World Expeditions Schools Blog

School Programs In Nepal

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 02:29:04 GMT

Student Journeys in Nepal: Challenge, Service, and Cultural Connection

Nepal offers more than dramatic mountain scenery. Each region presents a different balance of physical challenge and hands-on service, giving schools the flexibility to choose a program that aligns with their goals. Whether your students are seeking a sense of personal achievement, the chance to contribute to a local community, or both, there is a region to match.

Many students have even chosen Nepal as an alternative to traditional schoolies celebrations, embracing adventure and community connection instead. Read one student’s inspiring account of trekking and volunteering in the Annapurna foothills or another journey combining Himalayan trekking with community service to see how these experiences can be a life-changing rite of passage. If you’re considering a similar adventure, check out these 8 practical hacks for your first trek in Nepal to make the experience even smoother and more memorable.

Annapurna - Trek and Build in the Foothills

An accessible first step into the Himalaya, Annapurna combines gradual trekking with meaningful village-based service. Students walk forested trails with views of Machapuchare, visit Gurung communities, and contribute to projects like restoring schools, building health posts or retaining walls, and improving water access. It is ideal for balancing physical adventure with cultural connection and hands-on contribution.

Everest Region - Big Mountain Energy and Sherpa Culture

This region suits schools seeking a next-level challenge. Students trek at higher altitudes, explore Sherpa villages and monasteries, and reflect on resilience in the shadow of Everest. With full local crew support, teachers can safely guide students through an experience that stretches their limits and deepens global perspective.

Langtang - Quiet Trails and Cultural Depth

North of Kathmandu, Langtang offers remote trekking with fewer crowds and deep cultural immersion. Students walk through Tamang villages still rebuilding after the 2015 earthquake, gaining insight into resilience, Buddhist traditions, and rural mountain life. This is an emerging option for schools looking to support regeneration and explore beyond Nepal’s more well-known trails.

Chitwan - Conservation, Culture, and Community Service

South of the Himalaya, Chitwan National Park adds a new layer to student learning. Conservation-focused programs allow students to engage with ethical elephant care, wildlife protection, and Tharu culture. It is also a site for hands-on service projects, blending environmental and humanitarian impact.

Looking Ahead

Each of our programs is supported by experienced local teams, combining safety, cultural depth, and purposeful learning. Whether your focus is trekking, service, or regeneration, Nepal’s regions offer an unforgettable path to student growth.

Overseas School Programs

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:49:09 GMT

Experiential Learning Beyond the Classroom

Each year, thousands of students embark on journeys that push them beyond their comfort zones and into real-world learning experiences. These opportunities go far beyond traditional travel—they foster resilience, deepen cultural understanding, and inspire young people to become active global citizens. Whether integrating curriculum-based learning, offering an alternative to traditional schoolies, or challenging students through physical and service-based experiences, these programs provide meaningful educational outcomes.

Curriculum-Based Programs: Learning Without Walls

Curriculum-based travel allows students to experience learning in an entirely new way. Rather than reading about historical landmarks, ecosystems, or cultural traditions in a textbook, they see, touch, and immerse themselves in them. Teachers have praised these experiences for the depth of engagement they bring.

"World Expeditions Schools worked very closely with us to ensure all curriculum needs and all service benchmarks were met."
— Dean of Service Learning, 2019

Alternative Schoolies: A Meaningful Way to Celebrate

For schools seeking a different way to mark the end of high school, alternative schoolies programs provide an enriching and rewarding experience. Instead of crowded parties and nightlife, students can celebrate this milestone through meaningful travel—whether trekking in remote landscapes, working on community projects, or experiencing new cultures, these programs can be offered to whole year levels, to peers, or for friendship groups.

"Since 2012, we have trekked and most importantly worked with schools and communities in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Nepal. These experiences have added to a richness of opportunity for our students."
— Principal, 2019

Indigenous Immersion: Connecting with Culture and Country

Indigenous immersion programs provide students with a profound connection to land and culture, fostering an appreciation for one of the world’s oldest living traditions. Through time spent with Indigenous communities, students learn about traditional practices, storytelling, and ways of life that have been passed down for generations.

"The itinerary we had was the perfect mix of cultural immersion and community service. Looking at the students’ reflections, Pudakul was a highlight for many of them."
— Head of Outdoor Education, 2022

Regenerative Travel: Leaving a Positive Impact

With an increasing focus on responsible travel, regenerative travel experiences take sustainability a step further by ensuring students leave destinations in a better condition than they found them. This could mean participating in conservation efforts, supporting local economies, or engaging in environmental projects.

