Educational Tourism

            Educational tourism – also known as edu-tourism – is a sub-sector of the travel and travel and tourism sector. Its uniqueness, however, lies in the fact that it helps to foster education and research activities; with an overall view of enhancing knowledge. In recent times, this sub-sector has grown in terms of relevance and popularity.

The sharp increase in the relevance of educational tourism is largely due to the fact that some of the world’s best destinations have proven to help students attain knowledge and technical competencies. Edu-tourism has also earned the reputation of helping to achieve self-actualisation, career enhancement and job development. Ultimately, age does not serve as a barrier within this space of learning.

Forms of Edu-tourism

            Some popular forms of educational tourism include seminar vacations, school excursions, student exchange programs, educational cruises, self-enhancement vacations, senior seminars, and study abroad experiences. These forms of learning help people to acquire knowledge in a way that’s different from reading books.

The level of practicality that comes with this form of learning utterly outweighs the system of theoretical learning. The idea behind this pattern is to understand how to apply the knowledge acquired in the classroom when present in a more practical environment. The most popular form of educational tourism is the organization of excursions that give students room to enhance their observation and research skills; as well as broaden their horizon.

Education through travel

            Nowadays, the world seems to be showing more appreciation for informal learning than for formal learning. These new styles of education, as well as new forms of approach to research; has helped to expand the global educational scenario. Hence, the numerous advantages that come with ‘education through travel’ have been the reason for the significant growth of educational tourism.

            The increase in thirst for knowledge has also encouraged people to travel across the world to help them gain further understanding of some of the ideas and concepts they had been taught in class. In a bid to enhance their skills, knowledge and competencies people tend to prefer travelling to other regions. This way, they tend to meet and exchange ideas with people who also have knowledge and experience around various subject matters. This phenomenon has helped to increase the growth of the educational sector.

            Generally, educational tourism involves study tours and is largely opined to be the most advanced form of travel within the tourism industry. One common relationship that exists between the many forms of educational tourism is the fact that learning is a lifelong experience that is acquired in a fun way; with self-improvement being a result of the process.

Educational Tourism: Challenges

It is often said that all progress is precarious; as the solution to one problem often brings us directly face to face with another problem. While Edu-tourism is a fast-growing sector within the industry; there are some challenges that pose a threat to the growth of the sector. One of such challenges that threaten the expansion of this sector is the issue of political instability.

Another major challenge is the issue of maintaining the quality of education. Huge costs are required to establish research facilities and create a remarkable experience for students. Since the essence of this system is to give equal access to people of any class, religion, age or nationality; it beckons on the government to do more to support educational tourism.

Educational Tourism: Worldwide Presence

            Educational tourism is a system that exists across the world, with countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan and France playing leading roles within the sector. Be it as it may, it is fair to note that the growth of educational tourism in developing countries has also been remarkable.

Educational Tourism: Organisational Support

            Across the world, travel companies have high hopes as regards the growth of the edu-tourism sector. While it is still unpopular in some parts of the world; many travel companies have started to organize educational tours. By this, they contribute to the expansion of the edu-tourism sector; while promoting the essence of education. There are hopes that the edu-tourism sector would become a major force in coming years; as it promises to add value to the society.

With educational tourism, the ageing population gets to enjoy a level playing ground as age is not a barrier to learning within this space. By giving a boost to the level of education; new economic opportunities would be generated, thus, adding value to society. In order to make the most of edu-tourism, the contents of these tours should be designed such that people get to take out a full pack of knowledge.