Preparation & Training

Preparation is an obvious, but often-neglected, part of running a successful overseas adventure. It is a good idea to schedule regular meetings with the group to make sure they are on track with their planning. There will be many things to think about such as passports, visas, kit and vaccinations before you even set foot on a plane. Why not ask each pupil to research a topic about the country you will be visiting and then present the information to the rest of the group? It is also important that your group is fit enough to take part in the trip, especially if it will be physically demanding. It is a sad reality that many young people do very little exercise and being unfit can severely impact upon an individual's enjoyment of an expedition as well as being a safety hazard. A good trip provider will have processes and documentation in place to help you with preparation and training.

Fundraising

Overseas trips require an, often substantial, financial commitment from parents and easing this burden will only generate support for the proposed venture. Getting the group to take part in fundraising activities is a good way to do this and also teaches your pupils a lot about the value of money and tests their own dedication to the trip. Pupils who get on a plane having raised a lot of the cash themselves will gain a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction. Your provider should be able to give you lots of ideas and tips on fundraising, but the best advice is to plan ahead and to involve the whole community. Encourage ideas that give something back to your supporters such as talent shows, car washing and cake sales, rather than those that rely solely on donations.

Equipment

There will inevitably be personal equipment that the group will need to buy for their expedition, but it is worth bearing a few things in mind before spending any money. Firstly, check what equipment your operator provides and what kit the pupils are expected to take. It is generally not necessary for pupils to go out and spend vast amounts of money on kit. While kit such as footwear and sleeping bags do need to be fairly good quality, clothing does not need to be brand new since it will usually get very worn and dirty anyway- as long as items are warm enough, cool enough or dry enough, that is fine. Try and negotiate group discounts at your local outdoor shops or you could even try to get some items sponsored by local businesses. Finally, make sure all footwear is well worn in prior to departing!

Managing Pupils Abroad

Most good operators will provide you with a professional and experienced leader or in-country guide to take responsibility of your group and to organise the day-to-day management of the itinerary. However, your role as a teacher should complement and support the leader, especially in terms of pastoral care and maintaining discipline. If you are traveling to a developing country, bear in mind that your pupils may be seeing poverty for the first time and this can be very challenging. The routine, climate, food and environment may also be very different to what they are used to and of course they may feel homesick. All of these factors will require you to be extra observant of behavioural changes and also to be understanding. Think about having informal evening de-briefings where you and the group can raise any concerns. It is very important to make sure that your pupils follow instructions given to them by the leader and that they observe cultural norms. Emphasize the fact that they will be ambassadors for their school and their country!

Taking part in overseas trips can give young people the confidence to explore new opportunities in life as well as teaching them tolerance of other cultures and respect for the natural world. For you as a teacher, organising such a trip will enhance your professional skills and experience and allow you to see your pupils in a totally different light. Take the plunge and pioneer overseas trips at your school, inspiring a culture of exploration and understanding amongst your pupils!

Top 10 Tips

• 1. Go with an overseas provider
• 2. Choose this provider carefully
• 3. Plan the trip well in advance of departure
• 4. Get your Principle and LEA on board at an early stage
• 5. Prepare your pupils physically for the trip
• 6. Encourage fundraising activities
• 7. Try to get group discounts on equipment and vaccinations
• 8. Get your pupils to research their destination
• 9. Ask the pupils to keep a trip diary and make a presentation to the school on their return
• 10. Make a display about the trip at the school to encourage next year's participants!