"The program delivered an amazing and fun adventure whilst encouraging our students to consider the ecological, environmental, and social impact of our actions."
— Director of Experiential Learning, 2024

Physical Challenges: Pushing Boundaries, Building Resilience

Physical challenges are another powerful way for students to develop resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Multi-day treks, cycling expeditions, and adventure-based experiences push students beyond their perceived limits, teaching them valuable lessons about perseverance and leadership.

"Our students, supported by the ‘World Ex’ crew, developed resilience and teamwork, and gained meaningful insight into Nepalese culture."
— Assistant Head of Secondary, 2023

Service Learning: Travel with Purpose

Service learning programs take education one step further by integrating meaningful community projects into student travel. Whether it’s building infrastructure in remote villages, working on environmental sustainability initiatives, or assisting in local schools, these experiences allow students to contribute in tangible ways while developing empathy and cultural awareness.

"Our students gained a profound appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of giving back."
— Principal, 2019

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award: Achieve More

For those working toward the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, travel experiences provide an ideal way to complete the Adventurous Journey and Residential Project components. These carefully designed programs offer students an opportunity to challenge themselves in new environments while fulfilling the award’s requirements.

"Our pre-trip service was exceptional, preparing both students and teachers well before departure. The whole experience encouraged our students to consider their impact and responsibility as global citizens."
— Director of Experiential Learning, 2024

Experiential learning through travel is one of the most powerful ways to inspire and educate students. Whether through curriculum-aligned programs, service projects, cultural immersions, or physical challenges, these journeys create lasting impact.

"World Expeditions Schools has consistently provided exceptional and meaningful travel experiences for our students."
— Head of Outdoor Education, 2024

Travel is no longer just about seeing new places—it is about transformation, personal growth, and developing the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world. Schools that invest in these experiences provide their students with more than just a trip; they give them a lifelong perspective that extends far beyond the classroom.

Ready to start designing your overseas program? Talk to our experts today.

Trending 2025 Student Destinations

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:41:36 GMT

Sustainable Student Programs: 10 Steps Every Teacher Can Use

Experiential school programs can transform student learning. They can open minds to new cultures, reconnect young people with nature, build resilience, and inspire leadership. For teachers, an international school program is also a chance to model responsible travel and how to protect the environments and communities you visit so future cohorts can enjoy them too.

There are many environmental challenges in the world today. It can feel overwhelming, yet small choices interwoven with experiential learning can add up to a powerful positive impact. Below are ten practical steps for teachers planning international school travel programs. Each one helps you minimise your footprint, strengthen curriculum outcomes, and give students real world skills in global citizenship.

1. Choose Carbon Free Transport

Self propelled modes of travel are good for students and good for the environment. Walking, cycling, and kayaking help students slow down, notice place based details, and reflect on their learning with minimal impact. These activities also align with health and physical education outcomes and support team building.

Explore Active Programs

2. Avoid Single Use Plastic Bottles

Single use plastic bottles create waste in destinations without robust recycling. Travel with reusable bottles, fill at potable water stations, or use purification systems. Turn this into a student led sustainability challenge to collect data, calculate avoided waste, and present findings back at school.

Design Your Program

3. Leave No Trace

Teach students the seven principles of Leave No Trace and embed them into your Tour briefing and daily reflections.

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimise campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of your hosts and other visitors

When in doubt, take only photos and leave only footprints.

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Our Responsible Travel Approach

4. Be an Ambassador for Peace

Set expectations for cultural respect before departure. Encourage students to learn key greetings, understand local customs, and reflect on how their actions represent their school community. Add a daily gratitude circle to notice acts of kindness from hosts and classmates.

Explore Cultural Immersion Programs

5. Keep Wilderness Trails Litter Free

Make your impact positive with a simple trail clean activity. Give students gloves and a waste tally sheet, then debrief on what they found and how behaviour change at home can reduce litter. This turns a short walk into service learning and data collection.

Explore Service Learning

6. Choose Sustainable Accommodation

Select stays that protect local environments and support communities. In Nepal our private eco comfort camps reduce pressure on forests and give students a low impact base for learning, reflection, and leadership activities.

Learn more about Nepal Programs

7. Consider the Welfare of Animals

Wildlife encounters must follow the Five Freedoms. Freedom from hunger or thirst. Freedom from discomfort. Freedom from pain, injury or disease. Freedom to express normal behaviours. Freedom from fear and distress. Choose activities that observe animals responsibly and support conservation.

Wildlife and Conservation Programs | Animal Welfare Policy

8. Do Your Research

Brief students on local environmental issues and connect them to curriculum outcomes. Set inquiry questions, gather field notes, and create post trip presentations that link science, geography, and civics. An informed group makes better on the ground choices.

