EF Tours’ Courtenay Betts shares what she’s seeing from the operational side of educational travel and what makes a student trip successful
By Heather Dale
Few people have a better viewpoint on the changing landscape of student travel than Courtenay Betts.
As Director of Operations in North America for EF Tours, Betts is at the center of an organization that has spent decades connecting education and travel. EF Education First, the parent company founded in Sweden in 1965, has since grown to on-the-ground coverage in more than 120 countries, with programs spanning language learning, cultural exchange, educational travel and academics.
Betts’ more than 20 years of experience in the student travel industry gives her a firsthand look at what educators and students want from educational journeys—and the behind-the-scenes work that makes those experiences successful.
Student Travel Pro spoke with Betts about why experiential learning matters, where student groups are traveling, how affordability is shaping trip planning and what educators should consider before venturing beyond the classroom.
STP: What are you seeing right now in terms of where students and teachers want to travel within North America?
COURTENAY BETTS: Americans, teachers, and students are still interested in places like Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston and other destinations with strong historical and cultural connections for curriculum ties. Canadians are still drawn to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City for similar reasons.
However, I’m also seeing more interest in destinations like Nashville, Memphis, Chicago or the Canadian Maritimes that go beyond these traditional destinations to help students understand more about the people, communities and the different perspectives that shape North America.
STP: What types of experiences resonate most with today’s students?
BETTS: Students respond to experiences that feel real and give them a chance to be involved, rather than just look at something and move on. Hearing someone’s firsthand story, meeting local experts, exploring a community, taking a cooking class or seeing history where it actually happened can make a lasting impression.
EF Tours takes students on unforgettable international journeys. Credit – EF Tours Facebook
STP: How important has experiential learning become in the decision to take students on a trip?
BETTS: I’ve been lucky to work in spaces where experiential learning has been a tenet of the tours. I’m happy to say that it’s becoming a bigger part of the industry because students often understand something differently when they can experience it for themselves.
Travel gives them the chance to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, while also building confidence and opening them up to perspectives beyond their own.
STP: Affordability is a major consideration for schools and families. How is cost affecting the way teachers plan student trips?
BETTS: Cost is always part of the conversation, especially when teachers want as many students as possible to have the opportunity to go. They’re planning carefully around the destination, timing and length of the trip while looking for an experience that feels meaningful and manageable for families.
While the bottom line is important, teachers are also looking at what a tour operator can provide in terms of support, safety and resources. Paying a bit more for the peace of mind that the trip will be well run is important.
STP: From an operations perspective, what makes a student tour successful?
BETTS: It comes down to putting people first and making sure the details are handled. Clear communication, reliable logistics and knowledgeable support on the ground help teachers feel comfortable and let them focus on their students instead of worrying about what happens next.
STP: If you could give teachers one piece of advice before they begin planning their next student trip, what would it be?
BETTS: Trust your instincts and start with what you know about your students. You know what will get them excited, what support they’ll need and what kinds of experiences will stay with them, so let that guide the trip from the beginning.
Discover more student travel opportunities at www.eftours.com
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