Why STEM & Sports School Trips Are the Future of Learning

Did you know students retain 70–80% more information when learning outside the classroom? It's no surprise that schools across Australia are stepping beyond their textbooks and reimagining excursions as fully immersive, curriculum-aligned international adventures.

Top 2 standout themes? STEM and Sports - with History, Culture, and the Arts not far behind.

These trips do more than tick the educational boxes - they open students' eyes (and sometimes their first passports) to a world of opportunity. The chance to explore real-world applications of science, engineering, or sport in a new environments boost learning in ways the classroom simply can’t replicate.

So where to?

Japan skiing - Niseko

STEM: Japan & USA

STEM-focused school trips to Japan and the USA are among the most popular, and for good reason. In Japan, students explore a country where tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. From visiting robotics labs and high-tech manufacturing plants to learning about earthquake-resistant engineering and sustainable city planning, these trips offer rich, hands-on experiences. As the home of global giants like Toyota or Panasonic, students that travel to Japan can gain insight into real-world applications of engineering and design.

In the USA, STEM students are spoiled for choice. They might find themselves walking through the halls of NASA, exploring the future of space travel, or diving into interactive exhibits at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Some groups participate in workshops at the Exploratorium in San Francisco or tour the MIT Museum in Boston - making science and technology feel personal, exciting, and achievable. These locations bring science to life in the most engaging way possible.

Kennedy Space Centre

SPORTS: UK/EU & New Zealand

Sports-themed excursions to the UK, Europe, and New Zealand give students an unforgettable glimpse into the world of elite competition, teamwork, and international sporting culture. In the UK, students have visited some of the world’s most iconic stadiums, like Old Trafford and Wembley, where they’ve trained with professional coaches and explored what it takes to succeed at the highest level. These experiences often include sessions on sports psychology, fitness and leadership, giving students a holistic view of the athletic world.

New Zealand, with its proud sporting history and deep cultural connection to rugby, is another standout destination. Students have taken part in rugby clinics with local teams, learned the fundamentals of team culture inspired by Māori traditions, and visited elite training centers to see how top athletes prepare. These trips go beyond sport - they foster resilience, respect, and confidence in a uniquely engaging environment.

 Whether it’s testing out coding skills in Tokyo or kicking goals in Cardiff, these trips ignite passions, build global awareness, and make learning memorable.

 Ready to plan your school’s next adventure?

Get in touch to discover where learning could take your students.