5 Top Destinations for Educational and Inspirational School Visits

Dry and forgettable are hardly the words you wish to hear students describe a planned trip abroad! While such excursions have genuine educational purpose and therefore need not be deemed entertainment, it is vital that students be motivated and the spark of knowledge be ignited within them. In many cases, it is the destination that can provide this ignition and create an experience that students will find hard to forget.

Washington D.C.

There is a good reason that Washington D.C. is known as a destination for inspirational school visits. It has a long and esteemed history for drawing great minds and events to its sphere. From the earliest days of the United States of America to its current role as the seat of power for the free world, the city has boasted the commerce, architecture, and artefacts to ignite minds and spirits. Students who tour the various museums, exhibits and government buildings will be fascinated by its history and its role in current world affairs.

London

It only takes a short ride around metropolitan London to make you realise why this city has become synonymous with culture, vibrancy and education. With a long and colourful history pulsing through its veins, the capital of a former empire is an ideal location for inspirational school visits. The iconic sites, bustle of activity, historic museums, ethnic mix and epochal architecture that makes this city hum with its signature energy will overwhelm students.

Madrid

Some cities encapsulate a little of all the best parts of their nation - Madrid is such a city. This proud capital will intrigue students on inspirational school visits. From its cuisine to its art and its culture to its beautiful buildings, Madrid bears the hallmarks of Spain’s diversity, both in the past and present. It is a bustling metropolis with many centres of learning, so students will have their senses set abuzz even as their minds are being tested.

Berlin

Berlin is a top venue for inspirational school visits because even before students travel there, they will no doubt have some idea of the city’s pivotal role in history and world culture. While many cities present a sunny and pleasant face to visitors, Berlin does not have the privilege of hiding its scars. In fact, students will find any excursion to this city enthralling because apart from the lively culture, diverse architecture and mixed population, they will come face to face with a culture that has openly dealt with its war torn past.

Rome

Few students would pass up a trip to Rome. The "Eternal City" has a special mix of classical prestige and modern romanticism that lures people from all around the world. Even if students do not have this city of emperors on their travel bucket list, they will no doubt be mesmerised by the ruins of the past and the verve of the present amalgamating into a blend of culture not matched anywhere in the world.

Angela Bowden works for EST (Equity School Travel), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing inspirational school visits for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. Tours with EST can also encompass a wide range of other learning opportunities in worldwide destinations.