The Concept of the Second School
The term “Second School” refers to educational journeys in which learning takes place not within the traditional classroom setting, but through real-world interactions, direct observation, and active student participation in informal environments (Falk et al., 2018). This educational approach enables students to acquire skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, intercultural communication, and creativity through tangible, real-life situations. Being present in cultural, scientific, and social environments beyond textbooks provides students with a deeper understanding of the surrounding world.
Educational Travel as a Form of Third-Generation Tourism
Third-generation tourism, also referred to as creative tourism, places a strong emphasis on the active involvement of tourists and experiential learning. According to Richards (2020), in this form of tourism, travelers are not merely spectators of attractions but active participants in creating experiences. Educational travel for students exemplifies this approach. In such trips, students are exposed to different cultures, technologies, sciences, and life skills in an interactive setting that promotes both knowledge and hands-on experience.
The Positive Impacts of Educational Travel on Learning
Educational travel fosters a global perspective among students and helps them, in addition to gaining academic knowledge, internalize values such as respect for cultural diversity and acceptance of differences (Kolb, 2014). Moreover, parental involvement in these trips can strengthen family bonds and create opportunities for intergenerational interaction. Other positive outcomes include increased self-confidence, improved language skills, and enhanced responsibility and independence.
A Practical Example: Student Trips to South Korea
A successful example of this model is the educational programs in which Iranian students, accompanied by their families, travel to countries such as South Korea. During these trips, students visit major tech companies such as Samsung and Hyundai, participate in creativity workshops, learn sports like Taekwondo, and become familiar with Korean cuisine and traditional ceremonies—resulting in a comprehensive experiential and interactive learning opportunity (Faromag Educational Programs, 2025).
These programs also include visits to science centers, national and digital museums, historic palaces, and broadcasting studios such as KBS. Activities such as team challenges, K-pop dance lessons, and participation in traditional Korean rituals create an interactive environment for strengthening teamwork, fostering innovation, and developing intercultural understanding among students.
Conclusion
Travel as a Second School clearly exemplifies third-generation tourism—going beyond recreational tourism and serving as a powerful educational and developmental tool for students. Educational institutions and families should pay special attention to these kinds of journeys and harness their potential to enhance the quality of education for future generations. Designing structured programs with expert supervision and collaboration with cultural and educational institutions in the destination country can significantly maximize the value of these experiences.
References:
Richards, G. (2015). Creative tourism: New opportunities for destinations worldwide. Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 32(3), 249–260.
Richards, G. (2020). Designing creative tourism experiences: A conceptual approach. Tourism Review International, 24(1), 1–14.
Falk, J. H., Dierking, L. D., & Semmel, M. (2018). Learning from Museums: Visitor Experiences and the Making of Meaning. AltaMira Press.
Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Pearson Education.
Faromag Educational Programs. (2025). Family-Friendly Educational Adventure to South Korea [Brochure]. Faromag & Nikoo International Education Complex.
