Educational tourism is a form of tourism aimed at gaining knowledge or skills, or developing existing knowledge and skills.
Educational tourism encompasses many thematic trips, such as scientific-academic, cultural, environmental, volunteering, or business activities.
In general, long trips for education are not a new concept. However, as we understand it in modern times, it is possible to accept the 17th century as the beginning of large-scale and comprehensive educational tourism. It is known that since the 17th century, many young people from English aristocratic families traveled to various countries in Europe to continue their education.
Therefore, educational tourism facilities vary greatly, from renowned university campuses to small rural homes. Educational tourism can take many forms, such as international scientific research programs, language schools, student exchange programs, international or local volunteering activities, forums and conferences.
In most cases, educational events such as visits to theaters, museums, and historical sites, as well as entertainment activities such as dance evenings, film screenings, and various games, are also included in educational tourism programs.
Economic, political, social, legal, environmental, and technological factors, as with most types of tourism, have a greater or lesser impact on educational tourism.
Educational tourism, which is developing very rapidly and is becoming increasingly diverse in its forms of implementation, encompasses many issues such as learning, personal development, recreation and entertainment. Of course, the purpose and subject of the trip, as well as the diversity of learning and teaching methods, have also led to a very wide range of supply and demand in educational tourism.
Student exchange programs also play an important role in this type of tourism. Student exchange programs are considered a great opportunity to improve educational knowledge and skills, get acquainted with the language, culture and history of another country, master a new language, new educational opportunities, as well as directly get acquainted with the educational opportunities offered by foreign universities.