a team, they guide strategic decisions, and I believe are really embodied by the team and demonstrated in the work we do every day.”

TRAVEL WITH US INTO OUR NEXT DECADE

We would be nothing without our partners. Your collaboration, feedback, trust, and shared commitment to meaningful educational travel have long fueled our journey and continue to do so. 

As we move into decade two, we’re growing. But we’re also adding depth: to our relationships, to our impact, to our programs, and to our ability to support our partners and students.

We invite you to continue this journey with us and to imagine the powerful experiences we can build together for your students in the decade ahead. 

Reach out; let’s start a conversation.