Nothing can derail a student tour as quickly as poor decorum. At best, poor decorum is a distraction that dilutes the purpose, focus, and enjoyment of the experience for all involved in the school trip. At worst, poor behavior involves contacting parents and sending students home. Following the suggestions below can reduce the chance of these scenarios occurring on your school tour. 

 

PRE- TOUR

Pre-Trip Orientation Meeting

Host a pre-trip meeting with students and their parents/guardians to discuss the itinerary, rules, and expectations for behavior during the tour. This meeting provides an opportunity to address any questions or concerns and ensures everyone clearly understands what is expected.

Code of Conduct

Develop a code of conduct specifically for the tour outlining expected behavior, consequences for misconduct, and guidelines for appropriate interaction with peers, tour guides, and locals. 

Establish Clear Rules

Clearly outline the rules for behavior, including curfew times, appropriate attire, alcohol and drug policies, and guidelines for respectful interaction with others. Ensure that these rules are communicated effectively and understood by all participants.

Behavior Contracts

Visit with your NationsClassroom Account Manager and review behavior contracts and how to ensure the commitments are communicated clearly, understood, and signed by each student and their parents.

Screen Students

At the orientation meeting, very clearly explain the standards of the tour. Those students that do not live up to those standards in class or at school should forfeit the opportunity to participate in the tour. It is better to err on the side of caution, and proactively screening students will save you headaches on tour. 

ON TOUR

Provide Positive Reinforcement

Acknowledge and reward positive behavior throughout the tour, whether it’s through verbal praise, certificates, or small tokens of appreciation. Positive reinforcement encourages students to continue behaving respectfully and responsibly.

Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and questions. Encourage them to approach tour leaders or chaperones if they encounter any issues during the trip.

Emphasize Safety

Stress the importance of safety during the tour, including following instructions from tour guides, staying together as a group, and being aware of their surroundings. Make sure students understand emergency procedures and know how to contact tour leaders in case of an emergency.

Consistent Enforcement

Enforce the rules consistently and fairly throughout the tour. Address any instances of misconduct promptly and apply consequences as outlined in the code of conduct. Consistency helps to establish accountability and reinforces expectations for behavior.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively set expectations for behavior on an overnight student tour and ensure a safe and enjoyable educational experience for all participants.

Contact our NationsClassroom Student Travel Consultants to learn more about best practices for educational student tours!

Nations Classroom