Student trips are a rite of passage in global education. And it’s important for every teacher to know which are the best places for an academic trip. From the Great wall of China to the Berlin wall, we uncover some of the best destinations for students to explore.
1. Brasov. Romania
Known as “The Gateway to Transylvania,Brasov is a very student friendly city. Tucked in between the forests of Transylvania and Carpathian ranges, Brasov is rich in architecture, culture and natural forests that would entice a geography or history teacher to inspire the students for an educational trip.
It is home to many museums, cultural institutes and medieval churches. Readtrips history study trip to Brasov incorporates a visit to Bran Castle. Famous for the Dracula story, The Rasnov castle and hiking to the forest nearby one of the original natural forests in Europe.
2. Barcelona, Spain
The city where urban design initiatives provokes even the most progressive. Barcelona appeals to students of all ages. From the young visiting Picasso museum, to middle school learning exploring the Spanish language with the natives or senior exploring the architectural masterpieces of famous architect Antonio Gaudi such as Sagrada Familia, Parque Güell; Palacio Güell; Casa Mila.etc
3. Cape Town, South Africa
Known as ‘The Mother City’ Cape Town was voted world’s design capital in 2014. With dramatic convergence of The oceans and the Table mountains as well as the picturesque undulating landscape, these attributes influenced the city as a confluence of culture, art scene and culinary expressions.
With relatively good weather throughout the year, Cape town gives students an opportunity to explore the art galleries, meet with local producers in their production studios and explore the evolution of Amapiano music. A trip to cape town entices music or performing arts students with a lot of cultural offerings to compliment the academic endeavours.
4. Berlin, Germany
Berlin has always been a student friendly city with many museums at the museum island, diverse cafes, and a cosmopolitan population drawn from all over the world. A great destination for history, language and science students, the city boosts lots of museums such as Jewish Museum Berlin: A deeply moving museum exploring Jewish history and culture in Germany, housed in a striking modern building designed by Daniel Libeskind. Berlin Wall Museum (Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie): Focuses on the history of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War, with exhibits on escape attempts and life in East and West Berlin. Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde): Features impressive exhibits on dinosaurs, biodiversity, and geology, including the world’s largest mounted dinosaur skeleton. Other places of interest include Berlinische Galerie, Bauhaus archives and topography of terror.
5. Mombasa, Kenya
The second largest city in Kenya and oldest town to be established, Mombasa has always been a great tourist destination. The recent infrastructure upgrades with refurbished mama Ngina park overlooking the Indian ocean and expansion of the roads has promoted Mombasa to be accessible for cultural activities. Students learning the Swahili language widely spoken along the east African coast will find Mombasa an easy place to practice the mastery with visits to local markets, walking architectural tours of the old town and famous landmarks such as Fort Jesus and old town. The Southern bypass via the Dongo Kundu SEZ, has opened the southern coast for cultural exploration of the Mijikenda culture, the rich flora and fauna, rare mangrove species and further adventure to Wasini and Shimoni caves inspires students of geography and science.
6. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it an unforgettable destination that showcases the heart of Japan. A great destination for exploring the traditional crafts of japan, students drawn from history, science , geography and language classes derive a lot of value exploring this Japanese city.
A culture school trip to Japan focuses on crafts such as:
Washi, paper making for calligraphy, is one of the oldest crafts in Japan and also influential. In Gifu, we visit one of the oldest paper-making regions in Japan, producing handmade paper used for calligraphy, art, and interior design as well as learn the ancient techniques at Washi Museum.
Woodworking is one the widely known craft with the highlight being the joints without nails. We will explore the Hida Takayama Artisan Village to see woodworkers at work, join woodworking workshops and attend a lecture at the school of design.
7. Doha, Qatar
A study trip to Qatar will offer a unique blend of educational, cultural, and professional experiences. As a modern country with deep-rooted traditions and a rapidly evolving economy, Qatar presents opportunities for learning in various fields, including culinary, engineering, architecture, environmental sustainability, and cultural studies.
For cultural context students delve into the transformation of the Qatar architecture by exploring the national museum of Qatar and studying the materials used in context to the harsh desert environment. The National Museum of Qatar is a great destination to immerse yourself into Qatar’s rich history, culture, and geology, with exhibits showcasing Islamic art, traditional jewellery and clothing, ancient weapons, and the country’s modern story of oil, gas, and the sea.
8. Punjab, India
Punjab is the breadbasket of India and its influence in the evolution of food in India is immense.
A food and Culture Study trip across the subcontinent rich with diverse cuisines all defined by taste, region, climate and religious practices. Our study trips venture into the Northern region of Punjab province, New Delhi the biggest metropolis, and across the rich farms churning out healthy wheat which promises excellent naan bread experience.
As food comes with cultural practices, our local chefs introduce students to the various religious practices, dialects and beliefs related to food. This incorporates market visits in the capital New Delhi carefully exploring and learning about Indian spices,preparation methods and even naming of food.
9. Toulouse, France
“The city is wonderful! Full of students, it provides a nice view of the famous Garonne river with hang out places, restaurants or take-away food! Culturally speaking, museums and the well-known Place du Capitole make Toulouse a city of culture that many foreign students enjoy discovering!”
Toulosuse is also the centre of the European space agency and attracts many young engineers working for the organisation as well as the mega factory producing Airbus aeroplanes. Being the assembling place for Airbus students witness the complex logistics of delivering plane parts from the satellite factories.
A vibrant city and a great destinations for engineering and architecture school trip.
10. Chicago, USA
Being a design capital , Chicago has a rich thriving urban culture with many public installations fit for students’ appreciation. To understand the evolution of the city, students study the Chicago school style of building by exploring key projects such as Montauk Building, The Auditorium building etc.
“With me, architecture is not an art, but a religion, and that religion is a part of democracy.” _ Louis Sullivan
Architecture study trip to Chicago is a journey into the design world. Known as the cultural capital of the USA,Chicago is a design mecca for architecture students and design enthusiasts. During a cultural and architectural; trip, students are able to explore the works of great masters of architecture such as Mies Van der Rohe, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, Norman Foster, Frank Gehry among others.
Whether on a science study trip or a performing arts festival or even an international exhibitions, the above places will infuse more into your experiential learning initiatives. Welcome to 2025.