Science and Environment Programs

9. Prioritise Efficient Flights

Where possible choose the most direct routing to reduce emissions. Build a lesson around trip planning to compare flight paths, calculate travel times, and discuss the trade offs between cost and impact. Consider pairing long haul destinations with longer itineraries to maximise learning value.

Ask an Expert

10. Choose Your Tour Carefully

Look for clear responsible travel commitments, transparent safety systems, and proven educational outcomes. Ask how programs respect local culture, reduce environmental impact, and support long term community goals. Choose partners who collaborate with teachers to meet curriculum needs and duty of care requirements.

Responsible Travel with World Expeditions Schools

World Expeditions Schools is committed to sustainable student travel. Our approach was built over decades of field experience and continuous improvement. We design Tours that minimise impact, build intercultural understanding, and deliver strong learning outcomes in partnership with teachers and school executive teams. From pre departure briefings to on program risk management and post trip reflection, your students learn how to travel thoughtfully and give back to the places they visit.

Read about our Responsible Travel approach | See Service Learning in action | Design Your Program

Destinations to Pair with Responsible Travel Learning

Connect these ideas to real itineraries that align with your curriculum and student goals.

Costa Rica for biodiversity studies, rainforest conservation, and active learning through hiking and rafting.
Peru for cultural immersion, Andean ecosystems, and service learning with local communities.
Nepal for mountain environments, leadership development, and eco comfort camp stays.
Uganda for high altitude ecosystems and conservation themes.
Marine and Coastal programs for ocean literacy and reef studies.

If you would like tailored advice for your school, our team can help align a destination and program type with your curriculum and budget.

Ask an Expert

Best in Adventure Travel

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:22:49 GMT

World Expeditions Schools are proud to be part of the World Expeditions Travel Group. Every school that travels with us benefits from the decades of logistical experience of our parent company, World Expeditions, who are unmatched in their ability to draw on their four decades of expertise both in the field and in the planning stages of all school trips we operate.

In recognition of World Expeditions' sustained “Big Adventures, Small Footprint” travel philosophy we are absolutely thrilled to announce that they won the top gong in the Adventure Travel category at The Travel Awards in Sydney, receiving the Adventure Travel Wholesaler of the Year for 2019.

"We dedicate this award to all the porters, trip leaders, sirdars, cooks, office staff, consultants and every single member of our global team who work tirelessly to ensure that our travellers receive the high-quality adventure travel holiday’s that we promise to them."

The timing of this award is serendipitous as the company celebrates their 45th year of pioneering adventure next year and the recent announcement that all trips across the group, including our school adventures, are now 100% carbon offset.

World Expeditions' Operations Manager, Sarah Higgins, who accepted the Award, said the culture of pioneering new adventures remained a focus at the group:

Since 1975, when we became the first Australian company to offer commercial trekking holidays in Nepal, we have continued pioneering adventure holidays all over the world.

"World Expeditions was the first company to offer walking holidays in Japan and Tibet and cycling in China, India and then Vietnam,” she said.

“In Australia, we pioneered rafting the Franklin River and trekking the Larapinta Trail, and our pioneering philosophy continues today with our constantly evolving range of remote treks in places like Pakistan and India and with our most challenging trip – the 150-day, 1600km Great Himalaya Trail across Nepal, departing next year for the 10th consecutive year.”

They were also one of the first to operate student adventures to Nepal back in the 1980's, long before experiential travel became a buzz word in the overseas school travel market.

The Adventure Travel Wholesaler category recognises travel companies that package together unique adventure travel holidays to remote or exotic locations and/or taking part in physically challenging outdoor activities while on holiday and was judged by more than 50 of Australia’s most experienced travel industry alumni.

Among the companies many achievements and awards in the past 44 years, we are all particularly proud of their:

• Responsible Travel policies, including pioneering porter welfare policies which help to raise the working standards of porters in Nepal; the development of a child safe travel policy; and their industry-leading Animal Welfare Code of Conduct, all of which are also followed by World Expeditions Schools.

• 100% carbon offset adventures, all of which support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.

• Progression to eliminate single use plastic from trips across the group

• Community Project Travel programs giving travellers the opportunity to give back, the genesis of Service Learning school trips in Australia.

• Charity brand, Huma Charity Challenge, raising over $6 million for Australian charities.

• Youth brand, World Expeditions Schools, giving thousands of students the opportunity to help underprivileged communities all over the world, following UN Sustainable Development Goals as guiding principles.

• World Expeditions Foundation fundraising $70,000 towards delivered project works in Nepal.

Awards such as this provide a wonderful reminder to our whole team, and to those who choose to travel with us, that the path less travelled is, for us, the right path.

