Survey Report: Teachers' motivations for organising MFL school trips

2. Cultural exposure and appreciation

Experiencing a different culture first-hand is another major driver for MFL school trips. Teachers noted that students gain a deeper understanding of local traditions, customs, and ways of life, which enhances their appreciation for the language and its cultural context. Many teachers also observed that these experiences spark a greater curiosity about the wider world.

• 88% of teachers reported that students developed a deeper cultural appreciation and understanding of local customs.
• 81% noticed increased student engagement with MFL subjects after experiencing the culture first-hand.
• 69% observed that students became more curious about international travel and different ways of life.

One teacher commented:

"After our trip to Spain, students were eager to learn more about Spanish culture and history. Many of them started following Spanish news and music, which they had never shown interest in before."

3. Personal growth and confidence building

MFL trips provide students with an invaluable opportunity to develop independence and self-confidence. Whether navigating foreign cities, ordering meals in a different language, or interacting with locals, these experiences challenge students in ways that classroom learning alone cannot. The majority of teachers reported noticeable growth in their students' resilience and problem-solving abilities.

• 90% of teachers said students returned more independent and resilient.
• 78% reported that navigating foreign cities and interacting with locals boosted students’ confidence.
• 74% saw improved teamwork and communication skills among students after the trip.

A teacher shared:

"One of my students, who was usually quite shy, gained so much confidence on our trip to Germany. By the end of the week, he was the first to volunteer to ask for directions or place an order in German."

4. Strengthening social and emotional skills

Beyond academic and linguistic benefits, MFL school trips play a key role in developing students' social and emotional intelligence. The shared experience of travelling abroad helps students forge stronger relationships with peers, while also encouraging adaptability and empathy. Many teachers noted that students who took part in MFL trips displayed greater emotional maturity upon their return.

• 83% of teachers observed stronger friendships and improved teamwork among students.
• 72% reported that students learned to adapt to new situations and problem-solve more effectively.
• 67% felt that students became more empathetic and open-minded after their experience abroad.

One respondent highlighted:

"The friendships that formed during the trip were incredible. Students who barely spoke to each other in school became great friends after sharing new experiences together in a foreign country."

What’s in it for teachers?

While the primary focus of MFL school trips is student development, many teachers also highlighted the personal and professional rewards they experienced as trip leaders.

Organising and leading an overseas trip provided opportunities for career development, relationship building, and personal fulfilment.

• 79% of teachers said organising a trip strengthened their relationship with students, helping them build trust and rapport outside the classroom.
• 63% reported that leading a trip contributed positively to their professional development, enhancing their leadership and organisational skills.
• 54% felt a deep personal satisfaction in witnessing their students grow in confidence and ability as a result of the experience.

One teacher shared:

"Seeing my students flourish in a foreign environment made all the effort worthwhile. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and I returned feeling even more passionate about teaching languages."

Another respondent noted:

"The trip gave me a chance to develop skills beyond teaching, from logistics planning to risk management, things that have helped me progress in my career."

The benefits of travel on students' lives

Beyond academic improvements, overseas travel has profound, long-term effects on students' personal development. Exposure to new cultures broadens their horizons, encouraging them to think globally and embrace diversity.

Travel fosters adaptability, as students navigate new environments, communicate in a foreign language, and develop resilience in unfamiliar situations. These experiences often leave lasting impressions, influencing future career choices, university applications, and even personal aspirations to explore the world further.

Additionally, teachers reported that students returned with a renewed enthusiasm for learning languages, with 65% stating that students expressed a greater interest in pursuing MFL subjects at higher levels.

“You’d be a rubbish languages teacher if you didn’t want to take your kids to the country whose language you teach!”

A further 58% noted that students who had previously struggled with motivation in class became more engaged and proactive in their language studies after experiencing its practical use abroad.

Conclusion

The survey results underscore the transformative impact of MFL school trips on students' academic, social, and personal development. Despite the logistical challenges involved in planning such trips, the overwhelmingly positive outcomes reported by teachers reinforce the value of these experiences.

“As a French teacher, it makes the subject come alive for them, some have never been abroad before, they make lifelong memories, and it is often an experience that is one of their highlights of their time at school. It is hard work, but thoroughly rewarding and always the highlight of the year for me.”

As we look towards 2026, encouraging more schools to provide international learning opportunities will ensure that students continue to reap the benefits of real-world language immersion, cultural exchange, and personal growth.

As one teacher put it “A school trip is the lifeblood of a modern languages department” so by investing in school travel, it not only supports a high take up of the subject, but is equipping the next generation with the confidence, skills, and global mindset needed to thrive in an interconnected world.