The Specialist Travel Consultancy organises the most professional educational trips abroad, school trips abroad to the best holiday destinations around the world which go for making a great learning experience.
2. 2
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Safety 4
Adding value 5
Expeditions 6
Morocco 7
Ghana 8
Turkey 9
Peru 10
Madagascar 11
Responsible tourism 12
Educational journeys 14
Morocco 15
Jordan 16
India 17
Nepal 18
Thailand 19
China 20
South Africa 21
Tailor made 22
What next? 23
Tried and tested 24
Walking & Trekking Canoeing / Kayaking / Rafting Cycling Safaris & Wildlife History & Culture
3. 3
From the Nepalese Himalaya to the plains of South Africa,
in every country around the world, women hold a unique
and sometimes little known role within society. What do your
students know about life as a woman in other cultures?
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Learning about the challenges, aspirations
and day to day life of local women will
enable your students to develop a greater
understanding of non-Western cultures in
an increasingly global society.
Meeting with Chinese entrepreneurs,
Turkish feminists, Tibetan nuns and Zulu
tribeswomen, these adventures invite you
to experience educational travel beyond
the ordinary.
Religion Natural World Hands-on Projects Cooking Lessons Local Crafts Homestay
4. 4
Safety
Safety is our number one
priority. All the tour operators
we work with have comprehensive
safety management systems in
place, including:
Trip selection
Each journey and expedition has been
tailor-made and thoroughly researched
with school groups in mind.
Pre-travel screening
All travellers are medically screened
to ensure they are fit and healthy to
undertake the chosen journey.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk Pre-trip training
Students and staff are given the
necessary training and skills to safely
undertake each journey. Some of this
training is provided by us, some by
external companies where necessary.
Risk assessment
Detailed trip-specific risk assessments are
provided. In addition, group management
risk assessments are provided to assist you
as lead teacher.
Accommodation & transport
All accommodation and transport
are risk assessed and checked by
local operations teams. Minimum
requirements for vehicle standards
and driver hours are strictly enforced.
Foreign Office advice
All tours and expeditions are run within
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)
travel advice. FCO advice is monitored daily
and tour operators have the resources to
react quickly should that advice change.
Leaders
Each trip is accompanied by a full-time
professional leader, comprehensively
trained in first aid, critical incident
management and the complex art of
managing logistics.
Communication
Each team carries satellite, radio and/
or mobile communications as your
itinerary and terrain demands, ensuring
communication is possible in all situations.
We work with leading tour operators and expedition providers to create
inspiring educational experiences in a carefully risk-assessed environment.
We have an unblemished safety record and feel very comfortable when
we say you couldn’t be in better hands.
5. To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
5
Adding Value
As the UK’s only independent travel agency
specialising in educational adventures and
expeditions, we add value to your experience
through the wealth of ours.
“An excellent service and
would highly recommend
you to anyone trying to
organise a group trip.
Every concern, inquiry, etc
was handled with great
care, professionalism and
expediency. Thank you very
much for all your hard work!
I’m not sure there is anything
that could be done better.”
Graveney School, Egypt
Archaeology Tour
Crisis response
24 hour emergency back-up and critical
incident support is on hand in the unlikely
event of an incident whilst overseas.
Insurance
Comprehensive public liability insurance
is held by each operator and personal
travel insurance is compulsory for all
those travelling.
Financial protection
The STC is an approved agent for ATOL (Air
Travel Organisers’ Licence) protected tour
operators and expedition providers. All
money paid by you is 100% protected by
your travel provider’s ATOL licence.
Connected
It is our relationships with some of
the best adventure and expedition
companies in the UK that sets us apart.
Our extensive contacts and passion for
creating inspiring educational travel
experiences results in high quality
adventures and happy clients.
Supporting you
We are small enough to offer a very
personal service, tailored to you and
your trip. You also have the backing
of a market leading tour operator
with years of experience in arranging
school travel in your destination.
‘Safer Journeys’ guide
All our clients receive our comprehensive
‘Safer Journeys’ guide which covers
everything a teacher needs to know
about planning and preparing for taking
students abroad. Chapters include:
• Pre-trip planning and preparation
• Communications and crisis
management
• Maximising educational opportunities
• Marketing and fundraising
• Whilst you are away
• Responsible tourism
• Sources of information
6. Walking & Trekking
Canoeing / Kayaking / Rafting
Cycling
Safaris & Wildlife
History & Culture
Religion
Natural World
Hands-on Projects
Cooking Lessons
Local Crafts
Homestay
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Expeditions
Central to these expeditions are
signature partnerships with innovative
expedition companies.
