Academic Travel is Invaluable; Here’s Why!
Here at SAVE Travel, we refer to academic travelers as students and faculty in higher education — college, graduate and doctoral programs — that are driven by the desire to participate in travel experiences that have direct interaction with nature, culture and local people in ways that promote knowledge and understanding as well as contribute to the improvement of the destination. These academic travelers appreciate natural, social and cultural value of the places they visit, and they adhere to the principles of sustainable, responsible tourism. The purpose of academic travel is to participate in learning activities that will result in academic credit from formal programs or courses offered by higher education institutions, such as a semester abroad. Academic travelers are important because they generate economic benefits and they enjoy learning about their travel destination and its heritage. Typically when students participate in academic travel, they live with host families, become familiar with the local culture, and experience cultural, language, and academic immersion. According to the Student Marketing Youth Travel Consultancy, student travel continues to grow in importance within global tourism. In the in 1990’s, it represented 15% of the tourism market, experienced an increase to 20% in the last decade, and is expected to reach 25% in the near future.
The typical student traveler is regarded as one that will undoubtedly boost the target country’s economy. These travelers spend more time (53 days) and money ($1,000-$6,000) in their host destination than the average traveler, and frequently spend their money at local businesses. A growing appetite for international experiences, more affordable transportation prices, and ease of travel, are some of what motivates more students to participate in academic travel. According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Study, 1 in 10 U.S. undergraduates studies abroad before graduating. In the 2013/14 academic year, Latin America and the Caribbean was the fastest growing region for U.S. study abroad with an 8% increase to this part of the world. That is great news for us at the SAVE Travel Alliance, as we have amazing travel experiences in Nicaragua and Campeche, Mexico!
The SAVE Travel Alliance offers an abundance of memorable academic experiences. SAVE Campeche is thrilled to be partnering with The University of San Francisco de Campeche for the offering of academic opportunities! Students will have the opportunity to participate in academic immersion classes at this esteemed public university founded in 1965. Courses will include colonial architecture, archaeology, and Mayan heritage. This partnership will provide students the opportunity to absorb all the benefits of studying at a great university in Mexico and experiencing its academia firsthand. Through the Spanish and Maya Center as well at the Spanish Language Center, SAVE Campeche is excited to connect students with UAC courses in Spanish language, Mexican and Mayan history and cultural heritage, and Mexican art. Students can audit classes or officially study and receive certificates in a chosen field.
Another academic travel opportunity is at the Instituto Campechano in San Francisco de Campeche, which offers a degree in Tourism within its School of Tourism. The school’s mission is to form professional, responsible tourism leaders, capable of participating in improving sustainable tourism and development issues in Mexico while conserving cultural heritage and values. The School of Tourism opened in 1981 and allowed students to become educated in tourism as part of social sciences and administration. Students here will become experts in the field through practical experiences and professional opportunities in the field, as tourism incorporates economic and cultural aspects in order to provide hospitality services to travelers all over the world. Tourism falls within the service sector and contributes to necessary economic development, and those with degrees in tourism can work in places such as government institutions, private tour organizations and freelance agencies.
According to the Unesco Institute for Statistics, the number of students pursuing studies abroad continues to grow. In 2013, over 4.1 million students went abroad to study, up from 2 million in 2000. A study abroad opportunity is invaluable, and students will gain academic credit in pertinent courses, improve in a foreign language, become educated on a new culture, directly interact with local students and professors on a daily basis, and develop into locals themselves. It also succeeds in promoting culture and sustainable development to not only its university, but its local host communities as well.
Want to learn how you as a student or professor can partake in academic travel through SAVE? Contact us!
