Zoom lessons come to life in Iceland

How two Group Leaders took their students
abroad in 2021

After nearly 18 months of lockdown, the world is opening up again, and our students are getting back out on the road. At EF, we’ve taken a customized and thoughtful approach to every country, itinerary, and group by embracing flexibility while prioritizing health and safety. And we’re thrilled with what we’re seeing: travel is back, and it’s making a bigger impact on students more than ever before.

Enter Amy B. and Jordan B., high school science teachers and first-time Group Leaders. This past July, they departed on Explore Iceland: North and South with nine students and full trust that EF would get them there and back safely, while also hoping for some once-in-a-lifetime experiences along the way.

Ready to travel again

Through consistent communication and expectation-setting before their trip, Amy and Jordan worked with their Tour Consultant to understand exactly what was waiting for them on the other side of the Atlantic.

"When we got to the airport, [our students] were excited, I haven’t seen that kind of excitement in kids for a while."

Jordan B.

It almost feels like you’ve transported to another planet as you take in the natural wonders of Iceland – Blue Lagoon hot springs, volcanic craters and subarctic fauna.

While EF’s on-the-ground teams monitored health and safety measures throughout their entire journey in Iceland, Amy and Jordan could partake in activities they’d never tried before, and watch their students experience transformative growth on tour.

More than curriculum connections

From hiking glaciers and seeing waterfalls to trying new foods and visiting hot springs, Amy and Jordan’s Zoom lessons came to life. STEM concepts really clicked for their students, in immersive, hands-on ways that are tough to replicate through online learning.

"Over the last year, we haven’t been able to do labs [or] work in groups, to actually have a group and then travel together—[our students] changed because of it."

Amy B.

Student’s tours change their world for the better, opening them to new experiences.

They also watched their students gain more independence, form stronger friendships with each other, learn more about themselves and their place in the world, and have a whole lot of fun.

"EF got us to Iceland in the middle of a pandemic
safely, and we had an amazing experience. There was so much growth, it felt ordinary, but in an extraordinary circumstance."

Jordan B.

They also watched their students gain more independence, form stronger friendships with each other, learn more about themselves and their place in the world, and have a whole lot of fun.

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