Every Guide is local and knows the location and itinerary intimately. This local knowledge ensures teachers work with an expert who can provide the advice, guidance, and support needed to prevent and manage risks. They are first aid trained, know where medical clinics are and how to access them, speak the local language (enabling interpretation of detailed medical information), and are chosen by our local Operations Manager because of their skills, knowledge, and experience.

They are not Western Guides who defer to local experts when an evacuation is needed, require interpreters when talking to local doctors, cooks, or drivers, or may be unfamiliar with the location. We believe local Guides provide the best experience, being unparalleled in interpreting natural and cultural environments, outlining regional history, engaging local communities, and, if needed (with our local Operations Manager), re-arranging services.

Many of our Guides have worked with school groups for a decade or longer. We have the utmost confidence in their ability to provide a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience for your students and teachers.

All our Guides enjoy working with teachers. They receive the same training as teachers and have access to the Teacher’s Companion document, ensuring they understand teachers’ expectations. Across different destinations and Guides, you will consistently experience the same humble "united team" approach, a similar style of teacher, student, and safety briefings, and genuine, kind people who prioritise group safety, enjoyment, and learning outcomes.

Please note: If requested by the School Executive, World Expeditions Schools can provide an Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, or UK-based Guide to travel as a tour leader, escort, or teacher’s assistant. We can also recruit medical professionals/Expedition Doctors if required.

Overnight supervision is a key safety concern for teachers. During the Risk Workshop prior to departure, we will discuss our accommodation supervision procedures, such as the “never alone” policy (students always share with at least one other student) and our “easy and quick access to teachers” policy.

We allow time in the itinerary for teachers to inspect student rooms or tents after check-in and to show students where teachers are sleeping. Only teachers conduct nighttime headcounts and room checks due to child protection procedures. Guides are nearby or on-call if needed.

We invest a little extra in accommodation for additional comfort, especially on the first and last nights. Although remote rural accommodation can be basic, it is always safe, clean, and appropriate for school groups, ensuring easy supervision.

In hotels, hostels, and guesthouses, teachers are provided with single rooms, and students are accommodated in twins, triples, quads, or dormitories. Homestays are group-based, and camping arrangements place tents in close groups, with students sharing and teachers having singles.

All accommodation is visited and inspected by our local Operations Managers and/or Guides, ensuring it meets essential safety and security standards appropriate for school groups.

Meals are a united team effort between Guides and teachers, working together to prevent and manage risks. Before departure, dietary and medical requirements are reviewed during our Risk Workshop. Medical and dietary information is collected during registration, formally checked by the school, and shared via the Teacher’s Companion document.

Critical medical or dietary needs are highlighted for in-person meetings between supervising teachers and families, ensuring full awareness and competence in providing initial care.

On arrival day, an initial all-teachers/Guide briefing includes discussion of these needs. Guides ensure meals meet group requirements, with special meals provided as needed and teachers overseeing meal supervision.

In cities, breakfasts are usually served in hotels, with lunches and dinners in carefully selected restaurants, often linked to NGOs supporting local development. On treks or rural projects, trained cooks prepare appropriate meals blending local and student-friendly dishes.

World Expeditions highly recommends all participants visit a specialist travel doctor for pre-departure advice:

• Australia
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• United States
• New Zealand

Transport safety is paramount during school journeys. If we arrange your international flights, we use IATA-recognised airlines approved by national aviation safety authorities.

Upon arrival, the Guide will meet you and join you on your pre-booked, private, air-conditioned, seat-belted transport, arranged by our local Operations Manager. We do not recommend arranging ad hoc transport upon arrival.

We ensure that vehicles adhere to both local regulations and our internal standards, using modern, newer vehicles wherever possible. Guides sit at the front to liaise with drivers and adjust driving behaviours if necessary. We allow ample journey time to avoid the need to rush, and overnight travel by bus is not permitted.

When trains, overnight boats, or local transport (jeeps, tuk-tuks, cyclos) are involved, we ensure seating arrangements, supervision, and safety equipment are appropriate.

We value the input of organising teachers and the school executive when designing itineraries. Consultation and flexibility ensure a better experience for students and teachers.

Our extensive knowledge, gained from decades of on-the-ground experience, informs your itinerary design. Our School Managers, Head of Risk, R&D Coordinator, and CEO have all visited destinations, ensuring practical knowledge shapes your plans.

Once approved, itineraries remain flexible, and if needed, we adapt plans to accommodate group size changes. We recommend a slightly slower pace, focusing on maximising outcomes rather than overloading the schedule.

Safety is considered throughout: acclimatisation days at altitude, early departures for long drives, and excluding high-risk activities or “thrill” activities through third party providers that cannot be properly risk assessed. We uphold strict Child Protection Procedures and Responsible Travel practices, ensuring we do not engage in activities that harm local communities or the environment.