Inspired by our own travels, we have
carefully blended physical challenges,
adventure, wilderness, culture and
inspirational leaders. With logistics
planned and confirmed in advance,
your students experience more in
country, seeing your destination from
a fresh perspective.
Join our growing tribe of loyal teachers
and embark on an expedition experience
like no other.
“Once in a while it really
hits people that they
don’t have to experience
the world in the way
they have been told to.”
Alan Keightley
Revolutionise your school expeditions with a modern, ethical approach.
These expeditions deliver far more than just personal development, taking
you to the heart of your destination on a life enhancing adventure.
Skills for life
The expedition journey, from the
initial launch right through to your
return, encourages the development
of valuable skills for life, including:
· Increased confidence, independence
and responsibility
· Organising and planning skills
· Financial management and
fundraising techniques
· How to travel ethically and with
environmental awareness
· Knowledge of cultural and
development issues worldwide
· Pushing boundaries and
seeking adventure
Student training
Personal development starts long before
departure with tailored sessions for your
students covering everything from health
& hygiene training to fundraising and kit.
These sessions increase safety and give
your students the tools to take charge of
their expedition experience, adding real
value to each student’s personal journey.
Teacher training
Off-site Safety Management and wilderness
first-aid courses are included for the lead
teacher. This training ensures you have
the skills to play an effective part of the
leadership team, whilst also contributing
to your own professional development.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
7. 7
Expeditions
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Get to know the Berber women’s
way of life with project work and
trekking amongst the villages of
the Atlas Mountains. Spend time
helping the girls and women to
tend the fields, harvest and make
beads for market before learning
to cook a traditional tagine.
Length of trip:
20 days
When to go:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Age Range:
15 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/
morocco-expeditions
Trek past traditional Berber
villages and conquer North
Africa’s highest peak, Jebel
Toubkal at 4167m. Spend time
working alongside the locals in
a small mountain village and
discovering the spectacular
Atlantic coast. Your expedition
ends in sleepy Essaouira and
vibrant Marrakech.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 4
Soak up the sights and smells of Marrakech
and cook a Moroccan meal. Meet women
living in the city before heading into
the Atlas Mountains and comparing
their lifestyles with women who live in
traditional mountain villages.
Days 5 – 13
Work alongside the community in a small
mountain village before beginning your
five day trek which will see you camp in
spectacular locations and summit Jebel
Toubkal, 4167m.
Days 14 – 16
Heading south, discover the charming
souqs of the medieval market town of
Tarroudant. Drive to the coast via the aptly
named Paradise Valley. Meet your camels
and start your coastal trek.
Days 17 – 20
With camels in tow, trek towards the
sleepy town of Essaouira, one of the most
beautiful coastal towns in Africa. Relax on
the beach and explore the fortified walls
and fortresses, before heading back to
Marrakech and flying home.
8. Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 6
Meet with the women of ‘Global Mamas’
and learn how to make traditional
Ghanaian batik artworks. Discover Kakum
National Park on a 40 metre high canopy
walkway, explore the poignant slave castle
at Elmina and learn how to dance and drum
African style with a bonfire on the beach.
Days 7 – 11
Visit the cocoa co-operative at the heart
of Divine fairtrade chocolate. Explore
the largest market in West Africa. Swim
at Kintampo Waterfalls on the way to
Boabeng’s Monkey Sanctuary. Journeying
north, you spend time in Mole National Park
on walking safaris before visiting the oldest
building in Ghana; a mud and stick mosque.
Days 12 – 21
Enjoy a canoe safari in Wechiau Hippo
Sanctuary, spend the night in a ‘hippo
hide’ and hike through the lush forest to
the gorgeous Wli Falls. Get up close and
personal with Mona monkeys before
climbing the highest mountain in Ghana.
Borrow a fisherman’s canoe and explore
Lake Volta before rounding off your
adventure with a trip through the Shai Hills
and Ghana’s bead making capital.
8
Rhythm, wildlife, markets and
history: Ghana is one of the
friendliest countries in Africa
and a fantastic introduction
to the sub-Saharan region.
Prepare to fall in love…
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Expeditions
Meet with a women’s organisation
that creates fairtrade, sustainable
income opportunities for over six
hundred Ghanaian women. Visit
the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative and
learn about fairtrade and women’s
issues nationwide.