Doing My Schoolies Differently in Nepal

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 06:17:59 GMT

In December 2018, I was lucky enough to journey on one of the most amazing alternative schoolies adventures to Nepal run by World Expeditions Schools.

There was no better way to conclude a year of hard assessments and exams that entailed my final year of schooling than getting out into the world, experiencing something entirely new and completely different - like trekking in the Himalayas and visiting rural communities - which made this trip so special and unique.

During the 13 day Alternative Schoolies program, we trekked a small section of the beautiful Annapurna mountain range and helped repair a remote high school. This expedition allowed me to gain a richer understanding of the Nepali - in the cities and in the villages - its dynamic culture, diverse society, religions and its history.

A day of sightseeing in the capital city of Kathmandu launched our journey where we acclimatised to the atmosphere of Nepal and its physical, spiritual and social climate. The great contrast of Nepal’s two main religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, is illustrated when visiting their temples - the major Hindu shrine, Pashupatinath, and the Buddhist stupa at Bodhinath.

A large element of the Hindu religion lays in its belief of an afterlife and performing an appropriate send off for their deceased so that they may be reincarnated. At the Pashupatinath, we experienced an extremely moving and overwhelmingly powerful funeral proceedings. While feeling dualy fortunate yet out of place to view the funeral processions, it was an experience hard to forget. Contrastingly so, the Buddhist Stupa provided a more enlightened understanding of its peaceful relationship with each other and our world.

Flying to Pokhara was another adventure in itself. The small, jet propelled plane was no surprise but the awesome mountain peaks took my breath away. The city of Pokhara is on a beautiful lakeside which we got a paddle boat across to climb the World Peace Stupa, revealing extensive views of the densely populated city.

Himalayan peaks provide the most spectacular views for a wholesome schoolies trip that will leave you feeling refreshed after a tiresome year and invigorated to explore the world further. In the Annapurna region, 360 degree views include infamous mountains including Fishtail, Annapurna South and Machapuchare. Around every corner were dramatic views of vast mountain ranges and opportunities to engage with the people of the villages we passed through.

The trek took us from the lakeside city of Pokhara to Dhampus, Pothana, Tolka, Landruk, Ghandruk and finally to Jhobang where we completed our community service project. The trekking itself was actually very pleasant as it was only an introductory grade and supported by porters and sirdars, camping bases and the most delicious meals - ranging from traditional cuisine to westernised foods when you were feeling a bit homesick - prepared by cooks that travel with you. You only need to carry a day bag on your trek and you won’t go hungry; it’s my promise.

It was the perfect trip to ease into a future of more worldly explorations as heavy, but essential gear such as tents, sleeping bags and beds were provided and already set up for your arrival at the World Ex Eco lodges. With breakfast, lunch and dinner provided while hiking, it gave us the ability to indulge in the beautiful surroundings and wholly experience the nature of the trek - authentic mountain culture.

The volunteer work that we did in Jhobang Secondary School in the final days of trek was so memorable and meaningful. Many schools in the remotes villages of Nepal are in desperate need of renovations so it was an incredibly poignant part of our trip. Working with the locals to repair and re-paint the buildings of the school, playing and practicing English with the students, observing and immersing ourselves in village life was a powerful experience that words have trouble describing. You’ll definitely be left wanting to do more.

Back in Pokhara, we had a day to further explore the town by shopping or doing some of the adventure activities offered in the city - such as paragliding and zip lining. After which we then flew back to Kathmandu for our last day in the capital city. We visited the Monkey Temple early in the morning which I highly recommend as the morning views are remarkable and the monkeys are cute, but extremely cheeky. The best place for shopping was Thamel which is a relaxing 15 minute stroll from where we were staying. The commercial neighbourhood is the centre of the tourist industry in Nepal and was bustlingly busy with people, cultures and art.

Overall it was a transformational trip of a lifetime that I whole heartedly recommend to all.

This article was submitted by Indigo Axford, who travelled on our Alternative Schoolies in Nepal. Check out our Alternative Schoolies to Nepal, Japan, Cambodia and Vietnam.

9 Tips on Responsible Gift Giving

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:15:00 GMT

After spending time with local communities and forging relationships with them in developing countries, students may want to offer a gift to express their gratitude. However, their best intentions can cause unintended issues in these countries.

Often, gift giving can result in locals becoming dependent on hand outs. It can create jealousy within communities and cause internal conflicts if some beneficiaries receive gifts while others do not.

At its worst, certain gifts can also result in health problems. For example, if lollies and chocolates are distributed to young children in an underprivileged region with limited or no access to oral healthcare, this will contribute to their development of gum disease and tooth decay.

