Xperitas

What Xperitas does

Xperitas is a Minneapolis-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1972 by world language teachers Jim Phelan, Bob Green, and Edie Green. It operates educational immersion travel programs for middle and high school students (ages 12–18), organized primarily through their world language teachers, across 12 destinations in Western Europe (France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Italy) and Latin America (Costa Rica, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru). Program fees range from $2,399 to $3,799 per student plus international airfare, with revenue supplemented by donations and fundraising.

The company's core offering is the trademarked Family Stay Experience®, a homestay model where students live with carefully vetted volunteer host families, coordinated by local Family Stay Coordinators available 24/7. Programs are organized across multiple categories: Language Immersion with Family Stay, Non-Family Stay Language Programs, Global Discovery, Service Learning, STEM & Sustainability, History & Social Studies, Custom Programs, and Open Enrollment for individuals. There is no proprietary technology platform; operations run on a WeTravel booking platform with a website developed by TourismTiger. Teacher support includes dedicated program managers, on-demand training, and graduate-level professional development credits through University of the Pacific.

The go-to-market is a relationship-driven, educator-led enterprise field sales motion: teachers recruit students within their schools to form group travel programs, supported by direct website engagement, educator conferences, and partnerships with professional associations (AATG, GAPP). Distribution is augmented by referral rewards, classroom grants, a coffee fundraising partnership with Custom Roasting Inc., and the Bob & Edie Green Writing Scholarship. Over $1 million has been allocated to financial aid, scholarships, and classroom grants in the past decade. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Leslie Gale, with a small core staff of fewer than 10 employees supplemented by senior program managers in the U.S. and in-country.

Name

Xperitas

Legal name

Xperitas

Website

https://xperitas.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Xperitas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1972 that organizes language and cultural immersion travel programs for middle and high school students across 12 destinations in Europe and Latin America, anchored by its trademarked Family Stay Experience® homestay model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Educational Travel & Language Immersion Services

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Language Immersion & Cultural Exchange Programs (THAKAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

School Group & Curriculum-Led Trips (THAKAGAB), Student & Youth Educational Tours (THAKAGAA)

Keywords

• Language immersion travel
• Student cultural programs
• Educational travel services
• Homestay language programs
• Student group travel

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Student Program Fees: Xperitas generates revenue through program fees charged to student participants. Program fees cover airfare, in-country transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, entrance fees, insurance, tipping allowances, and 24/7 emergency support. Pricing varies by destination and program duration, typically ranging from $2,399 to $3,799 per student, plus international airfare costs.
2. Donations: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Xperitas accepts donations to expand access for students whose families could not otherwise afford to participate. Donations support financial aid programs and the high-quality in-country experiences.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Xperitas organizes and delivers language immersion and cultural travel programs for student groups led by middle and high school world language teachers. Programs range from 8 to 15 days across 12 destinations in Europe and Latin America, with pricing between $2,399 and $3,799 per student plus international airfare. The signature Family Stay Experience® places students with carefully selected volunteer host families for authentic real-world language practice, supported by dedicated program managers, on-the-ground local guides, 24/7 emergency support, and included travel insurance.

Product overview

Xperitas is a nonprofit educational organization offering immersive student travel and cultural immersion programs. Founded in 1972, the company provides guided educational travel experiences organized by destination (France, Germany, Costa Rica, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium) and focus area (Language with Family Stay Experience, Non-Family Stay Language Programs, Global Discovery, Service Learning, STEM & Sustainability, History & Social Studies, Custom Programs, and Open Enrollment for Individuals). Core offerings include named programs such as Bonjour Paris, Paris Provence Parfait, La Provence c'est Magnifique, Guten Tag Munchen, Abenteuer in den Alpen, The Heart of History, Me Encanta Costa Rica, Aventuras Ticas, Hola Arenal, Argentina en mi Corazon, Ecuador en Accion, Hola Madrid, Aventura Andaluza, Flipando por Madrid y Barcelona, Cultures in Motion Spain & Morocco, and Roma Caput Mundi. The signature Family Stay Experience enables students to live with carefully selected volunteer host families. Additional services include financial aid programs, teacher benefits and rewards, professional development support, and travel insurance. Partnerships include AATG (American Association of Teachers of German) and GAPP (German American Partnership Program).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Family Stay Experience: A signature Xperitas offering where students live with carefully selected volunteer host families, experiencing daily life and practicing language skills in authentic, real-world settings.

