Sightseeing is no longer the sole purpose of travel. For the student traveler of today, it’s all about immersing in culture, gaining new perspectives and establishing real-world connections. This is the stuff of experiential travel — and a big part of what makes Student Adventures trips memorable. Experiential travel is beyond museums and tour buses. It’s about engaging, relevant experiences that enable students to gain knowledge through practical experience, provide assistance to communities, and bring back more than just souvenirs.
Here’s how Student Adventures guides students through the world more meaningfully.
What Is Experiential Travel?
Experiential travel is about getting immersed in the people, places and culture of a destination. You don’t just stand there watching, you take part.
That could mean:
- Learning to do a traditional craft or cook a regional dish
- Attending educational workshops related to a region’s history or industry
- Guided conversations with locals
These experiences may forge lifelong memories and important skills an absolute winner for global students ready to broaden their horizons.Student Adventures offers a number of exciting opportunities for students.
Washington, D.C. — The Business Behind Democracy
Students don’t only tour monuments, they engage in civic education in visits to think tanks, advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations. These programs teach students how policies are transformed and empower them to participate in discussions about change.
Nashville, TN — Songwriting and Storytelling
In Music City, students delve into the roots of American music with local artists in songwriting workshops. These sessions explore music as a means of social change and personal expression, linking students to the creative heartbeat of Nashville.
Nature and Native History: Mackinac Island, MI
Students unplug and explore nature’s classroom on Mackinac Island. They may also take part in programs focused on local ecology, conservation and indigenous history, providing environmental education as well as cultural appreciation, in a scenic environment.
Boston, MA – Innovation & Thought Leadership
Boston is a city of historic moments, yes, but it’s also a center of innovation, ideas and lasting thought. Stroll the same streets where revolutionaries debated liberty, and stand where some of America’s most fearless thinkers took up the cause. Explore Boston’s spirit of discovery with visits to world-class institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts and JFK Presidential Library, and engaging experiences such as the Boston Duck Tour. In Boston, history does more than stay in memory — it shapes the future.
Orlando, FL: Arts, Culture, and Community Engagement
Following visits to theme parks, Student Adventures exposes students to Orlando’s rich cultural scene. Students examine the way art informs identity and unifies communities, from community mural projects to immersive theater experiences.
Experiential Travel: Why it is so Important
- Deep Learning: Students learn better with hands-on experiences than through lectures.
- Cultural Awareness: Connecting with local people fosters empathy and understanding.
- Career Exploration: Discovering potential future study or work areas with many activities.
Experiential travel takes an ordinary trip and makes it so much more. It makes every moment count. Whether it’s volunteer, creation, learning, or reflection, such immersive experiences give students the power to view the world differently, and perhaps change it.