Length of trip:
21 days
When to go:
Year round
Age Range:
16 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/ghana
9. 9
An ancient land of mythology
and the cradle of civilisations,
Turkey is the bridge between
the West and the Orient. This
expedition delves deep into the
heart of this friendly country to
show you a side of Turkey a world
away from the tourist resorts.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 3
Explore the highlights of Istanbul and
Ankara before visiting the striking Tuz Golu
Salt Lake and heading to Cappadocia.
Days 4 – 6
Day walks take you past cave dwellings,
rock-cut churches and to the panoramic
views from Uchisar Citadel. Discover
beautiful valleys, Byzantine artworks and
share lunch with female entrepreneurs.
Days 7 – 16
Relax in a Turkish bath and visit the
underground city of Derinkuyu. Next, begin
your six day camping trek into the rugged
Aladaglar National Park. Meet with the
‘Hero Mothers of Anatolia’ and volunteer in
a rural village community.
Days 17 – 23
Head south and enjoy the thrills and spills
of white water rafting, sea kayaking and
mountain biking, before relaxing on the
spectacular Lycian Coast.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Discover the traditional role of
Turkish women in rural areas, meet
with the ‘Hero Mothers of Anatolia’
and enjoy lunch at the headquarters
of The Turkish Community of
Women Entrepreneurs.
Length of trip:
23 days
When to go:
Summer
Age Range:
16 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/turkey
Expeditions
10. 10
Soaring snow-capped peaks,
incredible lost cities and
traditional Andean culture:
explore classic Peru from a
fresh perspective. Remote trails,
conservation project work and
homestays on the Altiplano
bring alive the very best of Peru.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 4
Arriving into Peru you fly to Cusco and
the Sacred Valley, the heart of the ancient
Inca Empire. Discover how history and
traditions are still very much part of the
Andean landscape.
Days 5 – 9
Head to your project in the Cordillera
Villcanota. Spend time learning about life
in rural Peru with your host community
and assist in greenhouse and reforestation
conservation programmes.
Days 10 – 14
Trek the high Salkantay Trail past villages,
waterfalls, lush cloud forest and imposing
6000m snowy peaks. Transfer to Aguas
Calientes, rising early to explore the
magnificent ruins of Machu Picchu before
the crowds arrive.
Days 15 – 18
Traverse the Altiplano to Lake Titicaca and
explore the islands before a highlight of the
expedition: a homestay in a small village
on the shore of this amazing lake. Return to
Lima and fly back to the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Length of trip:
18 days
When to go:
Summer
Age Range:
16 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/peru
Expeditions
Your female Peruvian leader will
lead discussions with local women
throughout your expedition. Spend
time living and working alongside the
traditional communities of rural Peru,
learning about the Quechan way of
life. Try your hand at weaving, attend
a cookery class and be welcomed into
family life as part of a homestay.
11. 11
This genuine expedition to the
world’s fourth largest island
explores the rich ecology
and landscape of this unique
country. As you trek and canoe
through pristine wilderness
and camp out on unforgettable
beaches, you’ll discover one of
the richest ecosystems in the
world. With luck, you’ll spot a
lemur or two on this memory
rich adventure.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 11
Settle into Madagascar with three days
of project work in a local village taking
time to learn about the role of women
in society. Explore the volcanic Itasy
region before trekking through the
mountains of Bongolava. In an isolated
part of Madagascar, a canoe safari sees
you pass through the spectacular ‘gorge of
Manambolo River’. Then drive past beautiful
landscapes and marvel at the cartoonish
trees of Baobab Alley.
Days 12 – 18
Visit the stunning Tsingy of Bemaraha,
Madagascar’s largest nature reserve. Enjoy
a nocturnal walk and spot wildlife by
torchlight with your local guide. Explore
evergreen primary forest and keep an eye
out for the recently discovered Golden
Bamboo Lemur as well as the world’s rarest
primate, the Giant Bamboo Lemur.
Days 19 – 26
Trek in Andringitra National Park amongst
the gneiss rock formations whilst keeping
an eye out for wildlife. Swim in the
natural pool at the breath-taking Isalo
Massif before visiting the spiny desert,
the mysterious Mahafaly tombs and local
villages. Return to ‘Tana for your flight to
the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Meet with Malagasy women in
rural areas and learn about day
to day goings on in a traditional
village. Your local guides will
be able to offer an insight into
changing women’s issues within the
country and explain the differences
between traditional rural life and
living in an urban area.
