When School Travel Returns

WHEN SCHOOL TRAVEL RETURNS A BRAND NEW AND HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL

Exploring global citizenship, responsible student travel and educational outcomes in a post COVID-19 world.

Department for Education Guarantee

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE 44+ COUNTRIES VISITED OVER 12,000 TRIPS 150,000+ STUDENTS

L E V A R T L L I W WHAT ?

2 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 LOOK LIKE in We still believe that overseas travel is one of the most empowering, life-altering forms of learning possible.

Which is why despite the recent difficulties, we're pushing through and looking forward to the time when we can begin creating unique school trips that educate, enrich and inspire the next generation. In-fact, we've already begun.

We've all been hit extremely hard by the global outbreak of COVID-19. It's cost many people their jobs, their health and in most cases, our normal ways of life.

This has forced us to ask some tough questions, but instead of shrinking back, we're doubling down to ensure we're travelling in such a way that delivers crucial educational outcomes while taking the best possible care of both people and planet.

We're building upon our strong connections with our European counterparts and foresee that we'll be sending many more of our teams in 2021 to take part in leadership and conservation initiatives throughout the continent.

From 2021 onwards, we're making plans according to expert analysis for travel restrictions to lift throughout many other parts of the world.

A World Challenge is much more than a trip overseas. That said, it all begins with saying yes to adventure, yes to ignoring comfort zones, yes to embracing the beauty that awaits just beyond our shores.

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION GUARANTEE? For 2022 bookings made between 1st September 2020 and 1st June 2021 only, if, within 60 days of departure, the Department for Education (DfE), or the relevant UK governing education department (e.g. Education Scotland), is advising against overseas school trips, World Challenge will provide a full refund to affected customers. For the avoidance of doubt, a booking becomes a booking when a customer (either via the school or the participant) has paid a first instalment.

BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE 1. REFUNDABLE PAYMENTS

If we have to cancel your trip or you are prevented from travelling due to COVID-19 you will receive a full refund of money you have paid us.

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If World Challenge has to cancel your trip for any reason you will receive a guaranteed refund of any money you have paid us

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If you cancel between 1 and 21 days prior to departure for a COVID-19 reason we will refund any money you have paid us

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You must notify us of your need to cancel for a COVID-19 reason at the earliest opportunity (and at the latest 24 hours before your scheduled departure)

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You must provide us with appropriate official written evidence of the COVID-19 reason. Please note that evidence must be provided, so if you have what you believe to be COVID-19 symptoms, you must arrange and take a test as soon as possible

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We have the right to refuse to allow you to cancel and receive a cash refund where we are not reasonably satisfied that you are cancelling for a COVID-19 reason. In such circumstances normal cancellation terms will apply

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Your COVID-19 reason must prevent you safely joining your planned trip and will take into account your nationality’s current government and/or destination government coronavirus guidance

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For the purposes of these terms a “COVID-19 reason” is either a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 within 21 days prior to departure or an order, via the NHS’s track & trace team, to self-isolate due to contact with a person who has, or may have, COVID-19

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2. DESTINATION DIVERSION

If your planned trip destination is unsafe we can provide an alternative trip to a different location at no extra cost.

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A decision to change a trip destination will be made by World Challenge in consultation with the school, as it will impact all trip participants

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World Challenge has no obligation to change a trip destination unless government travel advice (FCDO) precludes travel

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Please note that given the volatile situation with COVID-19, government travel advice relating to specific destinations is likely to change more frequently, and as such a diversion is unlikely to be considered more than 3 months prior to departure.

In some circumstances, World Challenge may consider diverting a trip much earlier than this if ongoing risk assessments indicate the planned destination is very unlikely to be viable at the time of travel

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In the event of a diversion on to a comparable trip, customers will not be liable for any increase in trip cost which will instead, be absorbed by World Challenge. Should the agreed alternative cost less, then the difference will be deducted from your final balance

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Due to limitations beyond World Challenge’s control, it may not be possible to divert to a destination in the same region of the world, however the broad outcomes of the trip will still be achieved

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BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE 3. COVID-19 CONFIDENT TRIP SAFETY MEASURES

SAFE DESTINATIONS We will only continue travel to a destination where the following criteria has been met: •

UK government travel advice is positive

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COVID infection rates are under control

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Entry requirements are reasonable and local restrictions do not significantly impair the itinerary

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We have access to a list of approved emergency medical services

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Our ground partners are able to meet our COVID safety requirements

ENHANCED HYGIENE MEASURES World Challenge trips have always required a higher level of hygiene due to other health risks posed by the destinations we travel to. We are working with our ground partners and trip leaders to enhance these measures and introduce COVID specific protocols •

Cleanliness and hygiene measures for local guides, equipment, vehicles and venues

