Are you ready to make a difference while traveling the world? Thanks to student travel companies, we live in a world where students can hop on a plane, immerse themselves in other cultures, and gain valuable life experiences along the way.
Student travel programs have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of just lounging on a beach or partying all night (although there are still plenty of opportunities to do that, too) – the best student travel companies are all about making a tangible impact on the world. Whether through volunteerism, conservation, or adventure, these companies offer opportunities for young adults to travel the world and give back to global communities.
Organizations like Further Travel specialize in connecting students with volunteer opportunities in destinations around the globe, where they can make a positive difference while expanding their horizons. But it's not all work and no play - these travel camps also offer the chance for adventure and new connections with like-minded individuals.
So why not kill two birds with one stone and make memories that will last a lifetime while making a difference in the world? We can help you get there.
In this article, we'll discuss the following:
- The importance of sustainable and responsible student travel
- Types of student travel organizations
- How to choose the right impact-oriented travel company
Along the way, we'll provide examples of Further Travel's most impactful programs and spotlight other student travel companies doing good in the world.
Let's dive in and see what impact-oriented student travel has to offer!
Sustainable and Responsible Student Travel
Sustainable and responsible student travel abroad is increasingly vital, as more and more people take to the road and explore the world. It's not just about being environmentally conscious, but also culturally aware and leaving communities better than we found them. With the rise of student group travel companies, it's easier than ever for young people to make a difference while seeing the world.
At Further Travel, we love our planet and take sustainability seriously–and we're not alone. For example, 81% of travelers believe sustainable travel is essential worldwide, with 46% of UK travelers claiming they would volunteer with NGOs to join community tourism projects.
Sustainable travel is more important now than ever before. With the world population on the rise and tourism numbers increasing, we must start thinking about the impact our trips have on the environment and local communities.
The Impact of Tourism on International Communities
Tourism is a powerful force in the world today. It can bring economic benefits to host communities. For example, in 2020, the tourism industry contributed approximately 883 billion Thai baht to Thailand's economy. At the same time, tourism can also have negative impacts if not managed responsibly, particularly on public resources and the environment.
Let's look at some of the pros and cons of tourism to better understand the impact travelers make on the communities they visit.
Benefits of tourism:
- Increased economic growth through job creation and revenue from tourism-related businesses
- Preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources through conservation efforts
- Education and cultural exchange opportunities for both visitors and host communities
- Improved cross-cultural understanding leads to international diplomacy
Issues tourism creates:
- Overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure
- The exploitation of local labor and resources
- Negative impacts on local cultures and traditional ways of life
- Environmental degradation
When comparing student travel tour companies, we encourage students to research how each program addresses these issues and prioritizes the well-being of the communities they visit. Opt for companies that prioritize sustainable tourism practices, support local economies, and work to minimize negative impacts. By choosing an impact-oriented student travel company, you can travel responsibly and preserve the incredible locations you get to visit.
What is Sustainable and Responsible Travel?
You may be asking, what should I look for in a student travel company to make sure I'm choosing the most ethical option? First, let's discuss what it means to promote sustainable and responsible travel.
Sustainable and responsible travel is all about traveling in a way that preserves the places and cultures you visit for future generations. And it's one of the more exciting community service ideas for college students. This idea of ethical travel is about being mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities and taking steps to minimize that impact.
This can look like a lot of different things, but here are some of the ways Further Travel approaches this concept:
- We plant one tree for each student traveler that embarks on an Further Travel trip.
- We provide the option to carbon offset your flights.
- All Camp merchandise is ethically sourced using sustainable materials.
- We provide the opportunity for travelers to plant trees, clean up beaches, and support local conservation organizations through volunteerism.
- We provide the opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation by partnering with local conservation centers.
- We provide a complete guide to our trips and tricks for traveling sustainably.
For students, sustainable and responsible travel can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. By traveling responsibly, students can learn about different cultures, gain a deeper understanding of the world, and develop a sense of global citizenship.
Some benefits of sustainable and responsible travel for students include:
- Personal growth through cultural immersion and understanding
- Learn ways to be more environmentally friendly
- Building connections and relationships with local communities
- Learning about sustainable practices that can be applied to daily life
- Gaining a greater appreciation for the world and its people
- Helping to protect the destination for future travelers
Sustainable and responsible travel is crucial for the environment and local communities and helps students have a more meaningful, fulfilling travel experience.
Types of Student Travel Companies
From summer travel programs for college students to gap-year adventure tours, there are a lot of options when it comes to international student travel companies. Each program will have a unique structure with different focus areas, from teaching to conservation to all-out adventures.
Let's take a look at the four most common types of college student travel companies:
- Work and travel programs
- Volunteer travel
- Backpacking programs
- Adventure tours
This will help you better identify the type of program that suits your travel style and cultural experience goals.
1. Work & Travel
Who doesn't want to get paid to travel the world?!
Work and travel programs are an excellent option for students who want to combine their love of travel with a desire to earn money. These programs allow participants to work abroad in various industries, from hospitality and tourism to retail and customer service.
Not only do these programs provide students with the opportunity to earn money and gain valuable work experience, but they also offer a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a new language, and make international connections.
Some examples of work and travel programs include:
Work and travel programs like Further Travel's AmeriCamp partner offer students the opportunity to work abroad while exploring a new country. This program connects students to over 900 summer camps across the United States, where they can get paid to be camp counselors or camp support staff for 9 weeks. Then, they get to travel around the country for another month!
If you prefer destinations like South Africa, Bali, or Thailand, you can also look for student travel companies to work for. You get a gig as an Further Travel representative for our excursions! You can get paid to be the group hype person, host orientations, lead excursion activities, and work alongside local partners in some of the most stunning locations on earth.