Length of trip:
26 days
When to go:
Summer
Age Range:
16 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/
Madagascar
Expeditions
12. 12
Responsible Tourism
We work with tour operators that hold
a deep commitment to responsible
tourism. This includes those operators
who employ and train in-country leaders
and support staff, use local suppliers and
support sustainable local businesses and
development programmes.
In addition, our clients receive our
dedicated responsible tourism guide to
help them travel in a more responsible
manner when abroad.
Community and Conservation
Our tour operators have excellent
relationships with local communities and
organisations that want your participation.
With suitable links or established NGOs we
can get you involved in meaningful and,
more importantly, sustainable development
or conservation work.
Our expedition project phases are different
to others you may find – offering real
cultural exchange, where locals and
students alike share and learn from each
other in an environment of mutual respect.
Ethical collaboration means your students
develop a long term understanding of the
challenges faced by your host community.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Porter Protection
For treks requiring porters, we only
work with companies that have shown
a commitment to ethical porter welfare.
Clear guidance is available from the
International Porter Protection Group –
a charity campaigning for ethical treatment
of porters worldwide. Our trekking providers
have committed to follow these guidelines.
We actively encourage the use of porters
on treks. They want the work and their
presence on an expedition adds a significant
cultural element to the trekking experience.
Responsible tourism is the starting point of everything we do, and not just
for ethical reasons. Travel can be a great education, but only when we travel
with humility and respect for our destination and its people.
13. Ask any of our clients what the best thing
about an STC arranged trip is and most will
say it is their leader.
13
Responsible Tourism
On the journeys and expeditions in this
brochure you will be accompanied by an
expertly trained and highly experienced
leader from your destination. Whether a
Berber mountain guide in Morocco or a
South African game ranger, these leaders
are comprehensively trained to ensure your
safety and manage the complex logistics
of your journey.
They are also uniquely positioned to
enlighten you about their home – the flora,
fauna, politics, education system, history
and more.
In some countries, we are able to arrange
female leaders, allowing you to learn
even more about your destination from
a woman’s perspective.
The benefits of employing
local leaders are clear…
• Increased safety: Trained in first aid
and crisis management, your leader
will speak the local languages and have
unrivalled knowledge of local issues.
• Unbridled enthusiasm for and
knowledge of your destination.
• Unique insights into the local way of
life and culture.
• Direct benefit to the local economy.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
14. Walking & Trekking
Canoeing / Kayaking / Rafting
Cycling
Safaris & Wildlife
History & Culture
Religion
Natural World
Hands-on Projects
Cooking Lessons
Local Crafts
Homestay
14
Educational journeys
“The STC have provided an
invaluable service to the
college on all occasions
as far as the trips are
concerned, and we are
massively appreciative
of their help.”
Newcastle College, Ghana
It is the people you will meet on these
journeys who transform these trips into
enriching educational experiences.
Classic sites, inspiring people
Whether sipping mint tea with the Berber
or learning how to make a traditional
head-dress with a Zulu tribeswoman, these
journeys are all about getting you to the
heart of the local culture. Visit the lost city
of Petra, the mighty Nepalese Himalaya or
the lush jungles of Thailand on journeys
that will enlighten, amaze and actively
compliment your classroom teaching.
An extraordinary education
These trips provide a multi-faceted
learning experience. Whilst each trip has
a subject-related focus, we believe it is
important not to miss an opportunity. We
also weave in elements of your destination’s
geography, history, politics, religion, society,
economy and environment. The result is an
educational experience unrivalled outside
of the classroom.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
15. Bargain hunt in bustling bazaars
and journey deep into the Sahara
by camel. Trek through exotic
Atlas villages with mesmerising
mountain views and learn to
cook traditional Moroccan fare in
heady Marrakech.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 3
Arriving into Marrakech meet with young
women working in the city. Explore
the intoxicating Djemaa El Fna square.
Experience a ‘day in the life’ of a Berber
and trek into the Atlas Mountains.
Days 4 – 5
Visit the Women’s Association in Imlil
before driving over high mountain passes
and through stunning valleys towards the
desert. Meet your camel and ride into the
Sahara for an unforgettable sunset. Sleep
under the stars at your desert camp.
