Social studies educators frequently receive publicity about programs of academic travel abroad. The sponsoring organizations and institutions claim that these programs will improve foreign language ability, create greater international understanding, and help students grow personally. The question is whether or not these claims are supported by conclusive research and how educators can make well-informed, intelligent decisions about which programs to use. This study, organized into four sections, reviews the research of experts in the field of academic travel abroad and provides educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to select or to create an effective academic travel abroad program for their students. The first section reviews recent research assessing the value of academic travel abroad. The second lists existing programs available to high school students. The third section provides examples of individual schools that chose to develop their own programs which can be used as models for educators. The final section considers important concerns and responsibilities of the teacher or administrator making a decision about academic travel abroad. (APG)