The Value of Educational Travel in Shaping Global Citizens

February 14, 2025

Cultivating global citizens is essential than ever in an increasingly interconnected world. Educational travel effectively achieves this goal by offering students unique opportunities to bridge cultures and broaden their understanding of the world. At Discova Educational Travel (DET), we create transformative learning journeys that inspire global citizenship, empower local communities, and align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. From building schools and improving sanitation to ensuring environmental conservation, we deliver tailored, meaningful travel experiences that leave a lifelong impact – for both travellers and the communities they visit. 

Traditional dancing workshop and performance in Mai Chau

The Power of Connection in Bridging Cultural Gaps 

One of the most significant benefits of educational travel is its ability to bring diverse cultures closer. When students immerse themselves in different environments, they realise the power of these new interactions with people whose lives differ from theirs. They start to discover different global needs and are inspired to take action where they can. They come out of these experiences with a new perspective, perhaps deeper empathy, and an appreciation for diversity. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Discova Educational Travel is passionate about creating itineraries for student groups that align their experiences with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). This not only ensures they gain a deeper knowledge about a particular subject matter but also allows them to see that small actions could have a global impact. 

On a broader scale, it’s not only the student groups that participate in and benefit from these meaningful encounters. Since our project communities are designed to thrive sustainably, they can also host community-oriented travellers from all walks of life. This approach to community-based tourism aligns with the bigger aim of raising global citizens who are lifelong learners. 

Example Learning Outcomes: 

Happy Library in Mai Chau
1. SDG 4: Quality Education (Mai Chau, Vietnam)

By participating in building a library, donating school necessities for the community’s students, and helping renovate and build school facilities, students learn to appreciate the importance of quality education for all. They might not know the difficulties local students face in Mai Chau, but through cultural exchanges, they realise these needs and are inspired to make a difference where they can. 

Traditional rice "Jekchoey” observation
2. SDG 13: Climate Action (Kok Na Sai, Thailand)

Kok Na Sai has a unique traditional approach to farming. By visiting this grassroots community, students learn about the conservation efforts on local rice “Jekchoey,” whose genetic makeup is vital for ensuring food security. Moreover, the traditional approach to farming practices significantly reduces methane emissions from rice paddies, contributing positively to global climate action efforts. Along with this activity, students explore other climate adaptation projects, such as sustainable organic farming and traditional rice processing methods, helping them understand environmental challenges caused by certain agricultural practices and their solutions.

KAURA-BALI-SALES-INCENTIVE-ACTIVITIES VILLAGE WALK
Village walk in Manggis
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Manggis, Indonesia)

In Manggis, students get involved in sustainable farming practices, plant seedlings, and help clean up beaches that, give them insights about sustainable living and resource conservation. They will also get the chance to hear the inspirational story of how the Manggis community first started getting involved with organic farming in 2022 and continues to grow and thrive through responsible tourism (which includes selling its high-quality organic rice to visitors)

Lifelong Impact: Building Future Leaders 

Digging deeper into the benefits of educational travel, we find that students who engage in such experiences often return home with newfound confidence, adaptability, and a broader world perspective that not only enhances their academic performance but also prepares them for future challenges in life.  

At DET, we believe in the transformative power of educational travel to shape the next generation. By bridging cultures and providing unparalleled learning opportunities, these experiences equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset they need to make a lasting impact as future leaders and citizens of the world. 

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