Paris has been attracting visitors from around the world for centuries. As one of the most iconic cities on Earth, it offers boundless opportunities for education and adventure. Organising a school trip to the City of Light can feel daunting, but breaking down the planning process step-by-step makes it more manageable. This guide will walk through the key considerations when putting together a school excursion to remember in Paris.
Set Goals and Outcomes
Having clear goals and desired outcomes provides direction and purpose for Paris school trips. Consider what the school hopes to achieve. Is it to expose students to French culture and language? Provide an immersive history lesson? Inspire their creativity? Build camaraderie? Identifying specific goals will inform decisions down the road.
Choose Dates and Duration
The time of year and the length of the trip should align with set goals. A springtime long weekend allows students to enjoy Paris’s blooming parks and gardens, while a December visit sets the stage for holiday markets and festive cheer. Determine the optimal duration based on desired activities – a history-focused trip may require more time to visit various sites. Also, factor in school schedules and any events occurring in Paris.
Make a Budget
With goals and timing decided, it’s time to crunch numbers. Transportation, accommodation, activities, food and incidental costs must be included. Set prices for students, determine how much fundraising or grants are needed, and identify areas to save money, like booking a hostel or cooking a group meal. Build in a buffer for unexpected expenses. Being realistic now prevents headaches later.
Choose Your Accommodation
Location and atmosphere should reflect the trip’s objectives. Homestays with local families emphasise cultural immersion while hotels near key sites provide convenience. Hostels enable budget trips but often serve travellers, not student convenience. Think through must-haves like Wi-Fi, accessibility, capacity and chaperone rooms. Read reviews and call with questions to determine the best housing match.
Plan the Itinerary
This makes the trip come alive! Match must-see sites like the Eiffel Tower with interactive, educational activities. Build in alternating busy days exploring Paris and quiet days focused inward on classroom lessons, creative workshops or group bonding. Pepper in special tours, shows, or even service opportunities. Mix staples like the Louvre with lesser-known gems tailored to students’ interests. And don’t overschedule! Leave room for spontaneity and flexibility.
Organise Transportation
Navigating a new city can be confusing, so make transportation easy. Consider group travel passes for metro access or booking a coach bus to shuttle around groups. Determine if it makes sense to walk shorter distances rather than deal with the logistics of public transportation. Identify any accessibility requirements early and pinpoint the best airports, train stations and highways to utilise.
With thoughtful preparation, a school trip to Paris promises to be so much more than seeing sights. It becomes a life-shaping journey of discovery, community, intercultural exchange and wonder which students reflect upon for decades beyond. Savour the delicious anticipation as plans fall into place, then look forward to experiencing, learning and building memories together amidst Parisian joie de vivre!