Days 6 – 8
Visit the spectacular Kasbah of Ait
Benhaddou before returning to Marrakech
and mixing with locals in the souq. Shop for
ingredients and prepare a tagine under the
expert eye of Marrakechi chefs. Spend the
evening in a traditional Riad before flying
back to the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Discover the differences between
women living in rural and urban
areas. Meet with Berber women
and take part in village life before
heading to a women’s association to
find out more about the changing
role of women in Morocco.
Length of trip:
8 days
When to go:
Year round
Educational focus:
Geography, Religion
Age Range:
13 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/
morocco
15
Educational journeys
16. To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
16
Educational journeys
Crusader castles, bewitching
deserts and the spectacular
‘lost city’ of Petra: this journey
offers you and your students
the chance to discover Jordan’s
highlights, sleep under star
filled desert skies and enjoy the
country’s legendary hospitality.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 3
Discover the sites of Amman and get your
first taste of Arabic food before travelling
south to the extraordinary desert landscape
of Wadi Rum. Sleep in a Bedouin tent under
the stars.
Days 4 – 5
Explore the Wadi by 4WD before heading
to both ‘Little Petra’ and Petra. Walk through
the Siq and marvel at the Treasury, carved
out of the rose coloured rock. Continuing
deeper into Petra, explore cave dwellings,
temples and sacrificial altars with stunning
panoramic views.
Days 6 – 8
Hike through the Dana Nature Reserve,
visit Kerak crusader castle and float in
the Dead Sea. Gain an insight into topical
women’s issues in Jordan by visiting a
women’s co-operative.
Learn how to cook a four course
Arabic meal, perfect ‘bread
spinning’ and visit a women’s
cooperative where you can learn
how to make handicrafts including
paper, soap, ceramics and textiles.
Length of trip:
8 - 11 days
When to go:
Year round
Educational focus:
History, Geography, Religion
Age Range:
14 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/jordan
Why not combine with Israel?
3 day Holy Land extension available
17. From the snow-capped
Himalaya to bustling desert
cities, India is one of the world’s
most colourful and diverse
countries. Embark on a journey
where you and your students
will discover the intoxicating
cultural cocktail formed by
India’s three great religions.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 4
See the sights of Delhi, try traditional
street food and walk through teeming
marketplaces on an urban adventure led
by your local female guide. Visit a Hindu
temple and learn more about the Hindu
faith before meeting with project leaders
tackling poverty. Later, journey to the
legendary Taj Mahal.
Days 5 – 8
Catch glimpses of rural life from a sleeper
bunk on one of India’s famous trains. See
the sites of Shimla before visiting McLeod
Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama and the most
important Tibetan community in India.
Days 9 – 11
Drive to Amritsar and tour the jaw
dropping Golden temple, Jallianwalah
Bagh and other notable sites as well as
learning about Sikh culture. Later, visit the
Indian-Pakistani border and experience
the spectacular flag ceremony.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
17
Educational journeys
Visit a women’s project in Delhi and
discover the different roles women
play in Indian society. Meet with
Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist women
and discover the differences
between their approach to religion.
Length of trip:
11-14 days
When to go:
Spring, Autumn
Educational focus:
Religion
Age Range:
15 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/india
Why not visit the Ganges?
3 day extension to Varanasi available
18. 18
Majestic mountains, time-worn
temples and legendary
beasts: a journey to Nepal
offers you and your students
a unique opportunity to
tread in the footsteps of
adventurers, explorers, holy
men and conquerers.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 3
In Kathmandu explore local sights, markets
and temples by trishaw or bicycle. Later,
experience a breathtakingly scenic flight
to Pokhara before heading up into the
foothills of the Himalaya.
Days 4 – 7
Trek past tiny villages and lofty peaks.
Cross prayer flag swathed bridges spanning
glacial rivers and meet local villagers.
Trek to the busy market of Naya Phul before
returning to Pokhara to camp by the lake.
Days 8 – 11
Transfer to Chitwan National Park,
arriving at your jungle lodge on the back
of an elephant. Explore the surrounding
forest by foot, elephant, canoe and jeep,
keeping an eye out for tigers, leopards
and rhinos. Return to Kathmandu before
flying back to the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Discover a slower pace of life in a
traditional Tibetan village, meet
with local women and learn about
their rural lifestyle in the foothills of
the Himalaya.