Products and services

• Bonjour Paris 10-day French immersion program in Paris combining guided exploration of Parisian landmarks with an extended Family Stay Experience® with local host families. Minimum 10 students, priced at $2,799 per student plus international flights. Includes round-trip airfare, accommodations, Family Stay Experience, meals, museum entrances, and 24/7 support.
• Paris, Provence, Parfait! 8-day French language and cultural program traveling from Paris to the South of France (Nice, Monaco, Provence) via high-speed TGV rail. Minimum 24 students, priced at $2,999 per student plus international flights. Includes high-speed rail, accommodations, selected activities, and meals.
• La Provence, c'est Magnifique 15-day French language and cultural immersion program spanning Paris, Provence, and the Riviera with extended Family Stay Experience. Priced at $3,669 per student plus international flights.
• Guten Tag, München! 10-day German language and cultural immersion program centered on Munich and the Bavarian Alps, including extended Family Stay Experience with local host families. Minimum 10 students, priced at $2,799 per student plus international flights. Includes guided bike tour, castle tours, and activities.
• Abenteuer in den Alpen! 9-day German and Austrian language and cultural immersion program spanning medieval towns, Munich, the Bavarian Alps, Zugspitze mountain, and Salzburg. Group size of 18 students, priced at $3,609 per student plus international flights. Includes Zugspitze cogwheel train, Salzburg baking class, and Alpine activities.
• The Heart of History 11-day guided history and cultural travel program across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic covering sites from the Middle Ages through World War II and the Cold War. Minimum 18 students, priced at $3,799 per student plus international flights. Includes Dachau Memorial, Prague, Dresden, and Berlin sites.
• Me Encanta Costa Rica 9-day non-Family Stay Costa Rica travel program with certified naturalist guide covering rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, and Pacific beaches with focus on sustainability and conservation. Includes Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and Arenal Volcano activities.
• Aventuras Ticas 10-day Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica combining outdoor adventure with Family Stay Experience® with local host families. Priced at $3,369 per student plus international flights. Includes whitewater rafting, zipline, Manuel Antonio, and community activities.
• ¡Hola Arenal! 9-day Spanish immersion program in Costa Rica combining Spanish classes, reforestation, and Arenal region activities with Family Stay Experience. Priced at $2,569 per student plus international flights.
• Argentina en mi Corazón 12-day Spanish language and cultural immersion program in Argentina combining guided sightseeing in Buenos Aires with extended Family Stay Experience in Córdoba. Minimum 10 students, priced at $3,739 per student plus international flights. Includes tango show, ranch visit, and Spanish classes.
• Ecuador en Acción 10-day cultural discovery and service learning program in Ecuador featuring volunteer work at the Center for Working Families, Quito exploration, Otavalo artisan markets, and cloud forest activities. Priced at $2,949 per student plus international flights.
• Hola Madrid Spanish immersion program focused on Madrid, exploring cultural highlights including El Palacio Real, Museo del Prado, and historic neighborhoods.
• Aventura Andaluza Spanish immersion program exploring the Andalusia region, including Seville, Granada's Alhambra, and regional cultural traditions.
• Flipando por Madrid y Barcelona Spanish immersion program covering both Madrid and Barcelona, exploring Gothic Quarter, Gaudí architecture including Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
• Cultures in Motion: Spain & Morocco Cultural immersion program spanning Spain and Morocco, exploring cross-cultural connections across both destinations.
• Roma Caput Mundi Italian immersion program exploring Rome, ancient Roman ruins, and archaeological sites with optional Latin curriculum partnership through Hands Up Education and the Suburani Latin textbook series.
• Open Enrollment Summer Immersion Programs Individual enrollment programs in Costa Rica, Germany, and France for students aged 15-18 whose schools don't offer trips. Led by experienced teachers and staff with meaningful learning and cultural experiences, providing flexible scheduling independent of school calendars.
• AATG Summer Immersion Program for High School Seniors Exclusive summer program partnership with the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) designed specifically for high school seniors aged 17-19. Combines immersive German language learning with cultural exploration in a group setting with a dedicated U.S.-based AATG chaperone. Students must apply through AATG before registering with Xperitas.
• Custom Programs Tailored student travel itineraries designed entirely around an educator's vision with flexible customization ranging from air-only arrangements to fully designed immersive experiences. Optional payout structure available for group leaders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $1 million in financial aid and scholarships provided over the past decade
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and supporting.

