Last year, Nikki and her school joined The Learning Adventure on a transformative history & geography educational tour to Korea. We spoke with Nikki to find out more about her school’s program, their experience of Korea, and how the Learning Adventure helped them book an exciting, enriching school trip.
What inspired you to organize a school trip to Korea, and how did you go about planning it?
As part of our history A-level curriculum, we decided to build our trip around our ‘Cold War in Asia’ module, which is mostly focused on the Korean and Vietnam Wars. So many of our students were fascinated by Korean culture that it seemed to be the obvious choice. We also recognised the potential for a joint trip with the geography department, who use the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project as one of their case studies. When I approached The Learning Adventure about running the trip, I was very fortunate to be invited on a teacher familiarisation tour, which was an incredible experience and the perfect way to prepare for the trip.
What were some of the educational benefits you hoped your students would gain from visiting Korea?
We wanted to bring the history they have been studying to life by putting the Korean war into context for them, and to provide a valuable life experience for them by taking them somewhere with such a distinct and rich culture.
What were the top 3 highlights of the trip for your students?
- The DMZ
- The K-Pop dance class
- The boat cruise in Busan Bay
What were your top 3 highlights as a teacher?
- The amazing food
- The DMZ
- Our local guide
Can you share any memorable cultural experiences or interactions your students had during their time in Korea?
One thing our students will never forget is the street food markets – I was so impressed by how willing they were to come out of their comfort zone. Some students were even brave enough to eat live eels! They absolutely loved all of the Korean food, and I was so pleased that they weren’t just offered western style food – something some travel companies often resort to.
The K-Pop dance class also provided an opportunity to get to know their Korean dance instructor, who was close in age to them and represented the new ‘modern’ Korea, as opposed to a constant focus on the history. It was also so much fun!
Were there any particular landmarks, attractions, or activities in Korea that stood out as must-visit destinations for educational groups?
A visit to the DMZ is an experience like no other, and I can’t think of a better way to help students develop their understanding of the Korean war and its aftermath.
What time of year did you travel to Korea and what was the weather like?
We went in October. The weather was lovely – just like the nicest autumn days we get in the UK. We found the climate at this time of year familiar and unproblematic. Having also run a trip to Vietnam, I have to say this was a big plus for Korea, as the unfamiliar tropical climate in Vietnam was difficult for some of our students.
Is there anything that you and your students really enjoyed eating in Korea that you hadn’t tried before?
So many different things! The buffet style meals meant there were multiple options to try a wide range of different foods, and there was always something for everyone.
What were your educational goals for the trip? And were they achieved?
To help students develop their understanding of the Korean War and of Korean culture, and to view firsthand some of the case studies which they had been using in their geography classes – and absolutely!
How did your local Adventure Leader in Korea enrich your trip?
Our local Adventure Leader was incredible. She was with us every step of the way, and everything ran so smoothly that the staff were able to enjoy themselves! Not only did she deliver the agreed plan, but she was also able to be flexible when we asked her for last minute changes.
What advice would you give to other teachers interested in organizing a school trip to Korea?
Go for it! It can seem a bit daunting because it is so far away – and in my experience not many people have travelled to Korea themselves before – but it is an extremely safe and welcoming country, and the cultural experiences are unmatched.
Where would you like to take your students next? Is there anywhere you are excited to travel to in the future?
I would love to run a trip to China!
What made you choose to travel with The Learning Adventure?
There are not many companies currently running trips to South Korea, and the excellent communication with the customer service team at the Learning Adventure quickly convinced me that they were the right choice. The teacher trip to Korea definitely sealed the deal!
Would you book with The Learning Adventure again and why/why not?
Absolutely – the quality of the local guide alone was enough to make me want to use this company again. I also appreciated how the activities and itinerary were tailor-made for us, and everything ran extremely smoothly.
If you’d like to learn more about booking a school trip to Korea, you can explore our range of showcase itineraries, or email our Sales team.
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