MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
“At a time when many young people are experiencing isolation and pressure, shared experiences abroad can build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.”
shared experiences and face-to-face cultural exchange are especially valuable. Engaging with different cultures challenges assumptions, develops curiosity and helps young people understand different ways of thinking, communicating and approaching challenges beyond a screen.
International experiences also give students the opportunity to develop a stronger sense of identity. Experiencing different cultures often encourages young people to reflect on their own values, aspirations and place in the world. That greater sense of purpose can be just as valuable for wellbeing as the academic learning itself.
Many of the pressures facing young people today stem from uncertainty about the future. International experiences place students in unfamiliar situations where they learn to solve problems, make decisions and adapt to change. Successfully navigating these challenges builds self-efficacy, the belief that they can cope with whatever comes next, which is a contributor to wellbeing. When students feel confident, they are better positioned to engage with learning, take risks
and challenge themselves. Belonging is often the foundation that allows students to succeed in their academic careers.
Research increasingly highlights the wider benefits of educational travel. Overseas study trips have been found to increase happiness by 60%, self-esteem by 40% and curiosity by 75%, a study by Hyundai found.
Travel is also increasingly being viewed as a way to escape daily pressures, with a WeRoad survey finding 89% of UK respondents say it helps to reduce stress and contributes positively to their overall wellbeing. For education providers, the challenge is ensuring these opportunities are accessible and meaningful for all students. Expanding access will be critical to ensuring that the benefits of cultural exchange reach a wider and more diverse group of learners.
The UK’s return to Erasmus+ in 2027 presents an opportunity to widen access to international study for more students. The programme, which supports education, training and mobility opportunities across Europe, can help more learners take part in structured cultural exchange.
These benefits extend beyond wellbeing. According to a 2025 report from UUKI, graduates from less advantaged backgrounds who had taken part in study abroad programmes were more likely to move into professional-level roles within five years, with 70.2% securing professional-level employment compared with 68.3% of their peers who remained in the UK during their studies. However, the success of international mobility should not simply be measured by the number of students travelling. The focus must be on the quality and impact of those experiences. Carefully planned international experiences encourage students to embrace uncertainty in a safe setting, helping them build confidence that extends far beyond the trip itself.
Delivering high-quality international experiences also requires careful planning and specialist expertise. Organising programmes involves complex considerations around safeguarding, accessibility, risk management and logistics. Strong partnerships with specialist travel management companies enable education providers to focus on delivering meaningful learning experiences while ensuring students are supported throughout their journey.
If education is serious about supporting student wellbeing, preparing young people for the future cannot stop at developing digital skills.
For a generation growing up online, we must create opportunities for students that will shape not only their education, but the lives they go on to lead.
September 2026
www.education-today.co.uk 31
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