“In some cases, material goods given are not something the community needs, and may end up being something members cannot use – such as a remote control race car that require batteries or an electronic device that requires regular charging,” says Donna Lawrence, Responsible Travel Manager at World Expeditions Schools.

While gift giving is a lovely gesture, it is important to be considerate and mindful of the presents your students offer to communities.

Here are nine tips to share with your students on how to give presents responsibly:

1. Don’t make assumptions about community needs. Plan ahead. If your students intend on giving to a school, hospital or organisation, contact them in advance to find out what items they need and purchase and hand deliver the products.

2. Avoid giving drinks or foods that are high in sugar, especially when it is clear that dental health care is not available. Poor nutrition is often worsened by consuming sweets. Instead, buy fruit from the local market, which will provide children with a nutritional treat and support local businesses.

3. Avoid giving directly to an individual; rather, give to the head of the community or the head master of the school so that they can distribute the gifts fairly. Don’t be offended if this occurs once you’ve left.

4. Don’t give gifts to children begging on the street. It reinforces the bad situation they are in. An alternative is to donate to a local charity that works to keep children off the streets and to stay with their family and in school.

5. Don’t give gifts that are broken or damaged, unhygienic, dangerous or which contribute to waste. Think of the waste your students' gifts will generate over time. Avoid donating plastic toys and choose pencils and crayons over pens. In more remote regions, there are no waste disposal facilities, so your presence will be around for much longer than you think.

6. Be aware of the limitations of a gift. For example, giving a gift that requires batteries that are not readily available to the recipient or are expensive locally. Instead, give manual or solar powered torches. Some houses do not have electricity at all or experience frequent power cuts.

7. Think practical over superficial items. In remote regions, communities have a huge need for basic necessities. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, sanitary kits, hairbrushes and hair ties are very practical.

8. Don’t give out medicine. Each country has different laws about the use of medical supplies and medications, and some pharmaceutical drugs are not permitted. Instead, consider practical supplies such as bandages, thermometers, gauze, as well as hygiene products and re-usable sanitary items to help prevent the spread of disease. You can also consider donating to charities or organisations that support local hospitals or medical centres.

9. Share your time and skills instead of a material gift. You can join a community project to help make tangible change in underprivileged areas, such as completing grass-root construction projects in villages of Cambodia, Romania and more.

If you are unsure of an appropriate gift, ask your travel company or the school, hospital or organisation you are helping.

Want to learn more about how to travel, give, grow with your students? View our current community projects and read our latest The Thoughtful Traveller e-book.

My Alternative Schoolies Adventure to Nepal

Sun, 11 Feb 2018 22:29:08 GMT

Life after school; a time to reflect on twelve years of friendships; made and lost, of hard work and unquestionable bouts of procrastination, and what felt like prolonged drudgery in those last remaining months. High school is a truly memorable stepping stone in the paths of our lives; it helps shape who we are.

So wouldn’t we want to celebrate our past dedications and achievements, 12 years of our lives, with something merely more than “YEAHHHH let’s get pissed dude!”

There are better ways to celebrate the beginning of freedom and a life of your choosing; ways in which you will actually remember.

This is a mere snippet of my schoolies experience. And I think it was done right.

In late November I travelled to Nepal with a group of seven other schoolies. We trekked and traversed our way over mountainous terrain, volunteered our physical strength and love to a remote school in the village of Dhampus, and were lucky enough to fly over the Himalayas - an experience that actually touches the soul.

We did this with an organisation called World Expeditions Schools; a company that offers truly unique experiences in different destinations around the world- a rewarding alternative to more traditional schoolies.

One of my many favourite moments; the final day trek to Ghandruk:

Upon walking up to a grassy ledge above Dhampus camp, we watched the shades of the mountains turn from black silhouettes to dappled misty greys; the rising sun a ginormous ball of pink light. The scattered huts and rice paddies etched into the mountainside slowly became clearer. Dhampus awed us with its raw beauty.

The first section of the trek was through lush jungle, off the beaten path and up quite an incline! We were a bit worried the terrain was going to be like that for the next few hours, however eventually we reached the top of the mountain and were welcomed by a seat at a teahouse with a clear view of the Himalayas; Mount Pistol and South Annapurna. They were always moving in and out of our sight along the trek.

From here it was down and up stone steps. You had to remind yourself to look up every now and then to fully acknowledge and appreciate the view, pinching yourself that you were trekking in the Nepal mountainside. After our legs had almost turned to jelly from an infinite amount of steps up and down mountains, we walked along a flat dusty road for about an hour; seeing other trekkers and taking in the village of Landruk; local Nepali kids playing volleyball in their schoolyard and women beating millet (a harvested grain) outside their homes, a true atmospheric embodiment of a community.

