student stories

Success Stories: How Educational Travel Helps Students Find Themselves

Erin P. | July 2, 2025

Every teacher has a reason why they keep going. Sometimes it’s about seeing that spark of curiosity in a classroom. Sometimes it’s about helping students discover their own confidence. And sometimes, it’s something bigger.

For Sophia and Athena, two high school students from Scarborough, Ontario, that “something bigger” came to life on an educational tour with EF. What started as a school trip turned into a journey of discovery—not just of new places, but of themselves.

From Scarborough to Somewhere Bigger: A Student Testimonial

Sophia and Athena both joined an EF tour planned through their high school. Like many first-time student travellers, they boarded the plane full of nerves and what-ifs.

“It was the first time I was going to be away from home without my family,” Sophia recalls. “I wasn’t sure how I was going to manage in another country alone… except I wasn’t. I was with my teachers.”

That sense of security and support from her teachers made all the difference.

“The teachers that were able to experience the trip with us deserve more credit than we can offer,” Sophia said. “In 10 days, they weren’t just teachers; they were mentors, karaoke partners, and friends.”

For Athena, those early nerves melted away once the adventure began.

“I can honestly say that throughout my trip I always felt safe, no matter the city, the hotel, or the tour destination,” she said. “Once I realized how well planned and safe these trips were, any worries I had faded away.”

The Impact of Transformative Student Travel in Europe

When the worry disappeared, wonder took its place. Both students described moments that changed them—not in dramatic ways, but in human ones.

“The opportunity to experience new cultures while travelling abroad allowed me to learn more than any textbook could offer,” Athena said.

For Sophia, one unforgettable memory came during a rainy night in Portugal. In a town square, surrounded by music and strangers, a man played guitar while someone in a globe costume started a conga line. Locals and students danced together—no shared language, just shared joy.

“At that moment, we were together—laughing, dancing, living,” she said.

That’s what transformative travel looks like. It’s not just about seeing the world. It’s about seeing yourself more clearly than ever before.

How Educational Travel Builds Confidence in Students

Both Sophia and Athena say they returned home different, and became more confident, curious, and open to the world and to themselves.

“After seeing everything I did in Europe, I’ve made it a goal to take every opportunity the world has to offer,” said Sophia. “Because once the trip started to come to an end, I realized how much I really felt like myself.”

“I may not remember the grade I got on my last assignment,” she added, “But I will always remember the day I stepped foot on that plane.”

Why High School Trips Matter

Testimonials like these are a reminder that what students take home from trips abroad isn’t just souvenirs—it’s confidence, independence, and lifelong memories. From overcoming homesickness to navigating different cultures, every part of the journey contributes to student personal growth and success.

Educational travel isn’t a field trip. It’s a turning point.

Whether you're a teacher looking to build confidence in shy students or help your class experience real-world learning, EF offers unforgettable, safe, and expertly planned educational tours around the world.