School Trips Abroad – More Than Just a Learning Experience

An increasing number of schools are adding educational school trips abroad to the curriculum. The most obvious benefit of such excursions has to be the unique and rewarding learning experience they provide. There are, however, other benefits you might not have thought about.

• Explore Different Cultures

Children that are given the opportunity to take part in a school trip are exposed to cultures and experiences they wouldn’t normally have access to. Opening a child’s mind to different cultures means they get a wider understanding of the world and an appreciation for other ways of life. It also brings things they might be learning about in the classroom to life, which is bound to mean a level of understanding they wouldn’t get from a book. When students visit a country, they are given opportunities to visit cities and historic landmarks, explore art, culture, and music. School trips to Spain organized by Travelbound Education, for example,  might also give them the opportunity to taste local food and meet and converse with local people. You might also find that they’re given a taste of school in the country they visit.   

• Real World Learning

Real world learning is said to be one of the best ways to teach children of all ages and abilities. It also provides them with endless opportunities to improve their personal skills such as confidence, self-esteem, independent thinking, and leadership. On top of that it creates a stronger bond between students and teachers and helps to motivate students that might have lost their way.

• Learn New Languages

If your child is learning a language at school, taking part in a school trip to that country allows them to test their skills with native speakers, in real-time, real-life scenarios. Even if your child isn’t learning a language that doesn’t mean they won’t benefit from learning a few basic phrases. It will, after all, increase their engagement and enjoyment.

• Peer Bonding and Team-Building Skills

When children go away on a school trip together they’re encouraged to bond with peers; they wouldn’t normally interact with. Team-building skills are also developed. For example, they may find themselves in a challenging situation, which means they’ve got to work together to achieve a common goal. They learn to communicate and connect with each other as a group.

• Teaching Important Life Skills

A school trip abroad doesn’t only help them with their course work. Several important life skills are also put to the test. To begin with, it gives them a focus and teaches them to be self-motivated and driven in planning and preparing. They must learn to forward plan, budget and make sacrifices, especially if they’ve got to fundraise for their trip.

Teachers have reported that when learning outside the classroom provisions are in place, students display increased confidence, resilience and well-being. Teachers are better able to understand their students learning habits which in turn leads to better grades. By bringing the curriculum to life it allows students to gain a better understanding of a subject as well as increase their self-confidence, develop important skills and better prepared for their future.