We stopped for lunch further across in Landruk, down below a teahouse we perched ourselves on the grass, the chefs and porters utilising village huts and the open space to cook up their magic. The mountainside view we were blessed with was absolutely astonishing. We grabbed a bench chair and perched it on the edge of the slope, our feet lying underneath on the grass. We had a clothesline of patterned Soris and sheets over our heads, looking out into the haze of the mountains. The rice paddies and small local villages outlined in the distance.

Indra, one of our humble Nepali guides, served us pineapple cordial and for lunch a chapatti with small sliced sausages, vegetables and a bean mix with hot potato chips on the side; a mix of Nepalese and western cuisine. Safe to say we never went hungry! Also some of the best meals I’ve eaten. *Note: popcorn and soup together work wonders (this is no trickery!).

In the distance we could see the village that we needed to trek to for arrival at camp; Ghandruk. It was sitting above us on the opposite mountain, at a much higher altitude and a good length away. We were a little overwhelmed by what we had to accomplish in the next few hours; a knee wobbling descend and an intimidating incline, yet we hadn’t realised the great distance we had already achieved.

This experience really does make you grow as a person. And the amazing thing is you grow with other people, making lifelong friendships through some of the greatest moments you’ve ever shared. I’m visiting two of the girls who are from Byron Bay in the upcoming months; after only a few days of meeting each other we were already planning our next adventure! We couldn’t wait to be reunited with such like-minded souls.

I have become so grateful for the places I've grown up in around Western Australia and come to not only appreciate, but love the simple things in life; after all, those are what truly what make us happy.

This is a mere snippet of my schoolies experience. And I think it was done right.

I hope that after reading this, more people can open themselves up to these kinds of opportunities; celebrate schoolies the right way. It doesn’t have to be climbing a mountain either!

View alternative School Leavers Adventures

This article was submitted by Jemma Scott, who travelled on our Nepal Schoolies Adventure. The article originally appeared on her own blog - The Salty Dreamers.

Why Schoolies in Cambodia?

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 01:12:00 GMT

John Nichol is a teacher at Mooroolbark College who contacted us to organise a private Schoolies Adventure for the Year 12's at this school. Here, he explains why.

See Angkor Wat on a Schoolies adventure in Cambodia

Finishing 13 years of school is a fantastic moment in a young person’s life and should be celebrated. At Mooroolbark College we believe the schoolies experience has great potential to be more than a week long party and can instead be an experience that develops and grows a young person and provides a rights of passage into adulthood.

At the College we aim to provide an educational experience that moulds our students into quality young people who can go out and have a positive impact on the world. The “Schoolies in Cambodia” trip aims to build on that personal growth and take it a significant step further.

This trip will give participants a greater sense of:

who they are,
who they want to be,
their place in the wider world and
give them a stronger sense that they can impact and change the world in a positive way.

It will be a life changing experience, an experience of far more value and enjoyment than the traditional schoolies holiday.

We have put together the “Schoolies in Cambodia” trip in partnership with World Expeditions Schools who have over thirty years experience planning trips exclusively for students and school groups. They have developed a terrific itinerary for us (including a full risk assessment of all activities) to ensure a memorable and safe experience at a competitive cost.

Cambodia is a small country with ancient monuments, many natural attractions, safe and easy travelling and warm and friendly people. This trip offers 15 days seeing world famous monuments like Angkor Wat as well as some Indiana Jones styles temples overgrown with jungle, exploring village life including lake villages built on 7 metre high stilts, working in an orphanage for 3 days (as well as fundraising some $2000 for the orphanage before leaving) and some time to unwind on a tropical beach. We will also visit the very sad and moving museums in the capital Phnom Penh dedicated to the Killing Fields genocide of the 1970s.

Travelling with the group and looking after the students will be a Mooroolbark College staff member to ensure that personal growth opportunities are maximized and to assist students to debrief about their experience. World Expeditions Schools will also provide a tour guide to ensure that the party is being well looked after, participants are adhering to expected behaviours and that all arrangements are running smoothly.

It will run during the traditional schoolies period

In my 20 years of teaching this is the most exciting and worthwhile experience that I have been involved with and we feel it will have long term positive benefits for those involved. It will be a life changing experience.

John Nichol

View World Expeditions Schools' Alternative Schoolies Adventures.

Vietnam Schoolies feedback & pics

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:13:46 GMT

Vietnam Alternate Schoolies trip feedback

Ben Griffiths was part of the first ever range of Schoolies Adventures for World Expeditions Schools, an 8 day exploration of Vietnam.

