Getting students to engage in the classroom can be a challenge for even the most seasoned teachers. Educational travel is one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s arsenal to open up the world to each and every student:
- Students gain an understanding of different ways of life around the world while making new friends and memories they will have for the rest of their life.
- Those who went on a school sponsored educational tour outside the U.S. or Canada between the ages of 12-18 are twice as likely to have attained a college degree or done postgraduate work than those not taking such a tour.
- Adults who took educational tours as students are not only twice as likely to graduate college but also make an average $20,000 more after college.
Explorica is a dedicated leader in the industry, providing teacher-led tours full of authentic, interactive learning experiences in over 75 countries across all seven continents. Here is just one of thousands of examples that shows how we work with teachers to create life-changing opportunities.
Kimberly wanted to give her students the experience of educational travel but had many apprehensions: No one else in her school led trips, and at just 23 years old, she worried that parents might not take her seriously. “I look like I’m 15,” she jokes, “and I’d never been outside the country.” She knew she needed to find a supportive travel company that would help her through the process.
“What attracted me to Explorica was the website,” Kimberly begins. “Unlike with other businesses I could see the pricing right away, and everything was clear.” Once she spoke with an Explorica program consultant, her decision was made. “Laura was great. She explained all the different options and helped get me everything I wanted. I was nervous about pitching it to the parents, but she sent me a PowerPoint and other materials.” Kimberly aced the meeting, and 11 students enrolled. Her trip was official.
“Once the tour began, the tour director did everything,” Kimberly says. “She was completely prepared and so organized. We always felt safe, and she had our best interest in mind.” Kimberly fondly recalls a time when the tour director even assumed the role of a mother figure to a homesick student. “She was firm, but comforting, and helped the student understand that she was going to be okay. That happened within the first couple days, and then the student was fine. By the end of the tour, no one wanted to go home. They were even crying and hugging the bus driver! It’s incredible what these trips do for the kids.”
Learn more about teachers like Kimberly and why educational travel is so important: visit explorica.com/inspire or call 1.888.310.7120.