Hostelling International
Southwest Texas programs

Imagine a world where intercultural dialogue and responsible travel are part of every individual's experience. Our programs strive to build a new generation of global citizens, unburdened by stereotypes, emboldened by open minds, appreciative of their own heritage and understanding of others, through dialogue and education.

Our programs include travel education, youth education and student travel clubs. programs take place in the Austin area and San Antonio, Texas.

For more information about Hostelling International-Southwest Texas programs, please contact Dawn Boudreaux, Program and Volunteer Coordinator at 512-444-2294 or via email.

Travel Education

We host free travel classes on a variety of topics throughout the year. The classes are open to all. To view upcoming classes please visit our calendar.

ADULT TRAVEL EDUCATION TOPICS:

Women Traveling Solo
Traveling alone as a woman can be a powerful, emboldening growth experience. However, safety is always a consideration and some prep work before you go will help you make the most out of your journey. We are hosting a free workshop to help. You will learn special tips on traveling alone, safely and enjoyably. Resources on budgeting, accommodations, safety, language and cultural customs will be covered.

World Travel 101
Safe, inexpensive world travel is possible. Let Hostelling International show you how at “World Travel 101”. First time or novice international travelers, no matter where you want to go, will learn how to prepare for a budget trip overseas. Topics include: planning an itinerary, transportation options, saving and carrying money, packing, accommodation, safety, and more. Depart from the familiar and begin your adventure with World Travel 101!

Budget Traveling in Latin America
Explore ancient cities of the Incas or Mayans, trek in the Andes, climb volcanoes in Guatemala, dive in Honduras, take Spanish classes in Nicaragua or relax on the beach in Costa Rica. Let us help you plan a budget trip in Latin America during this free workshop. Topics include: accommodation and transportation options, planning an itinerary, cultural customs, safety and more.

US National Parks & Hostel Hopping (NEW!)
Thinking about visiting some national parks this summer? Make your trip even more affordable and enjoyable by combining hostel hoping with national park camping around the US. Gain tips on exploring our country's natural beauty while meeting fellow travelers from around the world. This new travel education class by Hostelling International will cover several regional routes and give you details needed to start planning your trip.

Other topics may include:
Vegetarian World Travel

Europe on a Shoestring

Budget Family Travel

World Travel 101 Advanced

Country Specific Travel Classes on Costa Rica, Turkey, Thailand, New Zealand and more!

Thanks to REI for hosting clasess!

Have an idea for a travel class? Drop us a note via email to give us your suggestions/requests.
Interested in teaching a travel education class? Please fill out the form on our Volunteer page.

Cultural Kitchen Program

Our Cultural Kitchen program gives middle and high school students an opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures in a fun and innovative way. The program is a two part process that teaches participants about hostelling, identifying cultural norms, and respecting other cultures. Students study various aspects of a selected country, including the cuisine. They work as a team to prepare a meal and an interactive presentation at the hostel in Austin or at a local community center.

The Cultural Kitchen curriculum is standards-based and qualifies as a Service Learning experience for participants. Cultural learning exercises foster interest in cultural understanding, strengthen group communication skills, and teach students to explore the world and to appreciate the people in it. Students who complete the Cultural Kitchen program continue to demonstrate enthusiasm for learning about new cultures and approach the world and its people with more open minds.

If you are interested in having your youth group participate in the Cultural Kitchen program, please contact us via email. 

Community Walls

Community Walls empowers Austin-area youth to exchange experiences with the world. Staff guide students through an exploration of culture and community utilizing an engaging curriculum. Students learn cultural awareness and research skills as they prepare to share their daily experiences with others through creative expression.

Students then put what they have learned into practice when they come visit the HI-Austin Hostel for an art reception where they will mingle with world travelers, share their creative works and present their community to an international audience. Students have the option to experience the world beyond their own neighborhoods - the world of travel - by sleeping at the hostel before spending the morning reflecting on their learning

Hostelling International Student Travel Clubs

The travel clubs are fully registered at the University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University in San Marcos. The goal of these student clubs is to promote cultural awareness through experience. In addition to travelling as a club, we also host travel classes, cultural awareness seminars and participate in service projects.

If you are a University of Texas at Austin student and interested in joining our club, please visit our website.

If you are a Texas State University student in San Marcos and interested in joining our club, please visit us on Facebook.

Travel Scholarships 

We recently completed our 3rd Annual Travel Scholarship Contest. Congratulations to our two travel scholarship winners: George Livingston and Spencer Stoner!

George will be traveling to Costa Rica this summer to study the ecosystems of the tropical forest. Spencer will be traveling to Brazil in May to study the impact of media images of poverty and violence on the local community. Stay tuned for their travel blogs which will be posted on our home page. 

The 2012-2013 HI Austin Travel Scholarship will be released in September 2012 so please check back then if you are interested in applying. 

Our 2010-2011 travel scholarship recipients were Sara Mullaly and Zach Dyer. 

Sara Mullaly recently returned from Copan Ruinas, Honduras this summer where she worked with an organization called Project School Supplies. She is created a literacy program and an after school program for local youth. Follow her adventures on her blog. http://escueladeimaginacion.weebly.com/

Zach Dyer traveled to Bolivia this summer, where he worked with a poverty alleviation program called Juancito Pinto. He is also studying Bolivia's hydrocarbon industry and ministry, as well as  foreign companies operating in Bolivia. Zach is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin working on his Masters in Latin American Studies. To follow Zach's adventures visit: http://bolivianjournal.tumblr.com/

top ^