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Prevention of Spread of Infection (POSI) measures and procedures for trip leaders

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Use of face masks for anyone involved in the preparation and serving of food

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Options to effectively distance from people outside of the team

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Measures laid out by local government or authorities

BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE 3. COVID-19 CONFIDENT TRIP SAFETY MEASURES

TEAM SAFETY We have analysed COVID-19 risk to our teams for all aspects of our trips including accommodation, transport and adventurous activities. We have carefully considered the use of indoor settings and interactions that will occur with people outside of the team. Our mitigation measures include: •

A team travelling as a ‘bubble’ for the duration of the trip

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Depending on the situation at time of departure team members may be required to complete an additional health screening declaration prior to travel

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Trip leaders dynamically assessing COVID-19 risk throughout the trip and following Prevention of Spread of Infection (POSI) measures and procedures

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All trip leaders are trained in food safety and hygiene

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Use of face masks in all indoor settings and in some outdoor environments

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Trip leaders will minimise time spent in crowded public settings

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Enhanced personal hygiene measures for all team members monitored by adult leaders

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Accommodation ‘buddies’ to ensure where sharing of a tent or dormitory room is absolutely necessary, it is done so by the same subgroups each time

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Our Operations Centre is available to support teams 24/7 and has access to doctors via telephone and a network of medical facilities through our medical assistance partner

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ACCOMMODATION All the local providers of accommodation we use are required to comply with both our own minimum standards and those enforced by local governments. These include: •

Enhanced cleaning measures, with focus on ‘high-touch’ areas to be routinely carried out

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Processes implemented to allow for physical distancing in public areas, for example during the check in process, in lifts and in public seating areas

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Enhanced standards for food preparation which may include training, use of face masks if required, superior cleaning for areas that are involved in meal preparation

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Live auditing of premises by trip leaders for every stay. The information is received in real-time by our Operations Centre who can review to ensure there that COVID-19 standards are being complied with and take action where necessary

TRANSPORT The majority of journeys will be in private vehicles restricted to team members only. We have reviewed our itineraries to avoid where possible the use of public transport and with our ground partner implement the following measures: •

Trip Leaders will ensure that team members use the same seat for all journeys in the same day

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Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned before use and hand sanitisers are readily available onboard where regular handwashing may not be possible

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Vehicles and drivers are audited by trip leaders for every journey, using a smartphone app.

The information is received in real-time by our Operations Centre who can review to ensure there that COVID-19 standards are being complied with and take action where necessary

4. FINANCIAL PROTECTION

All World Challenge trips are ATOL protected.

Any money you have paid to us is fully protected through our ATOL bonding. For more information visit www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection/Consumers/About-ATOL/

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INSPIRING LEADERSHIP THROUGH STUDENT-LED EXPEDITIONS Our FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS

EUROPE • MOROCCO • VIETNAM COSTA RICA • ECUADOR CAMBODIA • LAOS

Your Expedition has been refined over 30 years of student travel, with an emphasis on developing tomorrow's leaders.

Students may experience a range of challenges, from venturing into barren landscapes, boldly tackling treks and, at times, handling budgets and shopping for supplies.

During the Expedition students will also get the chance to positively contribute towards inspiring and ethical community-led initiatives that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

With a focus on leadership, resilience, well-being, teamwork and responsible travel, students will walk away from this experience with an enriched view of self and a new found confidence to take on the world.

WHY INSPIRING LEADERSHIP FAST-TRACKING REAL LIFE SKILLS CROSS CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING AND EMPATHY SELF-AWARENESS AND RESILIENCE

HOW

WHAT

TIME TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO MAKE DECISIONS

7-27 NIGHT OVERSEAS EXPEDITION

PARTICIPATION IN LEARNINGSERVICE INITIATIVES

EMPHASIS ON STUDENT LEADERSHIP

VALUABLE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

SUPERVISED BY BOTH SCHOOL AND WORLD CHALLENGE STAFF

TREKKING AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY LOCAL STYLE TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

N IO IS C E D T S E B E TH I'VE EVER MADEET. O IT TAUGHT M L OF MY TAKE CONTRO OWN LIFE REMY MONAGHAN –STUDENT

SHAPING GLOBAL CITIZENS THROUGH SERVICE - LEARNING

Our 8–14 day Journeys are cleverly curated to foster

Our FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS

around them and, in turn, their place within it.

EUROPE • INDIA • VIETNAM COSTA RICA • ECUADOR CAMBODIA • CHINA • LAOS

global citizenship through cultural immersion. It’s about taking students out of their bubbles, expanding their minds through the sharing of cultures.

These experiences enable students to deep-dive into local life in order to gain a greater perspective on the world These Journeys are less adventurous by nature, with an emphasis on true global citizenship.

