Ask students about their favourite memories from school, and many will talk about the experiences they shared beyond the classroom.  

Whether climbing mountains, conducting fieldwork, immersing themselves in new cultures or taking part in service projects, students gain experiences that build confidence, resilience and a broader understanding of the world around them. 

This philosophy lies at the heart of learning at The British International School Abu Dhabi, where educational visits and residential trips are designed to complement academic learning and provide opportunities for students to discover new passions, build lasting friendships and create memories that stay with them for life. 


 Learning Beyond the Classroom Through Enrichment Trips 
 
Over the years, students across the school have enjoyed a wide range of educational visits and residential trips.  

This year, our younger learners explored the UAE through experiences such as the Year 1 Big Bus Tour and the Year 6 visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, bringing classroom topics to life through first-hand experiences.  

In Secondary, students embraced adventure and challenge through residential trips to Al Ain Adventure, Khorfakkan and Haraka. Geography, Biology and Environmental Systems students conducted fieldwork, while Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)’s Award participants developed resilience and teamwork through local and international expeditions.
BIS Abu Dhabi Gold DofE students white-water rafting in Borneo.
For many students, these experiences become some of their most memorable moments at school. Reflecting on their first DofE's Award expedition, one Year 9 student shared: 

"It was my first DofE trip ever, and I had so much fun! I learnt a lot of useful things and got better at working in a team. It was amazing and, even though it was tiring, I can't wait to do it all again!"  

Beyond the UAE, students ventured even further afield. Service-learning experiences in Tanzania enabled students to make meaningful connections with local communities through projects with Nord Anglia Education’s local partner Seeway, while expeditions to Borneo, Switzerland, Iceland and Spain encouraged students to immerse themselves in different cultures and environments. 

Each journey offered something unique, but all shared a common purpose: to inspire curiosity, encourage independence and help students gain a greater appreciation of the diverse world in which they live.
BIS Abu Dhabi students on their Tanzania service trip.
Looking Ahead to 2026-27 

Building on another successful year of experiential learning, BIS Abu Dhabi has launched its 2026-27 Secondary Trips Programme, giving students fresh opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. 

The new programme will see students exploring destinations including Madrid, Japan, Sri Lanka, Berlin, Singapore and Tanzania. From cultural immersion and creative exploration to STEM innovation, sport and service learning, each experience has been carefully designed to nurture curiosity, deepen existing passions and broaden perspectives. 

Whether they are creating, competing, investigating or giving back to local communities, students return with greater confidence, a stronger sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 


 Why School Trips Matter 
 
While academic excellence remains important, education today is about far more than examination results. 

Universities and employers increasingly recognise the value of skills that are not always developed through traditional classroom learning. Experiences beyond school help students thrive in an ever-changing world, while also showing them that learning can happen in many different settings. 

School trips provide opportunities for students to develop: 

  • Confidence and independence 
  • Leadership and teamwork 
  • Resilience and adaptability 
  • Cultural awareness and empathy 
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
  • Curiosity and a lifelong love of learning 

They also help students build friendships, strengthen relationships with their teachers and create memories that become some of the defining moments of their school years. 

At our school, these experiences are not seen as an extra, but as an integral part of a well-rounded education. As part of Nord Anglia Education, students benefit from exceptional opportunities that span continents and cultures, enabling them to learn in ways that simply cannot be replicated within the classroom. Supported by outstanding pastoral care and personalised learning, they are encouraged to pursue their passions, embrace new experiences and discover their potential. 

Ultimately, school trips help students leave with more than excellent qualifications, they leave with the character, confidence and perspective to thrive wherever life takes them.