EDMONTON — Rising global geopolitical tensions, heightened safety concerns, and escalating costs have prompted several Canadian school boards to cancel or severely restrict international student trips.
Edmonton Public Schools has cancelled all foreign travel for the current academic year, putting an end to planned student trips to destinations such as Thailand, France, the UK, Costa Rica, Portugal, and the United States. Board officials indicated that the ban will remain in place and will not be reviewed until the 2027–28 school year. Authorities cited past operational challenges, including civil unrest during previous trips, global fuel volatility, public health concerns, and active war zones, as key factors behind the sweeping decision.
Meanwhile, other jurisdictions are taking a case-by-case approach. The Vancouver School Board and the Calgary Catholic School District are conducting individualized risk assessments for every proposed trip. In light of changing travel advisories, school divisions in Winnipeg have opted to avoid trips to the United States while continuing to consider select alternative overseas locations.
Beyond security risks, school administrators note that soaring travel expenses and increasingly complex visa processes are compounding the issue. As a result, a growing number of schools are shifting their focus toward domestic excursions within Canada to ensure safe and affordable student travel.