Ben is a growing number of school leavers that are opting out of the current mainstream options of partying in places like the Gold Coast for undertaking the completely adventurous - often life changing - experience of travelling overseas by yourself or with your friends for the very first time.

On his return from an extended stay in Asia, Ben was kind enough to send in this feedback and these images of his Vietnam Schoolies Adventure. See below.

Check out all of World Expeditions Schools' Schoolies Adventures online.

"The Vietnam Schoolies Adventure was truly a fantastic experience, the things I saw, the things I did, and the people I met, will stay with me for a lifetime.The great thing about the trip was that while everything was organised and tailored for us, it also had a really casual feel about it, just the type of thing I needed post-HSC.

Vietnam was such an awesome place, it has it all, the culture, the people, the sights, the food (especially the food), it's all so unique and exciting. Places like the Old Quarter in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Hoi An, were truly incredible places, there's nothing like it.

The choice of destinations and hotels was else something the company did excellently. I felt like the towns and destinations we visited gave us a real taste of Vietnam, and even though the trip was only a week and a half, I felt like I had seen so much. Even the hotels were ideally placed, right in the thick of it, and still great quality.

Overall, I am so glad I chose this trip over the more stereotypical places like Gold Coast or Byron. I feel like I really gained something on the trip, an appreciation of such an awesome country, that otherwise I would not have. The people I travelled with were such a fantastic group, everyone was so fun and nice, and being all the same age made the experience even better! It was really just the best thing to finish of my time at school."

Responding to the call for more ‘alternate’ Schoolies ideas!

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:10:00 GMT

Schoolies pressured to drink: chaplaincy group.

The above article appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on 14 November 2012.

With the arrival of the infamous Schoolies Week the media is rightly turning their attention to the lack of options out there for those wanting to celebrate the end of Year 12.

There is a portion of the Year 12 community that want to 'live it large' and party hard in the traditional scenes. However, are these young revellers actually the minority?

WES responding to the call for more ‘alternate’ Schoolies ideas!

Try a trek in the Himalaya for Schoolies week - now that's wild!

Missing from the start of Schoolies Week on the Gold Coast this Saturday will be the many Year 12 students sitting at home watching the alcohol fuelled chaos on television because they feel there are no alternatives out there for them.

World Expeditions Schools (WES) has responded to calls from concerned parents and various organisations - even Year 12 students themselves - to provide alternative options for Schoolies by releasing six trips designed ‘specially for schoolies wanting more from their end of school celebration.

Building on our offering last year of alternative Schoolies adventures to Nepal and Vietnam, we have added four new destinations to the 2013 program. Now, students can take part in a guided, action based trip that gets them off the main tourist trails in Cambodia, Laos, along China’s Great Wall and Thailand in the company of other school leavers.

“As well as providing options for Year 12 students, it’s also critical that we begin to teach them responsible ways of travelling as travel will surely be on the immediate wish list for many young students”, says World Expeditions Schools brand manager, Brad Atwal.

“They are part of a significant market, with an estimated 160 million young travellers globally worth more than US$173 billion a year. Recently published studies reveal that around 70% of 16-29 year old travellers seek out authentic experiences which grow them as an individual such as learning a language, working and volunteering abroad and increasing awareness of diverse cultures and it’s these kind of experiences that our Schoolies alternatives aim to provide.”

“As a parent, where would you rather invest your money? Flush it down a Gold Coast toilet or expand your child’s view of the world by giving them exposure local communities and people often less fortunate than themselves.”

Atwal suggests parents of students in Year 10 and 11 should start discussing options early so that students can take advantage of cheaper airfares and even help to pay for their trips simply by planning in advance.

“Cost wise, the overseas options are on par with many Gold Coast packages. The alternatives are out there and growing, they just need to be supported.’

View World Expeditions Schools' alternative Schoolies Adventures.

To Schoolies or not to Schoolies? What are my alternatives?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:11:55 GMT

Alternative Schoolies Ideas

I remember my Schoolies Week. Well actually, I don’t really, and it’s not because of alcohol. What I remember is that I know I just didn’t really enjoy it.

So, what’s wrong with me? How come I cannot wax lyrical about a monumental occasion that so many Australian school leavers consider a ‘right of passage’? First, I was only seventeen, so I couldn’t go out with my friend’s, who were of legal age, to celebrate the end of Year 12 in a thumping nightclub. Then there was the fact that it was just sooo busy (I realised then I wasn’t a fan for large crowds) and with kids in various states of sobriety, you either made what you thought were friends, or easily annoyed someone to make a quick enemy.

Twenty years on, the only strong memory I have of Schoolies Week is that I don’t really have much of a memory of it at all.

