Words by Kate Erskine, Head of DGI Study Trips
Educational trips continue to be one of the most effective ways to bring learning beyond the classroom. Students are presented with the opportunity to engage with real-world industries, cultures and global challenges that allows development of practical knowledge and valuable life skills through immersive experiences.
For 2026, five European destinations remain among the most popular choices: Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels and London. Each city offers curriculum-linked learning opportunities, expert-led experiences and unique insights into key sectors shaping the modern world.
Berlin: Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
Berlin is a leading destination for students interested in innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. It offers a dynamic environment for educational trips that explore innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-up ecosystems. Recognised as a leading hub for technology, creativity, sustainability, and social enterprise, the city provides students with an opportunity to discover how innovative ideas are developed, tested, and transformed into real-world solutions.
Popular itinerary highlights include:
Expert Talks with industry professionals
Explore innovation in sustainable textiles, upcycling, resource efficiency, innovative materials, and the development of sustainable business models.
Knowledge Sessions on entrepreneurship and sustainability
Focus on sustainable supply chains, changing consumer behaviour, and how start-ups are creating solutions to global challenges.
Practical Innovation Workshops
Including activities such as natural fabric dyeing and textile upcycling, allowing students to experience how creativity and sustainability can drive new product development.
Amsterdam: Exploring Sustainable Cities of the Future
Amsterdam has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking cities when it comes to sustainability and environmental innovation. Known for its progressive approach to environmental challenges, the city provides students with the opportunity to discover how communities, organisations, and innovators are working together to create more sustainable and resilient cities.
Combining Amsterdam’s reputation for creativity, environmental innovation, and social responsibility, this destination offers students valuable insight into how cities can adapt and innovate to create a more sustainable future.
Curriculum-linked itineraries often feature:
De Ceuvel – Aquaponics Greenhouse
Explore innovative approaches to future food systems, urban sustainability, and how cities can develop local, resource-efficient solutions.
De Ceuvel Sustainability DNA Game
An interactive activity focused on circular cities, sustainability strategies, and the transition towards low-carbon urban environments.
The Hague Humanity Hub
An introduction to an ecosystem of organisations, innovators, and social enterprises working together to address global challenges through collaboration and sustainable solutions.
Paris: Business, Trade and International Markets
As a major European economic centre, Paris offers excellent opportunities for students studying business, logistics, international trade and customer experience. The city showcases how global industries operate across complex markets and supply chains.
Through industry visits, expert-led experiences, and practical workshops, students can gain insight into the commercial activities that drive the French economy, from global food distribution and luxury industries to event management and customer experience.
Study trips to Paris often include:
Rungis International Market
Analyse logistics and international trade by experiencing the organisation behind the world’s largest wholesale food market and explore how international supply chains operate. The professional course provides insight into logistics management, distribution networks, sales techniques, and the movement of products from producers to global markets.
Fragonard Perfume Museum & Workshop
Explore luxury business & product development through the rich history and business of the French perfume industry. Gain insight into luxury branding, manufacturing processes, product innovation, and consumer markets through a guided museum visit and perfume-making workshop.
Event Management & Operations
Go behind the Scenes at Stade de France to uncover how one of France’s largest venues manages major events. Focus on operations management, logistics planning, customer experience, and the coordination required for large-scale international events.
French Language & Business-Focused City Tours
Develop cultural understanding while exploring Paris as a global business city, discovering key commercial areas, industries, and the role of France within international markets.
Brussels: European Politics and Global Cooperation
Home to many of the European Union’s key institutions, Brussels offers a unique educational experience for students interested in politics, international relations and governance. The city provides valuable insight into how policy decisions are shaped and implemented across Europe.
Through institutional visits, interactive workshops, and guided experiences, students can explore the complexities of democracy, policymaking, international cooperation, and the challenges facing modern societies.
The programme may include:
European Parliament Visit & Role Play Game
An interactive experience allowing students to step into the role of Members of the European Parliament, exploring the decision-making process, political negotiation, and the challenges of reaching consensus within the EU.
Oxfam Immersive Workshops
Explore global issues such as globalisation, ethical consumption, climate change, inequality, and access to resources, while examining the role of international organisations in addressing worldwide challenges.
Political Walking Tour of Brussels
Discover key locations linked to European institutions, Belgian politics, and the city’s role as a centre for diplomacy and international cooperation.
London: Global Business and Finance
London remains one of the world’s leading destinations for business-focused educational travel. As a global centre for finance, trade and commerce, the city helps students connect classroom learning with real-world examples of international business operations.
Key visits and learning opportunities include:
Visit the Museum of London Docklands
Explore trade and maritime history through London’s role as a global trading hub. Learn about the docks, shipping routes, warehouses, international trade networks, and the evolution of supply chains.
Workshops with Bank of England
Review financial systems and monetary policy via analysis of the role central banks play on the economy. Key learning topics include inflation, interest rates, financial stability and monetary policy.
Tour the City of London & Financial District
Explore one of the world’s leading financial centres to learn about global finance, international business and London’s role within global markets.
Explore The Good Hotel
Discover a business model focused on sustainability and social impact within the capital city. Students can expect to learn about responsible hospitality, circular economy principles, and sustainable business practices integrated into everyday operations.
Bringing Learning to Life
Educational trips offer far more than sightseeing. They provide meaningful opportunities for students to experience industries firsthand, engage with experts, build cultural awareness and develop skills that support future study and careers.
Whether exploring entrepreneurial innovation in Berlin, sustainability in Amsterdam, international business in Paris, politics in Brussels or global finance in London, these destinations continue to deliver educational travel experiences that inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives and bring learning to life.