Your students will gain new and valuable insights through local initiatives such as planting trees to fight deforestation, visiting cutting-edge wildlife rehabilitation centres, learning the art of local agriculture, getting involved in government initiatives to promote economic growth and many more awe inspiring activities.

WHY

HOW

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP

TRUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

AN APPRECIATION FOR DIFFERENT CULTURES AND COMMUNITY

EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE WAYS OF LIFE

BROADENING STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES ON THE WORLD

POSITIVE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMFORTABLE PRE-BOOKED ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT FOCUS ON LEARNING-SERVICE ACTIVITIES

WHAT 8–14 DAY UNIQUE CULTURAL IMMERSION CAREFULLY CURATED PRE-PLANNED EXPERIENCES SUPERVISED BY BOTH SCHOOL AND WORLD CHALLENGE STAFF

E H T P E E K O T H IS W IF YOU Y A W A T N E W T A H T I MALIND E H T P E E K L L I' .

E IN THAT'S F ME HOME. ONE WHO CA MATTHEW PARKER – PARENT

WE CARE CARE WE ABOUT ABOUT EDUCATIONAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.

From sustainability, creative and critical thinking, personal and social capabilities to overall cultural will be immersed understanding in theStudents highest possible ethical in different cultures and experiences, From sustainability, creative and critical thinking, context, we've worked closely with UK schools growing to understand their role personal andvery social capabilities tooutcome overall for to ensure the best educational within our global community. cultural understanding in the highest possible British students. ethical context, we've worked closely with New We’ve recently created a range of tailor made trips Zealand schools to ensure the very best educational that speak directly into the cross curricular priorities outcomes for students. while also giving students the best possible chance We’ve created a rangediscoveries of tailor made trips to makerecently personal and profound on their thatterms. speak directly into the cross curricular priorities own while also giving students the best possible chance Our overseas trips create new possibilities for to make personal and profound discoveries on their students to not only learn, but learn in such a way own terms. willownership be empowered that empowers them Students to take real of their to build on their self-care Our overseas trips create new possibilities for new found perspectives and knowledge. strategies, enhancing students to not only learn, but learn in such their a way physical and mental wellbeing. that empowers them to take real ownership of their new found perspectives and knowledge.

Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.

not only Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience.

D L R O W , L O O H C S R FOR OU R E D V L E R O N W A , L IS O O E H G C N S E L R U O CHAL R O F .

M R E A V R E G O N R A P IS G E IN G V L N O E L V L E A H C .

IC .

T M A A R G O R P G IN V L It'S NEVER ST O EV It'S NEVER STATIC. Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity & personal values, developing their independence and of self.

PETER ROBSON –sense CAREY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

PETER ROBSON – CAREY GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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WE

CARE ABOUT RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL We base our responsible travel initiatives upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We’re driven to create positive contributions in the world, but also humble enough to know the types of community initiatives our students should and shouldn’t be involved with.

We carefully select all community initiatives to be appropriate for young people and we avoid making claims we can’t back up.

This means you’ll work towards a community initiative while also coming home with greater humility and sense of place in the world.

Below are some of the global goals we’re working hard to support through our travels.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030.

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Y E N R U O J R OU SO FAR 2016

NO MORE ELEPHANT RIDING

WAP PARTNERSHIP

2017 RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL WORKSHOPS

TRAVELLERS AGAINST PLASTICS

NO MORE ORPHANAGES

ETHICAL STUDENT TRAVEL FORUM CIRCUIT

RETHINK PARTNERSHIP

SUSTAINABLE PAPER

2018

TOURISM DECLARES CLIMATE EMERGENCY

2019

CARBON OFFSET ALL FLIGHTS

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AUDITED

UK OFFICE GREEN ENERGY

2020

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OUR INVESTMENT INTO SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT IS UNMATCHED WORLDWIDE WITHIN THE STUDENT TRAVEL INDUSTRY weareworldchallenge.com

WE CARE ABOUT SAFETY In a post COVID-19 world, safety has become more important than ever. Over the past few years alone we’ve invested more than £500,000 into the best safety and risk management systems available in the sector. Whilst you are on your trip, we have a dedicated team manning our operation centres in both hemispheres around the world.

24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A WEEK Our technologies integrate real time government and private security advice which informs all our plans.

We’ve built a unique auditing system to monitor the safety and professionalism of all of our in-country partners; it’s used to continually screen all pre-booked transport, accommodation and activities.

We’re dedicated to the pursuit of safety and risk management above all else.

G N I V A E L R E V E N WE’RE .

E C N A H C O T S G N I H T

FIND YOUR PLACE IN THE WORLD HOW TO BE INVOLVED Arrange for a World Challenge visit so we can tailor the right experience, or mix of experiences for your school.

UK

17-21 Queens Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 6AQ +44 (0)1494 427600 findoutmore@myworldchallenge.com

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