What will travel for schools look like in the year ahead?

As the vast majority of school travel remains frozen, we are exploring the virtual options now and what travel will look like in the future:

NOW: CONNECTING TO THE WORLD REMOTELY

We are anticipating more unpredictability in the weeks and months ahead. From politics to second waves, we are keeping a close watch on local and global news to see what options make sense, and when. Members of our team have already helped to lead some “bubble-based” programs with extensive testing and clear processes. We are learning from that approach and staying informed about the science of COVID-19 to design thoughtful protocols for in-person programming when the time is right.

Meanwhile, we are enjoying the ability to support international communities and schools digitally and have been able to connect to places that are not always on the top of everyone’s travel list. Likewise we have been able to bring in diverse groups, creative formats, and varied geographies to a single program. These virtual programs are helping to show the real value of global learning without some of the downsides of travel (for example, higher costs and frequent preoccupations with selfies). It’s been energizing to see the spark of genuine connection across distance and culture as students’ curiosity about the world is re-engaged.

SOON: BUILDING COMMUNITY IN PERSON

While we love the opportunities of virtual learning, we strongly believe in the power of in-person programming, community-building, and the more hands-on skills that are harder to foster in digital settings. In-person retreats, deep dives closer to home, and domestic trips will be plausible soon, especially with the right protocols for the right community. We anticipate these programs being more feasible from the spring and into next summer.

We are see the potential for in-person programming in controlled environments to bring back some of the soft skills and community that students are missing in virtual learning. A well-run in-person program can help students gain important skills and connections with peers and teachers, with less opportunity for virus exposure once the program begins.

IN THE FUTURE: TRAVELING WITH CAUTION

We see domestic travel and international travel resuming in earnest once a vaccine is widely deployed or as soon as the world grows confident about herd immunity - hopefully by the summer of 2021. We anticipate destination preferences to be impacted for some time based on individual health concerns, new priorities for students, and national health systems around the world.

We see the first wave of trips unfolding the way many educators have seen the first day of school: full of enthusiasm and some renewed flexibility from students anxious to get out into the world again. We expect programs in the future to grapple with the issues that have deepened during the pandemic, from concerns of global health and inequality to the importance of technology, to the environment, to local and global economics. As an organization we are asking big questions now and trying to connect many of our programs back to these broader global issues.

We are also expecting future travel programs to be more driven by learning outcomes, projects, and competencies, as schools have had a chance to reset global programs agendas and build up excitement for thoughtful, intentional programs when travel resumes.

Want to brainstorm with us about a future program (whenever) online or offline? We are excited to connect about the opportunities and challenges in the year ahead.