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Travel Abroad Program

Travel Abroad Program

At Rochester School for the Deaf, we believe that the most powerful lessons happen when students step beyond the classroom and into the world. Our Travel Abroad Program (TAP) opens doors to transformative experiences, giving students access to culture, history, and global perspectives in their native language, American Sign Language.

Every two years, RSD high school students embark on an unforgettable journey to explory history, art, culture, cuisine, and new landscapes. For most of our students, international travel is rare—and without programs like this, often inaccessible. The cost of flights, lodging, and programming is considerable, but the return is immeasurable: life-changing experiences, lasting confidence, and a deeper appreciation of the world and their place in it.

A group of people pose for a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Journey of a Lifetime: Why It Matters

True Accessibility: Students experience Italy directly in ASL, not through interpreters or filtered communication.

Global Connections: Immersion with Deaf locals and cultural exchanges help students see themselves as part of a global Deaf community.

Hands-On Learning: Students apply classroom lessons to real-world settings—walking through Roman ruins, standing before Michelangelo’s masterpieces, and exploring the canals of Venice.

Life Skills: Independence, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability—skills that last a lifetime—are strengthened through travel.