The Benefits of Field Trips and Travel for Learners

This term holds many adventures for our students. Our Secondary History students are travelling to Germany and Poland and our Performing Arts students take their production of 'Matilda' on tour to Dar and Nairobi, as well as getting ready for the UK Culture trip later in the term.

As our secondary students prepare for their upcoming travels, we reflect on the benefits of field trips and travel for their education.

More and more, teachers around the world are integrating international school travel into their curriculum. Since 2010, the number of schools offering international trips to students has increased by 127%. International school travel is no longer an “extra” learning activity only offered in certain schools, but a beneficial experience to help prepare students for the future.  

We all know, most of the important lessons learned in life take place outside the classroom. Here are four educational benefits of international school travel.

1. Reinforce classroom material by exposing students to real-world situations

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge or skills through study and experience. As all teachers know, the purpose of it is to prepare students for life, and each student has a unique learning style. Some students are intrapersonal learners, while others flourish in social environments.  

Incorporating real-world experiences into your curriculum helps students understand why what they’re learning is useful. Not only does it increase engagement in the classroom, it also gives students valuable insights into the real-life application of the skills they’re being taught, and where these skills can take them in life. 

  2. Motivate students in the classroom 

Exposing students to real-world applications of theoretical concepts, world-class facilities, and new experiences, can have a positive impact on their engagement in the classroom. Many teachers have reported students who were lacking in confidence or resilience prior to embarking on an international school trip have flourished in the classroom upon arriving home. 

International school travel gives students the chance to experience different styles of learning and see a new side to their subject of study. When they can understand the concepts, they have learned about in books being applied in a real-world situation, they often return to the classroom with a deeper connection and greater motivation. 

3. Expose students to new cultures

Giving students the chance to experience a new culture can be beneficial for their personal development as it may help them to develop a broader perspective. International travel gives students the chance to step outside their comfort zone and experience the challenges that inevitably arise when exposed to a new way of life.   

Experiencing a new culture on a school trip can be even more meaningful for students than if they were to travel with family and friends. This is because they are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone away from the comfort of friends, family and familiar surroundings. In a new environment, students expand their worldview, witness a new way of life and better understand people, history and culture.

 4. A once in a lifetime experience 

 For teachers and educators, giving students an educational experience outside the classroom can be an extremely rewarding professional achievement. Your students will be given the chance to connect with people from different cultures and grasp learning concepts in real-world situations. They will be exposed to potential career opportunities, and most importantly, will gain confidence in themselves at a personal level.