How education tourism can boost a child’s learning outcomes

Learning outside the classroom is an ideal tool for impacting learners’ which has been proven to raise students’ attainment and achievement, and improve their behaviours and engagement.

It is about getting learners out and providing them with challenging, exciting, and different experiences to help them learn.

Learning outside the classroom can take the form of education tourism, where students are taken to different culture and people to improve their learning space.

Educational tourism is a type of travel that combines travel with learning and skill development. It can involve visiting educational institutions, participating in cultural activities, or taking part in voluntary work.

It involves a person travelling away from their place of residence, with the primary or secondary purpose of learning in a unique environment.

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Education tourism can boosts a child’s learning outcomes by providing immersive, real-world experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning, allowing a child to gain deeper knowledge through direct engagement with different environments, cultures, and practices, among others.

Recently, a group of high school students stepped off the plane at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and over the next few days, they will experience a journey that will shape their perspectives in ways a classroom never could.

This is not a vacation; it is an immersive learning experience designed to expand horizons, and nurture a love for culture and critical thinking.

At the Lycée Français Louis Pasteur (French International School) Lagos, we believe in learning beyond the classroom. Our two recent school trips to Paris were a perfect embodiment of this philosophy.

Over seven days, two different classes embarked on a meticulously curated journey blending academics, culture, and entertainment, each experience enriching students’ perspectives, nurturing critical thinking, and instilling a deep appreciation for global cultures.

From the moment they arrived, the students dived into the rhythm of the city. Their itinerary had been carefully designed to offer a balance of education, history, and cultural discovery. Visits to renowned institutions like Lycée Louis-le-Grand and ECAM Cergy exposed them to the rigors of the French academic system.

At the Salon de l’Étudiant, they interacted with university representatives, gaining firsthand insight into diverse academic pathways.

With a strong foundation in multiple languages and critical thinking, graduates of the French school have consistently excelled in prestigious universities worldwide, seamlessly adapting to different educational systems and thriving in diverse professional fields.

Beyond academics, history came alive as they stood before the grand façade of the Louvre, walked the halls of Versailles, and admired the intricate details of Notre Dame.

Seeing these landmarks in person gave depth to lessons learned in school, reinforcing the value of global heritage. In Montmartre, they explored the artistic roots of Paris, while in the Quartier Latin, they witnessed the intellectual heart of the city.

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Every street and every monument told a story, and with each step, they gained a deeper appreciation for the world beyond their own.

The trip was also about connection, both with each other and with the culture they immersed themselves in. Sharing meals of fondue, crêpes, and French pastries, they discovered the nuances of French cuisine.

Watching a performance of Carmen or Le Malade Imaginaire, they experienced the beauty of French literature in a way that textbooks could not capture. These moments strengthened their language skills and boosted their confidence in real-world interactions.

The school ensured their safety and supervision, but within that structure, students had the freedom to grow and explore in ways that prepared them for life beyond school.

In Nigeria, where many schools focus primarily on traditional classroom learning, this kind of international exposure set a school apart. Offering education in five languages and encouraging critical thinking, the school’s approach was built on a vision of raising globally minded citizens.

A trip like this was not just about travel; it was about shaping young minds to think beyond borders, to engage with different cultures, and to see themselves as part of a larger world.

For parents considering the future of their child’s education, the question remained clear: what kind of experience would truly prepare them for the world ahead?

Was it enough to read about history, art, and global perspectives, or should they have had the chance to live them? The answer lay in the experiences that shaped their growth and in the opportunities that would open doors to the future.