Demand & Bookings for Int'l Study Tours by Schools Setting New Heights Confirms Travel Specialist

MELBOURNE, Australia - Feb. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Director and founder of Melbourne head quartered EDU SCHOOL TOURS Lucy Fenwick has started the New Year achieving a significant milestone with the company, setting a record for the number of bookings by schools for international study tours in 2015.

The background of the schools that undertake overseas study tours vary considerably each year. “We work with interstate, regional and capital city schools – with a growing number of educators keen to offer the experience to their students” said Lucy Fenwick.  “Next month will see three select entry state schools heading overseas with a combined total of 200 students”.

“In September EDU SCHOOL TOURS has a state school embarking on their 6^th tour with 50 students and a combination of several different private schools will also be heading overseas with nearly 150 students between them.  Whereas in September last year we only had a small group of just 14 students”.

The EDU SCHOOL TOURS team has been involved in the organisation, planning and on tour management of school group tours for over 12 years. Itineraries offering Space Camp are the most attractive to students seeking careers in engineering, physics, astronomy, technology and other scientific industries.

“Preparation and planning takes 12 to 18 months and so it is vital that interested department heads learn about our overseas study tours as early as possible. Talking to other schools and counterparts about their tour experiences is an excellent starting point”, said Lucy Fenwick.

Commenting on the growing popularity of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) study tours, Lucy Fenwick said that she had also confirmed five bookings in the final term / semester last year for programs in 2016.

One school is even looking beyond 2016 with a program to observe the total solar eclipse in 2017 which will be viewable from Space Camp!

The school holiday periods of March/April and September/October are always the most popular tour slots – hence the need to start planning early and book programs as quickly as possible.

“Our success and reputation has been built on a platform of professional expert service with the majority of new business enquiries coming as the direct result of referrals from past and current clients”, said Lucy Fenwick.  “It is personally very pleasing when schools that have been on our programs, recommend and commend us to fellow schools considering an overseas study tour”.

Although scientific based programs have been popular over past years, Lucy Fenwick has noticed that three marked shifts / trends were emerging –

1.       Space Camp programs to the US Space & Rocket Centre were continuing to attract interest and bookings.  Furthermore, tours have been evolving and expanding to cater for the growing interest and demand in STEM, physics and astronomy. These itineraries are especially popular amongst students with a passion for technology and career objectives in this field.

2.       Advanced specialist scientific facilities and technological academic activities now include The National Ignition Facility in San Francisco, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Los Angeles and California Academy of Sciences in Pasadena on the West Coast. Whereas the East Coast offers Boston Dynamics Robotics Company and MIT & Harvard campus tours.

Additional unique destinations include Spaceport America in New Mexico, 3D Bio Printing in San Diego and The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), both located in Boulder, Colorado. The opportunities are endless.

3.       Supporting the aspirations of federal and state governments for Australian businesses to engage with Asia Pacific in the ASIAN Century, schools are seeking tours that will focus on providing a platform for greater cultural awareness and understanding. Specifically preparing students in business, commerce and offering insights into the diverse economies of Australia’s neighbours.

Another personal and professional milestone for Lucy Fenwick was received last year in November when she was made an official Space Camp® Ambassador – a special position for alumni who are appointed to represent Space Camp® and Aviation Challenge® Camp in the city, state or country in which they reside.

Lucy Fenwick concluded, “We expect the number of schools that undertake international study tours will continue to expand significantly in the years ahead, as the insights into career aspirations and personal growth benefits derived by the students are so profound and long lasting”.

“For schools, the trips are of immense value as they inspire, encourage, motivate and boost the enthusiasm of students that in turn energises the passion of educators”.

ENDS

NOTES TO THE EDITOR:  Information on the EDU SCHOOL TOURS programs can be obtained from the website:    www.eduschooltours.com.au    or by Email:    info@eduschooltours.com.au

Telephone enquiries are also welcome on    1300 889 759

Issued by EDU SCHOOL TOURS          www.eduschooltours.com.au

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