ICMS Academic Champions Field Excursions in Education 

Field excursions are powerful educational tools, according to ICMS academic Feras Orekat, whose latest research reveals their role in boosting learning, strengthening cultural connections, and equipping students with real-world skills. 

Alongside co-authors Jen Lee and Fifita Evans, Orekat’s study examines the impact of field trips on students’ academic and personal growth. 

Bringing Theory to Life

The study, titled Field Excursions as Pedagogical Tools in Tourism and Hospitality Higher Education: Comprehensive Study was published and presented at the prestigious 2nd Globe Summit: Global Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism Management in Phuket, Thailand, on 21st June 2025. The research was supported by a Scholarship Seed Funding and Scholarly Practice Grant at ICMS between 2023 and 2025.

Focusing on ICMS students who visited the Hunter Valley wine region for educational purposes, the research shows how these trips help students take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it in real-world settings.  

From wine tastings to conversations with local producers, students gained insights that simply can’t be replicated in a lecture. 

“Over the past six years, we’ve taken students on a series of excursions and noticed a real boost in their engagement and approachability after these experiences,” Orekat explains.  

“What really stood out to us was how the knowledge they gained during the trips stuck with them, even years later. That’s what inspired us to dig deeper into this phenomenon.” 

Building Cultural Connections

One of the most striking findings from the study is how field trips help students connect across cultures.  

Local, European, and Asian students bonded over shared experiences like wine tastings and brewery tours, breaking down cultural barriers and forming new friendships. 

Edward, an Australian student, said, “I got to know my classmates better, especially some international students who don’t talk much in class. It was great to learn about their cultures.”  

Sarah, a Chinese student, added, “I signed up because it sounded fun to go out with classmates and experience something different.” 

These shared experiences not only helped students learn about each other’s backgrounds but also created a sense of camaraderie that carried over into the classroom. 

Preparing for the Real World

The research also highlights how field excursions prepare students for life after graduation.  

By engaging with industry professionals and learning about sustainability practices, students developed critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.  

Hearing directly from a farmer about the wine-making process, for example, gave students a perspective they wouldn’t get in a traditional classroom. 

Zoe, an Italian student, said, “To see how wine is made in Australia was fascinating. It’s different from Europe, and I’ll definitely remember it.”  

Another student added, “The hands-on experience made the learning stick.” 

A Lesson for Educators

Orekat’s research is a reminder of just how valuable experiential learning can be.  

The study emphasises the importance of preparation and follow-up activities to make the most of field trips.  

Students who researched the wineries beforehand or reflected on their experiences afterward retained more knowledge and felt more engaged. 

The findings also reinforce ICMS’ commitment to producing industry-ready graduates by integrating practical learning into its curriculum.  

Field excursions, as highlighted in this study, are a vital tool for helping students connect with their studies, their peers, and the world around them. 

“Field excursions aren’t simply a fun day out, they’re essential for preparing students for the real world,” Orekat says.  

He hopes the study will encourage more educators to embrace these experiences as a core part of higher education. 

The research ties in perfectly with ICMS’ focus on blending theory with practical, hands-on experience.  

As a leader in industry-focused education, ICMS has long championed experiential learning as a key part of its teaching approach, making this study a natural extension of the college’s mission.