Length of trip:
11 days
When to go:
Spring, Autumn, Winter
Educational focus:
Geography, Religion
Age Range:
14 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/nepal
Educational journeys
19. 19
Glittering temples, extravagant
palaces and more culture than
you can shake an incense stick
at: discover a Thailand rarely
seen by outsiders with soaring
peaks and steaming jungles,
tumbling waterfalls and heady
history; all set against a back
drop of a traditional way of life.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 4
Tour the sights of Bangkok in an iconic
Tuk Tuk, visit stunning Sangkhlaburi and
meet with local Mon and Karen people.
Your female guide will initiate discussions
with the local women.
Days 5 – 7
Bargain hunt in the bustling markets of Three
Pagoda Pass, cool off in a nearby lake and
discover more about neighbouring Burma at
a traditional Karen village. Visit Hellfire Pass
and the infamous ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’.
Days 8 – 11
Spend time at an elephant conservation
centre and help feed and care for the
elderly and injured elephants who have
‘retired’ here. Swim in the turquoise waters
of the Erawan waterfalls and then enjoy a
homestay at a traditional Thai house. Round
off your trip with a Thai cooking lesson
before hunting for souvenirs in Bangkok’s
massive weekend market.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Length of trip:
11 days
When to go:
Year round
Educational focus:
History, Religion
Age Range:
14 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/
thailand
Educational journeys
Meet with women from ethnic
minorities. Learn about the
traditions governing many Thai
families and the contrasts between
rural and urban life. Experience the
best Thailand has to offer with the
help of your experienced female
Thai guide.
20. 20
Mountains worthy of worship;
man-made wonders to marvel
at; cities that take your breath
away – a visit to China offers
you and your students a unique
opportunity to discover a
rapidly developing country,
with a deeply traditional heart.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 3
Arriving into Beijing you explore the
Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square
and the Forbidden City, before visiting an
unspoilt and quieter section of the iconic
Great Wall.
Days 4 – 6
At Xi’an, visit the Muslim Quarter and
attend a seminar on women’s rights before
journeying to the extraordinary Terracotta
Warriors. Later, after buying ingredients,
you prepare (and eat!) a meal at a famous
cooking school.
Days 7 – 11
Heading south, explore the Karst scenery
around Yangshuo and meet with female
entrepreneurs. Next, fly to Shanghai and
discover this bustling metropolis on a city
tour before flying back to the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Educational journeys
Explore the changing role of
women within Chinese culture.
Meet female entrepreneurs and
discover the impact of the one child
policy on a woman’s social status.
Length of trip:
11 days
When to go:
Year round
Educational focus:
History, Geography
Age Range:
14 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/china
21. Explore the role of women in
traditional Zulu society and find
out how this is changing. Cook
dinner in a Zulu homestead and
learn how to make African head
dresses and jewellery.
Why not extend your trip with
3 days of conservation work?
21
Discover the rich flora and
fauna of South Africa through
hands-on lectures, bush walks,
dissections and conservation
programmes. Master sustainable
spear fishing in the Indian
Ocean and understand
grassroots ecology on an
overnight wilderness trail.
Itinerary Summary
Days 1 – 4
Fly to Durban and visit Ushaka Marine
world. Spend two days volunteering at the
‘Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife’ before
visiting the Natal Sharks Board to hear
about shark conservation.
Days 5 – 6
Informal talk on South Africa’s venomous
inhabitants followed by a professional
impala dissection. Visit a cheetah sanctuary
and track rhino in Imfolozi Game Reserve.
Days 7 – 9
Take part in daily life at a Zulu village
and learn how to cook a traditional
meal. In Simagaliso Wetlands spot
hippos and other wildlife before hearing
about crocodile conservation. Help feed
elephants at a conservation centre and
head off into the bush on an overnight
guided wilderness adventure.
Days 10 – 12
Drive to Kosi Bay to meet local fishermen
who will show you their sustainable fishing
methods and the art of spear fishing in the
Indian Ocean. Relax on the beach before
flying back to the UK.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Length of trip:
12 days
When to go:
Year round
Educational focus:
Biology
Age Range:
14 - 18
More trip details online:
www.thestc.co.uk/girls/
southafrica
Educational journeys
22. 22
made
Tailor The itineraries in this brochure have
been carefully designed to offer original
educational experiences and classic
adventures. In these and other destinations
we can tailor-make itineraries should
the trips within this brochure not meet
your requirements. Recent examples
include geography trips to Iceland, turtle
conservation in Costa Rica, archaeology trips
in Egypt and classic treks in the Himalaya.
