International trips can be costly but we have compiled a list of affordable countries to consider when planning your next educational tour.
HUNGARY
Hungary is an excellent gateway in the Eastern Europe area and a great destination for music performance educational tours. Its capital, Budapest, is the most popular city for tourism in the region and is often referred to as the “Paris of the East.” It’s an elegant and stylish city with the settlement of Buda on the western side of the Danube River, and Pest on the opposite bank. The Buda Castle sits atop the west bank’s hilly terrain, and you can wander the surrounding picturesque streets featuring neoclassic architecture. On the Pest side, you’ll find the city’s commercial centre with plenty of shopping and entertainment of all kinds, including the famous Opera House and Franz List Memorial Museum.
CAMBODIA
Over the past decade, Cambodia has become an increasingly popular destination. The breathtaking temple complex of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is a particular highlight, you can choose to embark on this adventure by foot, bike or with a hired tuk-tuk. Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh, is an essential part of the country’s history. Other popular destinations include the riverside town of Kampot, the beaches of Sianhoukville and the pristine island of Koh Rong. In Cambodia students will be fully immersed in the country’s diverse history and culture while engaging in community programs with local charities and non-government organisations.
INDIA
Students will step back in time as they discover one of the oldest civilizations in the world, revealing its turbulent history while immersing in a culture like no other. As the world’s second most populated country, India is sure to wow your group with its diversity in languages, religions, cultures and cuisines. From the northern Himalayan region to the southern beaches, it is a country of extremes. In fact, one trip is never enough to see all the country has to offer, but many visitors enjoy the Golden Triangle by heading to the colonial capital of Delhi, then to the undeniably breath-taking Taj Mahal in Agra, and finally onto Rajasthan’s colourful capital, Jaipur. Also check out dynamic Mumbai, the blend of cultures in northern Kashmir or take a relaxing dip in the Arabian Sea in Goa.
GREECE
Greece may seem to some as a location of luxury, with images of metropolitan Athens or whitewashed villas cascading down hillsides above a crystal blue sea. However, the country has become an increasingly affordable place to visit, and the tourism industry welcomes visitors with open arms. Athens can’t be missed as the city has great budget deals to be found throughout, including package tickets that get you into a great deal of sights for a flat rate—many around just 12 euros! Explore the magnificent Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus and the Ancient Agora. The Greek Isles such as Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Tinos offer transportation discounts for groups that can easily be found on the mainland. No need to wait any longer to experience one of the most picturesque and oldest countries in the world.
BORNEO
Home to some of the world’s biggest caves and most diverse ecosystems, superlatives abound when it comes to describing Sarawak’s national parks. So blessed is this Malaysian state with a wealth of natural wonders that it can be difficult deciding exactly which parks to visit. See rainforest animals in their natural habitats, see the world’s largest flower and orphaned or abandoned Orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. The Borneo Campaign is a major event involving Australian armed forces during WW2. The impact of this event greatly shaped Australia and our relationship with Asia, which is a current curriculum focus for History students today.
INDONESIA
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation made up of thousands of volcanic islands, is home to hundreds of ethnic groups speaking many different languages. It’s known for beaches, volcanoes, Komodo dragons and jungles sheltering elephants, orangutans and tigers. On the island of Java lies Indonesia’s vibrant, sprawling capital, Jakarta, and the city of Yogyakarta. Indonesia is a great destination for Indonesian language students. Students will improve language skills through immersion and gain an insight into Indonesian culture and family life.
