You won’t be surprised to learn that here at STC Expeditions, we’re enthusiastic advocates for travel. Why? Well, there’s plenty of fun to be had out there, of course. But there are also lots of opportunities for personal development and first-hand learning. It’s not an exaggeration to say that seeing the world can change or shape you – and this is particularly true for young travellers.
Research published by the US National Library of Medicine concludes that young people are at their most impressionable between the ages of 12 and 18. Yes, that means they can be swayed by negative forces, but it also means they can be positively influenced by constructive experiences and inspiring role models. Many emotional and rational strategies and reactions are set during adolescence and carried into adulthood. Even short stints of travel at the right moment can have an impact that flicks on a lightbulb and lasts a lifetime.
Over the years, we’ve travelled with hundreds of young people and witnessed some amazing before-and-after stories. A long list of benefits comes from packing your bags, hitting the road and travelling while young.
Goodbye comfort zone
Although the digital age gives the illusion that the wide world is within anyone’s reach, in reality, social media has narrowed the focus of enthusiastic users. No one doubts that, for teenagers, sitting alone in their bedrooms staring at their phones isn’t healthy. A tech-free trip (it is possible…) to the other side of the world, where nothing is familiar, is one way to jolt students out of their comfort zones and make them realise that doing something IRL is way better than watching a YouTuber have a go.
The result? Tests mental and physical resilience; builds cultural awareness; fosters social skills; takes off the blinkers.
Outside the classroom
Teachers know that not all young people share the same learning style and, for some, real-world experience trumps classroom theorising. All sorts of concepts – biological, ecological, economic – can be brought to life in three dimensions on expedition. We travel to landscapes that have to be seen to be believed and introduce students to people they’d never otherwise encounter. We don’t shy away from culture shock, instead we embrace it as a powerful tool that destroys preconceptions.
The result? Enriches understanding; boosts enthusiasm; inspires curiosity; builds respect for the planet.
Taking the reins
When you’re young, getting your first taste of responsibility can be daunting. Students who come on expedition with STC get to try their hands at new things they may not have dreamed they could do. We give them responsibility for planning, decision-making and problem-solving, whether that’s raising funds to make the trip possible or completing project work with local communities.
The result? Increases self-reliance; broadens ambition; builds confidence; promotes humility.
New friends / old friends
Wherever there’s a group of people, there’s a hierarchy. Students slot into places within their families and their friendship groups and don’t often challenge them, whether they’re comfortable or not. On expedition, norms are turned upside down, previously unrealised strengths are tapped and new connections are made. It’s common to see very different sides to students when the usual constraints are released.
The result? Creates new bonds; invokes empathy; builds self-belief.
Finding a new viewpoint
Until you get out into the world, it’s easy to think everyone else has much the same sort of life as you. At STC Expeditions, we work with local leaders and guides who know the countries we visit inside out. They introduce our young travellers to people with strikingly different lifestyles, outlooks and value systems. By observing unfamiliar customs and understanding their significance, students learn there’s more than one way to live.
The result? Builds respect, cultural awareness and tolerance; puts everyday problems in perspective.
Facing the challenge
Tough physical challenges are a big part of many of our expeditions. Many students stand at the bottom of a mountain thinking ‘I can’t…’ only to later find themselves at the summit, realising ‘I can…’ Everyone who hikes through the rainforest or pulls a sled across the Arctic tundra emerges just a little bit different.
The result? Opens up possibilities; increases self-belief; gives a sense of achievement.
Following the ethical path
Since the founding of STC Expeditions nearly 20 years ago, sustainability and ethical travel have been at the core of everything we do. Every trip is planned and executed with these priorities in mind. We keep our footsteps light, leave nothing behind and look to our student travellers to follow suit. Seeing the most extraordinary places on Earth shows young people that they have a responsibility to protect the planet and empowers them to try.
The result? Inspires critical thinking; demonstrates accountability; builds ambition.
If your students need a transformational experience that builds character, give us a shout. We can suggest challenging-in-a-good-way expeditions to some extraordinary destinations.