Other destinations
Don’t limit your travel aspirations. From
Antarctica to Azerbaijan, we can arrange
adventures in over 120 countries.
Through our network of handpicked tour
operators we can arrange everything from a
tour of the Middle East to a jungle trek in the
Congo, ensuring you have the most suitable
operator for your chosen destination.
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk “The month long trip to Venezuela had all the
ingredients to be very special indeed and we
were not disappointed. The variety of rainforest
trekking, tepui climbing, tribal visits and beach
exploration was, in itself, one of the most
successful elements of this tailor-made itinerary.
When this is coupled to the remoteness of the
destinations and the adventurous nature of
the challenge, it really was a trip of a life time.
Climbing an isolated mountain in complete
solitude for 10 days made you feel at one with
the ‘lost world’, whilst joining in with festivities
in the Shirian highlands, a tribe rarely visited by
outsiders, was something that will, doubtless,
stay with the boys for the rest of their lives.”
Magdalen College School, Venezuela Expedition
23. ?
23
What next?
To find out more: call us on 01392 660056 or take a trip on-line at www.thestc.co.uk
Further information
Detailed itineraries for each of the journeys
and expeditions featured in this brochure
are available for download from our
website. Follow the links on each trip page
or visit www.thestc.co.uk
Launching your trip
Let us help you launch your trip. Assemblies,
parents’ evenings, hand-outs, posters,
presentations: our staff can help you market
your adventure and give you the best
possible chance of a successful launch.
When to book
We recommend launching expeditions
18-20 months in advance of your planned
departure. This allows the necessary time
for pre-expedition training and fundraising.
Educational journeys are usually booked
9-15 months in advance.
Prices
Please see the pricing insert for
guideline prices.
Detailed quotes and proposals
We think our proposals are the best in
the industry – request one for yourself
and see if you agree. Our proposals cover
everything you need to make an informed
decision about your adventure: from safety
management systems to visas, vaccinations
and how we can help market your trip to
students and parents.
What’s included?
Please refer to your personalised
expedition/journey proposal for a full
list of what is and isn’t included. Each
quote is tailored to your requirements.
We generally include all flights, pre-payable
taxes, accommodation, food, transport,
guides, emergency response and crisis
management, leaders and group camping
equipment where required.
What’s not included?
There are some things we do not
automatically include in the pre-paid trip
price. These include: travel insurance (as
most schools tend to have their own),
tips, personal spending money, visas,
vaccinations, personal kit. We can provide
insurance quotes on request.
Book with confidence
The STC is an agent for ATOL protected
tour operators. All flight inclusive tours and
expeditions in this brochure are financially
protected by the ATOL scheme. When you
pay you will be supplied with an ATOL
Certificate. Please ask for it and check to
ensure that everything you booked (flights,
accommodation and other services)
are listed on it. Please see our booking
conditions for further information or go to:
http://www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
15% Cotswold Discount
Teachers and students are eligible for a 15%
discount on non-sale kit and outdoor clothing
at Cotswold Outdoor.
Independence and reputation
We remain fiercely protective of our
independence from the operators we work
with and will always give you honest, impartial
advice. Our reputation rests on the quality
of this advice and recognising that your
requirements may differ from year to year.
Operators’ terms and conditions
All bookings are subject to the operators’
standard terms and conditions which are
available on request.
STC terms and conditions
All bookings are subject to The STC’s
standard terms and conditions, available
on our website or by contacting us.
Call us old fashioned, but we really like talking to our clients.
Why not call us on 01392 660056 to discuss your planned trip?
24. “Just a quick email to say we arrived
home all safe last night. The trip was
absolutely incredible. A life-changer for
a lot of kids and a dream come true for
me. Our guide was a total God. So sad
to come home. Thanks to everything
you did in the planning, none of us staff
felt as though we were on a school trip -
probably the biggest compliment I can
give! Thank you so much!”
North London Collegiate School, Nepal
“Don’t tell me how
educated you are,
tell me how much
you have travelled.”
The Prophet Mohammed
website: www.thestc.co.uk
email: schools@thestc.co.uk
telephone: 01392 660056
The Specialist Travel Consultancy Ltd
11-15 Dixs Field | Exeter | EX1 1QA
Agents for ATOL protected operators
Registered in England: No. 5700491
Registered for VAT: No. 878 9824 39
100%
From well-managed forests