Mr Wall added that the aim of NAE’s global expeditions programme is to bridge that gap, so students have practical, hands-on knowledge and develop skills that can’t be taught online or in a classroom.
With over 14 years of experience in outdoor education for international schools, David Wall has led over 100 expeditions with thousands of students from year four to 12. An experienced traveller who has explored countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and North America he believes worldwide experiences and service learning are part and parcel of a holistic education.
NAE offers a variety of expeditions and experiences that give students a chance to travel, explore and develop a new perspective on the world, including two global programmes, the Citizenship Expedition in Arusha Tanzania and the Personal Challenge Expedition in Les Martinets, Switzerland.
In Tanzania, students are taught the meaning of global citizenship through local community service work. They participate in construction programmes together with residents at the local village. In the process, they not only learn about sustainable development and the environment, but it shifts how they view their place in the world.
“[Community service] gives students perspective; it teaches humility and promotes an understanding of the magnitude of the problems faced by these communities,” said Mr Wall.
“One of the key outcomes of community service expeditions is empowering students to leave with a different outlook, which often translates into future engagement with projects — whether it’s local or global.”