It’s fair to say that finding yourself in charge of organising a school expedition can be a daunting responsibility. Before you even set foot on a plane, you’ll have dug deep into your energy reserves to secure buy-in, help with fund-raising and ramp up excitement. We offer loads of support with organisation, but you might still ask yourself if all of this is worth the trouble. It would, after all, be much easier not to travel abroad with a couple of dozen teenagers.
But here’s the thing – years of experience have proven to us that well-executed school adventures really do deliver on what they promise. Although there’s plenty of fun to be had, these aren’t the same as family holidays. The benefits run far deeper.
Adventure from start to finish
Every part of an overseas school trip adds value for students. There are learning opportunities lurking in everything from raising funds and leaving their families to travelling into unfamiliar landscapes and living without tech (yes, really). Personal strengths are revealed and challenges are overcome – many skills essential in young adulthood can be learned on expedition. When they sign up, students step out of their mental and physical comfort zones and leap into unknown territory.
Real-world learning
Going somewhere new and getting their hands dirty (often literally) allows students to learn from direct experience. It gives you the opportunity to cater to different learning styles and draw out talents that may fly under the radar at school. You’ll find there are things you can teach on expedition that you can’t teach in the classroom and things you teach in the classroom that are backed up by travel experiences. Our itineraries and in-country projects are designed to make students think about the sustainability of travel and the ethics of volunteering.
Looking outward
Jolting students out of their everyday habits and presenting them with out-of-the-ordinary challenges kickstarts personal development. When they stop looking inward (or checking their phones) and look outward instead, they start to appreciate their own lives and privileges. Travel is a very effective way of putting everyday worries into perspective, boosting confidence and building character.
Making new friends
At STC Expeditions, we work with trained and vetted local leaders who know all about their countries. These insiders reveal the hidden secrets of the destinations and introduce our groups to their communities with sensitivity. One-on-one encounters teach respect and humility. They can also wipe out prejudices and reset assumptions.
Shared experiences
School friendship groups can be mutually supportive, but sometimes they’re limiting. When students travel together and work cooperatively, the dynamic changes and shared experiences become a new kind of currency. Unexpected leaders get a chance to shine.
Unlocking passion
Introducing students to extraordinary places, new faces and unfamiliar flavours can fundamentally change their outlook on the world. It’s not unreasonable to expect them to return with a new-found appreciation of the virtues of working hard for something. On our adventures, they’re asked to assess risk, make informed decisions and see the benefits of putting themselves out there. First-hand experience encourages them to form and express their own opinions, with knowledge to back them up. An inspiring expedition shows students what’s out there in the world and can make them think again about their future direction.
What about you?
Going on an adventure with your students certainly isn’t like lying on a beach in Bali for a fortnight. But it’s worth remembering that you and your colleagues will share positive insights and horizon-widening experiences too. You’re a teacher, so you know there’s always plenty to learn.
Naturally, you’d expect us to say all of this. That’s why we encourage you to check out our Google reviewsto discover what teachers, students and parents have to say about trips with STC Expeditions.
When you’re ready to take the first step on your own adventure, get in touch. We’d love to talk about responsible school tourism, exciting destinations and (of course) prices.