On November 16, 2024, Troy Peden, the founder of GoAbroad.com, was featured on RMWorldTravel, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show. Hosted by Robert and Mary Carey, the show’s “Personal Connection” segment focused on Troy’s journey in creating GoAbroad, the transformative impact of international travel, and how the platform has made a difference for travelers worldwide.
How GoAbroad Started
When Troy Peden started GoAbroad.com in 1997, finding international education opportunities was a real challenge. Back then, students relied on printed directories and guidebooks, which made searching for programs tedious.
While working at the University of Colorado as a study abroad advisor, Troy saw how the internet could change the way people accessed this information. He explained:
“We just saw an opportunity, actually, for the University of Colorado students to create a directory online. But, of course, in 1997, we were imagining the only people using the internet would be students in computer labs. We didn’t know about laptops and smartphones and things like that at that time.”
GoAbroad.com became the first platform of its kind, offering an accessible and centralized way to find study, volunteer, and other travel opportunities. Today, it has evolved into a global resource, connecting over a million users each month with programs that promote meaningful travel.
How Travel Connects and Transforms
Troy and the hosts discussed the deeper meaning of international travel, focusing on how it connects people across cultures and transforms lives. Troy explained that the true value of volunteering abroad often lies in personal growth and connection:
“The real impact is on the individual. It’s not about changing a system or teaching others your way. It’s about connecting with people, showing them we’re all part of the same family, and being willing to work alongside them without pay or external rewards.”
He emphasized how volunteering abroad fosters cultural immersion and helps travelers build meaningful relationships with local communities:
“I think that immersing yourself is one of the greatest ways to experience a culture because you will instantly bond with the local people you’re working with. You’ll get to know them better, even more than you would in a classroom or perhaps an internship or professional setting.”
The hosts, Robert and Mary, shared their own experience of volunteering in Maui after the Lahaina fires. They reflected on how rewarding it was to give back and connect with a community they care about. Their story echoed Troy’s message that meaningful travel transforms both the community and the traveler.
The Ripple Effect: GoAbroad’s Global Impact
Since it began, GoAbroad.com has made a significant impact on people’s lives, even though much of its influence happens quietly. Troy shared how, from time to time, he meets travelers who remind him just how important the platform has been:
“Occasionally, when I’m abroad, I meet someone who says, ‘GoAbroad.com was the thing that sent me here.’ The ripple effects are immeasurable. You don’t always get to see the impact, but I know it’s big.”
For Troy, the impact of GoAbroad.com is also personal. His own children have taken part in study-abroad and volunteering programs, which he believes have shaped their understanding of the world and strengthened their compassion for others:
“Travel instills a shared empathy and respect for others. It’s multi-generational—when you volunteer or study abroad, you encourage your kids to do the same.”
A Legacy of Meaningful Travel
Troy’s interview on RMWorldTravel shined a light on how travel can connect people and bridge cultures. From its innovative beginnings in 1997 to becoming a trusted global resource today, GoAbroad.com has inspired countless individuals to explore and engage in meaningful international experiences. To hear the full interview and learn more about Troy’s story and the impact of GoAbroad.com, click here.