Embarking on an EF tour is an extraordinary experience for students, extending the classroom to global landscapes. As educators, we eagerly anticipate these trips, yet sometimes, the thought of managing student behavior in a new environment can trigger familiar anxieties. Like many teachers, I’ve had those pre-trip classroom management nightmares, echoing with the rebellious anthems of student freedom. However, with over three decades of guiding high school students, both in the classroom and across continents, I’ve honed a straightforward approach to ensure smooth and enriching Ef Travel experiences for everyone.
Students exploring London with the London Eye in the background
Setting the Stage for Success: Core Principles
My philosophy, inspired by a famous athletic brand, is simple: “Just Do It.” Applying this to student behavior on EF tours means establishing clear, easily understood expectations from the outset. My primary rule, adapted from the Golden Rule, is this: “Respect earns respect.” Civility and good manners are non-negotiable, whether we’re in the classroom or navigating international destinations with EF travel.
Over the years, I’ve learned the value of perspective. Minor issues are inevitable, both in the classroom and on tour. The key is to address them with common sense and sound judgment, avoiding escalation. Just as expulsion is the ultimate school consequence, dismissal from the tour serves the same purpose for serious misbehavior during EF travel. It’s crucial to proactively set rules and clearly communicate the consequences of breaking them. Fairness and consistency are paramount. Seasoned teachers understand classroom management; an EF tour is simply an expanded, global classroom where the same principles apply.
Leveraging EF Resources for Effective Tour Management
EF Education First provides a wealth of resources that significantly ease the process of setting behavioral expectations for student tours. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel. The EF Safety & Travel Guide is invaluable for group leaders, students, and parents alike. EF’s Rules of the Road, readily available online, clearly outline expected conduct for all travelers. Furthermore, the Planning Guide-Countdown to Travel offers additional insights into guidelines and regulations. These essential EF tour regulations are also compiled in the Traveler’s Handbook, ensuring comprehensive preparation.
Dedicated pre-departure meetings are essential. One meeting should be specifically dedicated to reviewing these EF materials. Consider requiring both students and parents to sign a behavior contract, reinforcing commitment and understanding. Emphasize that misbehavior not only affects individual experiences but can also jeopardize future EF travel opportunities for the entire school. Students should understand they are ambassadors for their school, community, and country while abroad with EF. Their conduct reflects on everyone.
Crafting Your Behavior Contract: Essential Rules for EF Tours
Utilize the resources from EF to create your personalized behavior contract. You can tailor it by incorporating your own school or district policies and adding rules specific to your group’s needs. Here are some key rules I include in my contract, which are particularly relevant for student safety and group harmony during EF travel:
- Zero Tolerance Policy: Absolutely no smoking, alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, or sexual activity at any time during the EF tour. These activities are strictly prohibited and align with most school district policies.
- Hotel Curfew: Students must remain in their assigned hotel rooms after designated bed checks. Chaperones can employ simple methods, like discreetly placed tape on doorframes, to monitor compliance during wake-up calls.
- No New Body Modifications: Students are prohibited from getting new piercings or tattoos while on the EF tour. It’s wise to have awareness of students’ existing body art before departure.
- Dress Code Adherence: The school district dress code remains in effect throughout the EF tour. This typically includes no hats indoors and appropriate footwear (no flip-flops during tours for safety and practicality).
- Active Engagement and Respectful Listening: Students are expected to actively listen and pay attention to both the EF tour director and local guides. Headphones and personal music devices should be put away during guided sessions to encourage engagement and respect.
- Quiet and Considerate Conduct: Maintain silence during hotel check-ins and while using public transportation. Quiet, respectful behavior makes a significant positive impact on group dynamics and public perception.
- Care for Hotel Property: Students should avoid dragging suitcases on hotel stairs or allowing them to hit stair treads. Respect for hotel property ensures a more positive relationship with hotel staff and a more pleasant stay.
- Cleanliness and Orderliness: Maintain neat hotel rooms and tour buses. A clean environment is more comfortable and respectful for everyone.
- Safety in Numbers: Students must always be in groups of three or more during lunch breaks or any free time. Ensure all students have contact information for their group leader, EF tour director, and hotel details in case of separation from the group.
Addressing Minor Issues and Fostering Positive Behavior
Fortunately, I’ve never had to dismiss a student from an EF tour. My priority is always the safety and well-being of the entire group. For minor infractions, consequences short of dismissal can be effective. These might include spending free time with a chaperone or assisting with bus cleanup.
Avoid reprimanding students publicly. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. During EF tours, students are naturally excited. Allow for youthful enthusiasm, while gently guiding behavior. Evening conversations and bed check interactions often provide opportunities to address minor issues discreetly and constructively with a few private words. Travel can be tiring and magnify small irritations. For example, addressing a hygiene issue can be handled indirectly, like mentioning to a room a general need to freshen up, rather than singling out an individual.
Enjoying the Journey: A Rewarding EF Travel Experience
Setting clear behavioral expectations is a crucial aspect of pre-tour preparation. Once these are established and understood, teachers can relax and fully enjoy the EF tour experience alongside their students. My favorite moments are often on flights, knowing everyone is accounted for and (hopefully!) resting. However, with well-prepared students, you can also relax and enjoy the touring days. Embrace the journey, listen to your favorite travel playlist, and relish the rewards of sharing global exploration with your students through EF travel.
What are your essential rules for student behavior on international tours? What are your go-to strategies for creating a positive and respectful group dynamic during EF travel? Share your insights and favorite travel songs in the comments below!
