Assisting Students to Overcome Traveling Outside Home Fears
Before the Trip: Getting Ready for Independence
Students traveling away from their parents for the first time can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. Separation anxiety is normal; however, with the right preparation and tips, students will experience school trips with confidence! There are suggestions to help both travelers and their parents cope with anxiety during and even before the trip.
- Entice them by prompting an open-ended conversation about the trip and encouraging them to reflect on all the amazing places they are going to and the new friends they are going to make memories with, experiences that will cultivate them intellectually and professionally.
- Encourage independence little by little
- If you work in a school, facilitate the ongoing practice of independence at home so students can build self-sufficiency a little bit at a time. Overnights at a family member’s, and sleepovers at a best friend’s, can help ease the transition.
Introduce Students to Their Itinerary
Being aware of what’s going to happen can lower uncertainty and anxiety. Go over the itinerary of the trip with them, the significant events, as well as accommodation and transportation bookings.
Pack Comfort Objects
Some examples are a stuffed animal, a photograph, or a note: Allow students to bring something that brings them comfort during the trip
Teach Coping Strategies
Talk about some easy ways to unwind, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and listening to music. Having students articulate what they are experiencing in journal format can serve the purpose of working through feelings, as well.
- On the way: Managing anxiety at the moment
Maintain a Communication Plan
It is essential the students put the trip first, but a set point of contact with parents (a short phone call or message at certain intervals) can offer reassurance without establishing codependence.
Peer Support Encourage students to talk to classmates and teachers when they begin to feel homesick. Interaction with classes can play to divert schools and neutralize them.
Stay Busy with Things
Nothing to do only magnifies students’ anxiety. Their group work, games, and tourism would engage them and calm them down.
Assure students that anxiety is normal
Chaperones and teachers should validate homesickness feelings but not acknowledge them. Letting students know that it’s fine to be homesick while also underscoring the adventure that lies ahead can help them with the transition.
Encourage a Growth Mindset
Remind students traveling independently is a confidence and independence builder, and encourage them to notice the independence and confidence they’re developing through the trip.
Separation anxiety is one of growth, and with proper preparations and a positive environment, the students can confidently pass through school trips. Indulgently, parents and teachers can make sure students have the time of their lives and create moments that they can cherish for a lifetime by making them spread independence, assuring them, and helping them attend the activities of the journey.
The right school travel partner can make all the difference between an ordinary trip and a truly memorable experience. At Student Adventures, our expertise, innovation, and dedication set us apart. With professional in-house consultants, innovative tools like TripApp, and the comprehensive TripWheel, we make every stage of your trip simple, easy, and effortless.
We hope this guide has given you valuable insight into why we are the best partner for your next school trip. Ready to get started? Call Student Adventures at 1-877-873-7550