Working together to support your students
Every student should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of learning beyond the classroom.
We know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to inclusive educational travel. From accessibility and dietary requirements to sensory needs, anxiety and individual student considerations, there can be a lot to think about.
That’s where StudyLink Tours can help. By combining your understanding of your students with our educational travel expertise, we can explore the available options, answer your questions and help you plan a trip that works for your group.
Early planning, tailored support
Starting the conversation early gives us more time to understand your group and consider what will help your students get the most from their experience.
You may not know the full make-up of your group when you first enquire, and that’s absolutely fine. We can begin with what you know, help you identify the key considerations and work through the detail as your plans develop.
Your dedicated StudyLink Account Executive will provide clear, honest guidance throughout the planning process, helping you understand what may be possible and put the agreed arrangements in place before you travel.
Areas we support
Many factors can shape a student’s experience of educational travel. Our team can help you explore the practical considerations and understand the available options across the following areas.
Religious and cultural needs
We understand the importance of helping every student feel comfortable, respected and included throughout their trip.
We’ll do our best to accommodate dress codes, cultural practices and other requirements where it is practical and safe to do so.
If a student is unable to participate in a visit or activity for religious or cultural reasons, we can discuss what this means for the itinerary. The institution will remain responsible for arranging suitable alternative supervision.
If attending a religious service is important to members of your group, we can help you explore local options where available. Any additional travel or participation costs would need to be met by the participant or institution.
Dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances
We know how important it is for students and staff to feel confident about food arrangements before they travel.
When advised in advance, we can support a wide range of dietary requirements, including coeliac disease, nut and dairy allergies, vegetarian, vegan, kosher and halal diets.
Catering provision can vary between destinations and suppliers, so we’ll provide clear information about what can be accommodated. It is also important to be aware that the interpretation and availability of vegetarian, vegan and specialist diets may differ between countries.
If you have questions about a particular requirement, speak to your StudyLink Account Executive. We’ll be happy to explore the available options with you.
Behavioural needs
Thoughtful planning can help more students participate in and benefit from educational travel.
While behaviour management remains the responsibility of accompanying staff, we can help you consider destinations, accommodation, visits and itinerary arrangements that may work well for your group.
If your plans involve additional supervision, discounted staff or carer places may be available to help support your students.
We want everyone to have a safe, positive and rewarding experience. We therefore ask all participants to follow our Code of Conduct and treat other travellers, destination communities and partners with respect.
Disability and mobility support
Accessibility varies between destinations, accommodation, attractions and transport providers. We’ll help you understand the arrangements for the trip you’re considering, so you can assess its suitability for your students and make informed decisions.
If your group requires wheelchair-accessible transport, accommodation or visits, let us know as early as possible. We’ll explore the available options with you and make the agreed arrangements wherever possible.
StudyLink Tours does not provide personal carers. However, discounted places may be available for carers or additional staff accompanying students on the trip.
Sensory needs, neurodiversity and anxiety
We understand that unfamiliar places, busy environments, changes in routine and time away from home can all affect how a student experiences a trip.
We can help you consider practical factors such as journey times, itinerary pacing, walking distances, accommodation arrangements, busy environments and opportunities for breaks. Where changes are possible, we’ll explore them with you. We’ll also be open about any parts of the trip that are less flexible.
Clear information can make unfamiliar experiences feel more manageable. Where resources are available, we can help you provide students and their support networks with a clearer picture of the accommodation, transport, itinerary and experiences ahead.
Planning your trip together
From your first enquiry onwards, we’ll work alongside you to understand your group, explore the options and make sure everyone is clear about the agreed arrangements.
1. Start the conversation
Tell us about any additional needs or considerations as early as you can. It’s fine if you don’t have every detail yet. We can start with what you know and build from there.
2. Explore what works
We’ll talk through your plans and help you consider destinations, accommodation, transport, visits and itinerary arrangements that may be suited to your group.
3. Agree the arrangements
Together, we’ll establish what support or adjustments are possible. We’ll be open about any limitations so you have the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
4. Confirm the details
We’ll capture the agreed requirements in writing, making it easier for everyone involved in planning your trip to understand what’s needed.
5. Get ready to travel
As departure approaches, your StudyLink Account Executive will continue to support you, answer your questions and help ensure the agreed arrangements are in place.
Helping students prepare
For some students, preparation and predictability can make a real difference to their confidence.
Your StudyLink Account Executive can help you access the information available for your trip, including details about accommodation, transport, visits and your itinerary.
If there are particular details that would help a student or their support network prepare, let us know. We’ll explore what information and resources can be provided.
Where available, group leader preview visits can also give accompanying staff the opportunity to experience key elements of the destination and consider their suitability first-hand.
Insurance
Having appropriate insurance in place is an important part of protecting your group. We’re here to help you understand the relevant process.
If a student has an underlying medical condition, this will need to be shared with the insurer so the appropriate cover can be considered. This relates to the medical condition rather than the student’s disability itself.
If you’re unsure what information may be required, speak to your StudyLink Account Executive. We can help you understand who to contact and the next steps to take.
Start planning an inclusive educational experience
Talk to us about your students, travel objectives and any additional requirements. Your dedicated StudyLink Account Executive will help you explore the options and plan an experience that supports your group.
