Global DMC Discova is offering remote learning for schools and universities looking for experiential and learning activities beyond ongoing international border closures.
Using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Discova’s virtual educational travel programmes are launched in partnership with universities in Southeast Asia to allow student groups globally to interact with Southeast Asia-based student peers and expert hosts in real time - akin to an overseas cultural exchange.
This means that these programmes will clock official credits as part of students' university curriculum in their home country.
"Thanks to our new virtual initiatives, we are able to continue to support our local communities and our expert guides’ livelihoods during these challenging times for tourism-dependent economies in particular," said Eileen Yee, general manager, Discova Educational Travel.
Leveraging long-term partnerships with local education authorities, social enterprises, rural communities and NGOs, Discova crafted educational travel programmes in developing countries in Southeast Asia for a global audience.
Students from Germany for instance, will be able to pick up Thai cooking with a Bangkok-based based chef, join a craft workshop with a Siem Reap-based artisan, and go on a virtual tour thanks to a mix of pre-recorded and live content, while interacting with their guide in real time.
“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on travel and tourism but it is also accelerating the adoption of technology in an unprecedented way. We believe our new virtual educational travel programmes will remain part of our offering even after borders reopen and physical international travel resume. Remote experiential learning can provide a complementary experience that many will want to take advantage of."