• German American Partnership Program (GAPP)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1972GAPP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that facilitates bilateral transatlantic exchanges between schools in the U.S. and Germany. Xperitas supports GAPP group exchange programs and assists teachers with planning. GAPP provides nationwide grants for short-term group exchanges and individual student scholarships.
• American Association of Teachers of German (AATG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerXperitas is a proud partner of AATG, offering a unique summer program designed specifically for high school seniors aged 17-19. This custom Germany program combines immersive language learning with cultural exploration. Students must apply through AATG before registering with Xperitas. AATG provides a dedicated U.S.-based chaperone, and students join a larger group for a fully supported experience.
• Custom Roasting Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerXperitas partners with Custom Roasting Inc., a Midwest-based family-owned coffee roastery, for a coffee fundraiser program. Students can earn money toward their immersion program with no limit to how much they can raise through coffee sales.
• University of the PacificsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerXperitas partners with University of the Pacific to offer graduate-level professional development credits for teachers who lead immersion programs. Credits may be used for license renewal and/or salary advancement (district dependent).
• Core Travel InsurancesupportingTechnology or IntegrationCore Travel Insurance provides travel insurance coverage for Xperitas program participants, covering medical risks including medical expenses and emergency medical evacuation due to natural disaster or political instability while traveling abroad.
• Zurich Travel AssistsupportingTechnology or IntegrationZurich Travel Assist coordinates emergency medical evacuations in conjunction with Xperitas' insurer. The emergency phone number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• WeTravelsupportingTechnology or IntegrationWeTravel provides the booking platform for Xperitas open enrollment programs and individual student registrations. Teachers can access My Portal 2026 and My Portal 2027 through WeTravel links.
• TourismTigersupportingTechnology or IntegrationTourismTiger is the website developer for xperitas.org, providing the platform and design for the organization's online presence.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• EF Educational Tours: EF's school-group travel division runs teacher-led student trips to dozens of countries with strong digital booking, established brand, and parent-friendly financing. It is the largest incumbent in the educational student travel category and competes most directly for the same teacher-organized cohorts Xperitas serves, though its catalog and tech infrastructure dwarf Xperitas'.
• WorldStrides: WorldStrides is a large K-12 student travel platform spanning educational, sports, and performance tours globally. It targets the same teacher and school buyer as Xperitas across many destinations, but operates at much greater scale and offers performance, sports, and STEM travel alongside language immersion.
• CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): CIEE is a large nonprofit in international educational exchange, with high school study abroad and teacher-group programs that overlap Xperitas' school-group travel niche. Its broader portfolio (university study abroad, work exchanges) makes it a broader incumbent while still serving the same educator buyer at the K-12 level.

Direct peers

• ACIS (American Council for International Studies): ACIS has long offered teacher-led student group travel with an educational-tour-operator model very similar to Xperitas, including short-term European and Latin American itineraries and group-mobility-driven pricing. It is one of the closest direct comparables in size and business model within school-organized educational travel.
• Rustic Pathways: Rustic Pathways runs student travel with a strong service-learning and community-engagement orientation across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. It overlaps with Xperitas' Service Learning category and shares the teacher- and parent-driven school group customer, though it leans more toward community impact than language acquisition.
• Where There Be Dragons: Dragons runs small-group, experiential student travel programs emphasizing homestays, language, and cross-cultural engagement in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It mirrors Xperitas' experiential, homestay-centric philosophy at smaller scale and competes for similar teachers seeking immersive, less-touristy itineraries.
• Global Works Foundation: Global Works operates student group travel combining service learning, language immersion, and cultural exchange, with homestay-based programs in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Its model, pricing structure, and teacher-mediated go-to-market closely parallel Xperitas' program categories.
• AFS Intercultural Programs: AFS is a long-running nonprofit intercultural student exchange organization offering hosted homestay programs for high schoolers globally. Its mission and homestay-driven model closely mirror Xperitas' Family Stay Experience, and Jill Woerner, AFS's Senior Director of Education and Outreach, sits on Xperitas' board, signaling strong category adjacency.
• Putney Student Travel: Putney has run small-group student travel programs with a strong pre-college experiential and language-immersion focus for decades. It serves the same family- and educator-driven high school segment as Xperitas and competes for the same immersive, non-touristy travel experience.

Emerging players

• Concordia Language Villages: Concordia Language Villages is a nonprofit language-immersion summer camp program focused on Spanish, French, German and other languages with a village-stay format. While U.S.-based rather than travel-based, it competes for the same pool of language-enthusiastic students and teachers as a domestic alternative to international immersion.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/XperitasOrg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=QpZsjzDRMus
• Facebookfacebook.com/xperitas
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/xperitas
• Instagraminstagram.com/xperitasorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Xperitas