Sure, I do recall five of us sharing a hotel room, and some sort of day trip out to the beach to enjoy the sunshine and watch some of the group try to surf, but I just don’t have that strong, vivid experience that I know I have for many other childhood accomplishments, which were rewarded without the promise of binge drinking in the company of like-minded individuals.

I’m sure my story isn’t unique. Actually, I know it isn’t. I have recently spoken with many students about to finish Year 12 who have told me they hate the idea of getting drunk at Schoolies. So what do they do?

Recently, I began to research what options were available for kids today only to realise that not much had changed. Ok, the Gold Coast crowd had spilled into Byron Bay, and even down to Coffs Harbour. For those who could afford it, there were now Schoolies tours to Bali, Fiji and even Vanuatu. While not directly encouraging or promoting having a tipple or ten, the promises of ‘schoolies only’ resorts, partying with themed all night events just reminded me of that classic saying you’ll hear often in South-East Asia – same same, only different.

Here’s a time in a young person’s life where they have access to time, a little bit of money, perhaps, and a great reason to go reward themselves. Until recently, there have been very little options for those students who don’t want to celebrate schoolies in the conventional way. I’m very surprised. It could be argued that, here we are, the grownups in society, telling the leaders of tomorrow that going out and getting hammered is the best way to celebrate simply by the omission of providing them with any other alternative.

Well, let’s change that.

Let’s look at what, say, $2000 could get you. Let’s see if we can begin to promote the idea to students that there are alternatives for them. That alternative I believe is travel.

It maybe cliché, but travel is the reward that keeps on giving. Not only will a young adult learn skills that will help set them up for university - and life - such as budgeting, problem solving, even the art of making new friends, they’ll also have the opportunity to open their hearts and minds to a world other than their own through rich experiences they’ll never get back here at home.

Plus it’s actually fun, exciting and possibly the only alternative that may seem ‘sexy’. Travel is a just reward that school leavers, who have just completed one of the most arduous mental tests anyone will ever go through, fully deserve.

And it doesn’t have to be unaffordable. Consider the option. How much is a week’s hotel accommodation in a major tourist centre, meals, travel to and from there plus miscellaneous spending money. Is there even a price on worrying whether you’ll see them on the news?

For perhaps the same money, or maybe even a teeny bit more, they could head off on their own independent adventure abroad. Free from the tentacles of teachers, parents and any other restrictions they have the opportunity to grow, learn and most of all have some fun.

So, where could they go on AU$2000-$3000? Many places. How long they can survive on that money is the real question.

Travelling independently doesn’t automatically mean students will be able to get further on their rations. Contrary to popular belief, travelling independently isn’t always the cheapest option. One student does not have any ‘buying power’ compared to an established travel company. Countries in Asia are not as ‘cheap as they used to be’ with smart local operators knowing where the big money is and adjusting pricing accordingly, and if it’s their first time on their own there is no guarantee they will make smart decisions with their money.

Guided tours are strongly worth considering. If not just for peace of mind, but also knowing there is someone in charge who is first aid trained, has an intimate understanding of the region and also to enhance the overall quality of the experience. Join a regular departure that has a mix of ages or do a search on ‘schoolies adventures’ to see what comes up specific for that demographic.

So where to go?

Vietnam: go chill out on a junk boat in Halong Bay, travel the length of the country by train and bus, go trekking amongst hill tribe villagers in Sapa or take a journey along the Mekong River. Travel with a friend or make them along the way.

Thailand: beach time might sound nice. But isn’t this something you could easily have at home? Take a cycle tour of Bangkok’s streets, head north to travel on bamboo rafts or even elephants. Hill tribe trekking really is quite common here, so there is no shortage of affordable opportunities. If you hate the crowds though, this is where an organised tour may come in handy as they may just take you on the road less travelled.

New Zealand: you won’t get as much bang for your buck as you might in Asia, but head to Queenstown for access to the adventure capital’s most daring adrenaline activities. Or cycle along the Otago Rail Trail, voted the number 2 ‘must do’ experience in New Zealand by Lonely Planet.

Australia: Head down to Tasmania and sample the amazing, pristine wilderness experiences, such as trekking the famous Overland Track, kayaking in the Freycinet Peninsula or even taking on one of the world’s final true expedition rafting journeys along the Franklin River.

Nepal: from trekking the lower foothills of the Annapurna mountain ranges to searching for rhino on the back of an elephant in Chitwan National Park, while you might fork out a little more for the airfare the country represents one of the most affordable and rewarding places for young people to travel to in the developing world.

The end of school should be a memorable experience. If we want to encourage positive values, try and rid society of such scourges such as drink driving and so on, we should be encouraging school leavers by providing them with alternative options to Schoolies Week. Travel is that alternative.