Educational travel has the power to transform lives, fostering personal growth, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories. Nikki Little, Head of Co-Curriculum at Overnewton Anglican Community College was recently announced as the newest WorldStrides Ambassador, and is someone who deeply believes in the transformative potential. With years of experience creating impactful co-curricular programs and leading students on remarkable journeys abroad, Nikki embodies the spirit of educational travel. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, the magic of exploring the world with young learners, and her vision for connecting educators and travellers to inspire the next generation.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what brought you to teaching at Overnewton Anglican Community College?
At university I completed a double degree in teaching and public relations. Although I initially considered a career in public relations, my passion for education proved to be too strong, leading me to transition from generalist teaching to specialising in physical education and sport. I joined Overnewton Anglian Community College as a full-time PE teacher and, after nine months, was offered the role of Head of Sport. This position expanded my responsibilities to include facilitating A-League partnerships, and I joined the College Leadership Team as Head of Co-Curriculum in 2018. I’m proud to continue progressing the development of educational co-curricular experiences for students at Overnewton.
You’ve had experience in educational travel—what’s one memorable trip that changed your perspective?
I’ve been fortunate to accompany students on many incredible tours to destinations like Moscow, Shanghai, Bremen, Manchester, and Singapore for individual and team football (soccer) pursuits. However, the 2024 tour to New Zealand’s North Island stands out as particularly memorable.
The WorldStrides itinerary was a perfect blend of thrilling adventure, natural wonders, cultural immersion, and even a touch of movie magic as we explored the stunning landscapes of Rotorua, Taupo, and Auckland. The trip featured a range of exciting activities, including black water rafting, a jetboat ride on the Huka Falls, a relaxing spa experience at Hell’s Gate Thermal Park, Skyline gondola and luge rides, and two days of skiing or snowboarding. Students also had the chance to experience traditional Maori culture with an immersive experience and hangi dinner, and to visit Hobbiton, the iconic setting from The Lord of the Rings.
One of the most rewarding aspects was hearing students passionately discuss their favourite moments and watching how the shared adventure strengthened their bond as a cohort. It was a truly unforgettable experience that highlighted the power of travel in shaping both personal growth and collective unity.
As a WorldStrides Ambassador, what excites you most about connecting with educators and travellers to promote WorldStrides?
Throughout my career, fostering opportunities for students to thrive in “beyond the classroom” environments has been a source of immense personal and professional fulfillment. The opportunity to connect with passionate educational leaders and travel enthusiasts to promote WorldStrides is incredibly exciting. I’m eager to build strong, meaningful relationships and collaborate with others who share the vision of using travel as a powerful tool to help young people grow and develop—both personally and academically. Expanding this impact beyond Overnewton and reaching a wider community of educators and students is something I’m truly looking forward to.
In your view, why is travel and education so impactful for young people?
Educational travel offers students a transformative experience. It provides them with the opportunity to step into the role of global citizens, immersing themselves in unfamiliar contexts that promote independence, confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of compassion for others. On these tours, both students and adults experience those “pinch yourself” moments—where the reality of the experience surpasses their expectations, friendships are formed, and memories are created that last a lifetime. These experiences broaden perspectives, encourage personal growth, and help students develop skills that go far beyond the classroom.
What’s your advice for educators who are considering incorporating travel experiences into their curriculum?
My advice is to leverage your knowledge of the curriculum, your school community, and its demographic profile to choose the touring options that best align with your school’s values and needs. Focus on highlighting the educational value of the experience, and partner with a trusted provider to create itineraries that are both inspirational and adaptable to your school’s unique context. Address concerns around disinterest or affordability by planning thoughtfully—when you design a well-considered and exciting tour, you’re not only enriching your students’ learning but also offering something truly worthwhile. Ultimately, it’s up to your families to decide, but you might be surprised at how eager your community will be to invest in these meaningful educational opportunities.
After experiencing a WorldStrides UK soccer teacher trip, what are your top three highlights/takeaways from the trip?
The WorldStrides UK soccer trip was a dream come true, offering a comprehensive look at what an educational tour experience can truly be. From world-class stadium tours and exclusive on-pitch experiences to tickets for coveted EPL matches, football masterclasses, quality accommodations, and expert tour guides—it was a phenomenal experience all around.
Choosing just three highlights is difficult, but here are my top takeaways:
- Walking the green and gold carpet with the Matildas at Australia House on the Strand, celebrating 100 days to the World Cup.
- Singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Anfield before the Liverpool vs Arsenal match on Easter Sunday, standing shoulder to shoulder with passionate fans.
- Building lifelong connections with fellow tour members, including Julie Dolan, the first Matildas captain, and fellow WorldStrides ambassador.
This trip provided the best professional development I could have hoped for. The knowledge and experiences I gained have already helped me diversify and enhance the opportunities I offer my students, both within the curriculum and co-curriculum.
Is there a message you’d like to share with students, educators, or families about why they should consider WorldStrides?
It’s easy to advocate for WorldStrides because of their exceptional safety record, outstanding staff-to-student ratios, local tour guides, and the largest public liability insurance policy in the industry. By partnering with WorldStrides, you can design a tour that aligns with your curriculum, fits your budget, and caters to your school community’s needs. Additionally, WorldStrides offers a free teacher training trip for schools booking their first tour—an invaluable professional development opportunity that helps teachers gain firsthand experience of what educational travel can offer.