Work and travel programs can be an incredibly enriching experience. Students can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the community they work in, learn more about tourism's impact on a destination, and contribute to local sustainability efforts. They'll also walk away with transferable skills such as cross-cultural communication, leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.
It'll make quite a conversation piece on your resume!
2. Volunteer Travel
Volunteer travel, also known as voluntourism, is another excellent way for students to participate in sustainable and responsible travel. By participating in volunteer projects, students can work on meaningful projects in the communities they visit while also gaining a deeper understanding of the issues facing those communities.
One of the best things about volunteering is that it allows students to see first-hand the impact they can make on the lives of local residents, human and animal. They can work on projects that align with their interests and skills and see the difference they are making in the community.
Here are some examples of volunteer travel opportunities:
- Conservation projects: Participating in conservation projects such as reforestation, wildlife protection, and beach cleanups. These projects help preserve the environment and teach students the importance of conservation efforts.
- Community development projects: Helping build schools, community centers, and homes in underprivileged communities. These projects can directly impact the lives of the local people and provide the student an opportunity to learn about the culture and way of life.
- Healthcare projects: Participating in healthcare projects such as teaching about health education and providing primary medical care. This can be an excellent opportunity to learn about global health issues and the importance of health education.
- Cultural preservation projects: Participating in cultural preservation projects such as teaching traditional arts and crafts, helping to preserve historic sites, or assisting with cultural events. These projects help maintain the community's cultural heritage and provide students with an opportunity to learn about the culture of the community.
At Further Travel, volunteer trips are often our most popular programs. That's because students can couple surfing lessons and waterfall hikes in Bali with the opportunity to teach English in local schools and work on a Serangan turtle conservation project. Imagine flying to South Africa to coach a youth sports team between visiting Addo Elephant National Park and enjoying the beach at Jeffrey's Bay.
Voluntourism is a perfect way to combine the benefits of sustainable and responsible travel with personal growth and development!
3. Backpacking
If you're more of a backpacker, there are student international travel companies that specialize in planning your dream backpacking trip.
One of the best things about backpacking is that it allows students to get off the beaten path and explore less touristy places. As a result, they can see the world more authentically and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and environment.
Some of the enriching benefits of backpacking travel for students include:
- Learning about different cultures by immersing themselves in the local way of life
- Gaining a sense of independence and self-reliance through navigating unfamiliar places and situations
- Building resilience and problem-solving skills
- Exploring natural environments, learning about conservation and environmental issues
- Building connections with local people and other travelers, making a lifetime of memories
- Developing a sense of global citizenship and empathy towards people and culture
Backpacking travel allows students to explore the world on their own terms and gain valuable life skills.
Adventure Tours
If you're more of the action-packed adventure type, you might be more interested in an all-out adventure tour. With this kind of trip, students can experience everything life has to offer in a foreign country, from the most Instagrammable spots in Bali to learning elephant facts in Thailand.
Adventure tour companies offer students the chance to experience thrilling activities like rafting, bungee jumping, and skydiving. This type of company usually includes sightseeing, cultural activities, and sometimes camping and hiking. Adventure tours can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Participants in an Further Travel adventure tour can expect to access the following:
- Thrilling adventure activities
- Vibrant nightlife
- Island hopping
- Local tour guides
- Stunning locations
- New friends for life
Through Further Travel, you can roam across Europe to adventure through Paris, attend a canal boat party in Amsterdam, and raft on Lake Bled. If you're more of a tropical traveler, you can jet-set to Thailand to visit Khao Sok National Park, take in the wonders of Thai temples, and frolic with elephants at a local sanctuary.
Choosing the Right Travel Company
When choosing a student travel organization, finding one that aligns with your personal values and preferences is essential. Not all companies are created equal, and selecting the right one can make all the difference in your experience.
Here are a few things to consider when searching for the perfect impact-oriented student travel company:
- Mission and values: Look for a company with a mission and values that align with your own. This will ensure that you are working with an organization that is committed to positively impacting the communities you will be visiting.
- Program offerings: Consider what types of programs the company offers and whether they align with your interests. Are you looking for a specific kind of service or volunteer opportunity? Make sure the company has programs that match your needs.
- Safety and security: Safety and security should always be a top priority when traveling. Look for a company with a solid reputation and measures to ensure your safety and well-being while abroad.
- Past participant experiences: Read reviews and testimonials from past participants to get a sense of the experience. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and whether the company is a good fit for you.
- Cost and inclusiveness: Consider the program's cost and whether it fits within your budget. Also, look for an inclusive company that welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds.
By keeping these things in mind, you can feel confident that you are choosing a student travel organization that is the right fit for you and your personal preferences.
Top 5 Student Travel Programs to Consider
There are so many college student travel companies out there it's hard to know which one to choose! Further Travel is one of the most authentic student travel companies around. With a variety of program destinations and types, there's a sustainable travel opportunity for everyone!
Let's take a look at our top five programs and compare the experience!
At Further Travel, we believe in sustainable travel and leaving a positive impact on the places we visit.
We understand that planning a trip during college can be challenging, which is why we're here to help. Our programs prioritize sustainability and environmental friendliness while incorporating elements of volunteering, animal conservation, cultural immersion, and community service.
To learn more, please refer to our FAQs. If one of these impact-oriented programs caught your eye, don't hesitate to reach out to us via email or call us at 0161 222 3780. We're excited to have you on board!
Was this article helpful? You might also want to read the following:
- Top 6 Benefits Of Student Travel Abroad [Examples & Locations]
- Top Summer Travel Programs For College Students [Locations, Prices, & Reviews]
- 10+ Community Service Ideas For College Students While Traveling Abroad
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