Overview

 Highlights


  • Connect with local students through cultural exchange at a local school
  • Practise French with local communities and at Alliance Française
  • Discover Santo's beautiful east coast, villages and beaches
  • Snorkel with sea turtles and learn about marine conservation
  • Explore Nguna Island's village life, coastal waters and conservation initiatives
  • Explore Port Vila’s markets, landmarks and local history with a French-speaking guide

Swap the classroom for the tropical islands of Vanuatu on an exciting eight-day school adventure combining French language, cultural exchange and island exploration!

From the colourful streets of Port Vila to the beautiful coastline of Espiritu Santo, students will put their French skills into action through meaningful interactions with local communities. Connect with students at St Michel School, discover Vanuatu's Francophone heritage and experience traditional Ni-Vanuatu culture.

Dive into marine adventures as you snorkel with sea turtles, learn about conservation and explore the island community of Nguna. Along the way, discover stunning beaches, participate in environmental activities and build friendships across cultures.

Packed with hands-on learning, island adventures and opportunities to connect with local communities, this Vanuatu Efate and Santo expedition brings language, culture and environmental education to life!

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Port Vila

Activities:

Grading:   

Addressing:


The day has finally arrived! We arrive in Vanuatu’s colourful capital, Port Vila, where we meet our guides and transfer to our accommodation. After settling in, we come together for a trip briefing. It's a chance to talk through the 8 days ahead, get some local tips for navigating our surrounds and the local culture, and to get to know our guides. Depending on when we arrive, we may have time to do some exploring and get our first taste of island life. In the evening we walk down to the harbour to enjoy a welcome dinner and get excited about the week of French, culture and adventure ahead. Overnight: Shared Dorms, Port Vila

Meals:  D

We're off to Espiritu Santo! After a short domestic flight from Port Vila, we arrive on Vanuatu's largest island, ready to begin our cultural exchange experience. Our first stop is St Michel School, where we meet local students and teachers and begin making connections across cultures. It's an exciting opportunity to put our French-language skills into practice, learn about school life in Vanuatu and start building friendships. After our first school engagement session, we return to our accommodation, ready for a full day of shared learning and activities tomorrow. Overnight: Multi-share bungalows, Santo

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we return to the school for a full day of cultural exchange, spending time alongside local students as we take part in classes, group activities and everyday school life. Throughout the day, we use our French to communicate in real situations, whether working together on projects, joining in games and discussions, or simply chatting during breaks. As we share stories about our schools, families and daily routines, we gain a deeper understanding of life in Vanuatu while offering a glimpse into our own culture and experiences back home. The day provides plenty of opportunities to build friendships, develop confidence using French and learn from different perspectives. In the evening, we return to our bungalow accommodation, surrounded by the peaceful tropical landscape, where we can relax, reflect on the day's experiences and share highlights from the connections and conversations we've made. Overnight: Multi-share bungalows, Santo

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we set out to explore the spectacular east coast of Espiritu Santo, discovering some of the island's most beautiful natural attractions. Our journey takes us to Matevulu Blue Hole or Nanda Blue Hole, where crystal-clear freshwater springs emerge from beneath the jungle canopy, creating an inviting place to swim and relax. We continue to the iconic Champagne Beach, renowned for its white sand and turquoise waters. Along the way, we gain insight into life in Vanuatu beyond the towns and schools, experiencing the landscapes and coastal communities that shape daily life on the island. We enjoy lunch in the village of Port Olry, a picturesque fishing community known for its strong French influence and stunning beachfront location. Returning to our accommodation in the afternoon, we have time to reflect on the day's discoveries and appreciate the natural beauty that makes Santo one of the South Pacific's most remarkable islands. Overnight: Multi-share bungalows, Santo

Meals:  B,L,D

We farewell Espiritu Santo and take a domestic flight back to Port Vila on the island of Efate. This afternoon, we head out for a marine experience combining snorkelling, sea turtle encounters and environmental education. As we explore Vanuatu's coastal waters, we have opportunities to observe marine life and learn about the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats. We also participate in a hands-on environmental service activity, connecting what we've learnt about marine conservation with practical action. Our experience highlights the relationship between healthy marine ecosystems, local communities and responsible environmental practices before we return to our accommodation in Port Vila. Overnight: Shared Dorms, Port Vila

Meals:  B,L,D

We begin the day exploring Port Vila, gaining a deeper understanding of the capital as we visit key landmarks and learn about the mix of Melanesian, European and Pacific influences that have shaped modern Vanuatu. We then take part in an immersive cultural experience with local community members, where we are introduced to traditional customs, village life, storytelling, music and everyday practices that continue to play an important role in Ni-Vanuatu culture. Through hands-on participation and meaningful conversations, we develop a greater appreciation for the country's rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community. Later, we visit Alliance Française for a French-language session, putting our communication skills into practice and experiencing firsthand the important role French continues to play in Vanuatu's multilingual society. Overnight: Shared Dorms, Port Vila

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we set off by boat to Nguna Island, crossing the turquoise waters of Mele Bay to experience life in one of Vanuatu's island communities. We explore the village on foot, meet local community members and learn how traditions, culture and the natural environment continue to shape daily life on the island. Along the way, we take in sweeping coastal views and gain a deeper understanding of the close connection between people and place. There's also time to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, discovering colourful coral reefs and tropical marine life while learning about local conservation efforts. After lunch on the island, we return to Port Vila before coming together for a farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships we've formed, the experiences we've shared and the memories we've created throughout our journey. Overnight: Shared Dorms, Port Vila

Meals:  B,L,D

We spend our final morning in Port Vila, with time for some last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping, depending on our flight schedule. Before departing, we come together for a group debrief, reflecting on the experiences we've shared across Efate, Espiritu Santo and Nguna Island. We consider how our French-language skills have developed, what we've learnt through our school and community interactions, and how our understanding of Vanuatu's culture and environment has changed. We then transfer to the airport for our international flight home, bringing our eight-day educational journey to an end.

Meals:  B,L


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Quality Education:  Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Life Below Water:  Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

Partnerships For The Goals:  Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development


Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to:
• Build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• Increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• Discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• Give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.


Inclusions

  • International and domestic flights as required
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All internal trip transfers as per itinerary
  • Professional English/French speaking guides accompanying the group for the duration of the trip
  • School teachers accompanying the program
  • All group activity equipment
  • All entrance fees, taxes, levies, and permits
  • Emergency first aid kit, communication devices, and 24hr external support

  • Travel insurance
  • Visa
  • Items of a personal nature such as soft drinks, souvenirs, ice cream etc.
  • Water bottle - BYO for refilling during the trip
  • Donations to language schools

Grading


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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