Golden Age canals lined by tilting gabled buildings make up the backdrop of Amsterdam’s treasure-packed museums, vintage-filled shops and hyper-creative design scene. The picturesque city has it all, and you never know what you will spot along the narrow streets and canals. You might come across a tiny city garden, an eco-friendly homeware store, a flower stall filled with tulips in a rainbow of hues, or a unique concept restaurant.
Our innovative and diverse Amsterdam program also combines trips to the fascinating, yet rarely visited, gems of nearby Rotterdam and The Hague. And additionally to all the traditional landmarks and must-sees, students on this CAS Trip will be exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through various creative, active and service challenges.
Below is an overview of the UN SDGs that are covered on the trip to Amsterdam, and a little explanation on how each UN SDG is integrated into the itinerary.
Quality of Education
The Netherlands has a long and rich history of multiculturalism and liberal values. So, when the Syrian refugee crisis of 2015 hit, they were one of the first countries to step up and welcome in excess of 7,000 displaced individuals.
In collaboration with one of the country’s most wide-reaching national charity organizations, students can volunteer their time to work with local refugees on a variety of activities. These may include the translation of documents, team sports afternoons and CV writing workshops to ensure refugees have the best possible access to education and opportunities.
Gender Equality
Achieving UN SDG 5 of Gender Equality is considered vital in the quest for sustainability. More educated women equals greater economic prosperity. This would even be the 6th most effective solution to curbing global emissions, according to extensive research study Project Drawdown.
Working with the Institute on gender equality and women’s history, we discover the roots of the causes of Gender Inequality before teaming up with some truly inspirational local NGOs. These NGOs provide tangible solutions and support for victims of domestic violence, and facilitate female empowerment by promoting women in sports.
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
During your trip to Amsterdam, you will be exploring various industries and infrastructures, including the fashion industry. The fashion industry has a disastrous impact on the environment. In fact, it is the second largest polluter in the world, just after the oil industry.
We at CAS Trips push for sustainable fashion; a movement of fostering change towards fashion products in order to become more ecologically aware and increase social justice. During the trip to Amsterdam, students will participate in a sustainable fashion workshop, learning about the consequences of fast-fashion, and how everyone can contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
Reduced Inequalities
Learning about inequalities is not only focused on gender, sexual orientation or race. It also has to do with age. During your trip to Amsterdam, you will collaborate with a local charity Stichting Present that takes care of the eldery.
You will be playing board games and even taking some of the residents on a stroll on the tropical beaches of Fiji…courtesy of VR headsets! Learning to collaborate with all ages might also spark some ideas for the Changemakers challenge.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
The Netherlands are famous for many things – from tulips to windmills. You will learn the history about this Dutch innovation and how it impacts energy and CO2 emissions.
Students will be hopping on a bicycle and navigating the hundreds of kilometers of wonderful cycle paths in and around the city.
Climate Action
Rotterdam’s innovative approach to everything from architecture to floating farms is world-renowned. And the same goes for recycling.
We walk the streets of the city on a mission to collect as much litter as possible before visiting the hugely impressive Rotterdam Recycling Center. We learn how to sort individual plastics, before taking an innovative workshop on how to use recycled items to create fun arts and crafts!
Life Below Water
Not only does the climate change our weather, but it also has a massive effect on the sea levels – especially in The Netherlands. Did you know that almost a third of The Netherlands is situated below sea level?
During your trip to Amsterdam, you will be helping Plastic Whale fish out plastic from the canals of Amsterdam. Who knows: maybe you will find some bikes too!
Life on Land
After learning all about life under water and helping out the big Plastic Whale, you will learn all about organic farming in an urban space.
Students will partake in theoretical practices of organic farming, as well as caring for livestock, planting and maintaining plants, harvesting and farm maintenance.
Enough reading for now. Let’s get ready to travel!
Contact us today and get your personalized school trip itinerary for The Netherlands.
