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Gornal – Vol.5

We’re thrilled to announce that Go To Know will be participating in the upcoming IBSEA event at Modern English School Cairo, from December 4th-6th! This prestigious gathering brings together educators, students, and organizations dedicated to excellence in the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and we’re honoured to be part of this vibrant community.

Over the three-day conference, we’ll be hosting an interactive booth where you can explore our comprehensive range of transformative CAS trip programs. Come chat with us, ask questions about logistics and safety, browse our itineraries, and discover how experiential learning can truly enhance your students’ educational journey.

We’re excited to present “Beyond the Classroom: How CAS Trips Shape IB Students”, an engaging and informative session that explores the profound impact of well-designed CAS trips on student development. Drawing on real experiences, inspiring success stories, and current educational research, we’ll demonstrate how meaningful travel experiences foster creativity, activity, and service. The presentation will take place on the 4th of December, from 7.15 – 8.15 PM.

Whether you’re a CAS coordinator seeking high-quality program options, an educator passionate about experiential learning, or a school leader exploring innovative ways to enrich your IB curriculum, this presentation will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable takeaways you can implement immediately.

You’ll learn about Go To Know’s comprehensive approach to educational travel, including how we select service locations based on safety and genuine community needs, conduct social studies with local NGOs, and involve students in decision-making processes. We’ll share how our programs create safe, organized, and deeply meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions on young learners while making tangible positive impacts on communities.

Voices from the Journey

Mrs Suzanne Sheehan

Head of IB / Whole School Deputy Headteacher
Modern English School Cairo

There is simply no better tour company in Egypt than GoToKnow. I have had the privilege of travelling with GoToKnow for the past 15 years and every single journey has been a wonderful, well organised and meticulously planned adventure. I have been fortunate to enjoy large- scale educational day trips and residentials. The trips I have been on with school have always been smooth and thoroughly enjoyable. There is absolutely no way we could have managed to do all the pre-planning and organisation without the support of GoToKnow and we as a school; as students and teachers have made amazing memories of so many different places; experiences that will never be forgotten. If you are in any doubt about whether or not to entrust your school trip to GoToKnow, do not fear, your trip is in exceptionally safe and experienced hands.
The caring attitude of the staff is outstanding. We have developed wonderful relationships with GoToKnow staff over the years; in fact from one year to the next we look forward to trips knowing that certain tour guides will be with us and it is very reassuring for students, parents and teachers to know that familiar and reliable colleagues will be with us on our trips. Thank you GoToKnow for all the trips and the pleasurable experiences. You have been wonderful to us and we truly appreciate you. We look forward to many more school trips under your supervision!

Teachers’ Hub

Choosing the Right Service: Our Thoughtful Approach to CAS Impact

At Go To Know, selecting service locations and beneficiaries is a careful, values-driven process. Safety, student accessibility, and logistical feasibility are our top priorities when identifying service sites. We don’t leave community selection to chance, our staff conducts comprehensive social studies in collaboration with trusted local NGOs to identify families and communities with genuine needs. This rigorous assessment ensures your students’ efforts create meaningful, sustainable impact. What sets our approach apart is student involvement. We believe in empowering young people to participate in the research and decision-making process, helping them understand the communities they’ll serve and contribute to selecting beneficiaries. This involvement deepens their connection to the service, develops critical thinking skills, and ensures the experience is truly transformative. When students help choose where their service goes, they become invested stakeholders in positive change, not just participants.

We To!
Aswan: Where Culture, History, and Service Unite

Embark on an unforgettable CAS journey to Aswan, where ancient wonders meet meaningful community impact. Immerse yourself in vibrant Nubian village life, experiencing colourful traditions and genuine hospitality firsthand. Explore the stunning Philae Temple, marvel at the High Dam’s engineering brilliance, and visit the renowned Magdy Yacoub Heart Centre to witness medical innovation transforming lives. The heart of this experience lies in the Nubian villages, where your service project will make a tangible difference. Through carefully selected community initiatives, you’ll engage directly with local families, understanding their challenges while contributing meaningfully to their wellbeing. This isn’t just sightseeing, it’s active global citizenship in action. Working alongside Nubian communities, you’ll develop empathy, cultural awareness, and leadership skills while creating lasting positive change. This journey seamlessly blends creativity, activity, and service, fulfilling CAS requirements while opening your eyes to Egypt’s rich heritage and inspiring resilience. Return home with cherished memories, deepened compassion, and the profound satisfaction of having made a real impact.

Tips and Tricks

Essential Tips for a Successful CAS Trip

Prepare your students for meaningful service by sharing these practical guidelines. First, discuss appropriate attire considering the cultural context of the destination; modest, respectful clothing shows sensitivity to local customs. For hands-on activities like house renovations or construction projects, students should pack old clothes and shoes they don’t mind getting dirty, paint-splattered, or damaged. Encourage bringing closed-toe footwear for safety during physical work. Brief students on cultural norms beforehand, understanding local etiquette, greetings, and basic phrases builds rapport with communities. Remind them to always drink water and use sun protection. Most importantly, foster the right mindset: emphasize listening over speaking, learning over teaching, and humility over heroism. Students should approach service as partners, not saviours. Finally, encourage journaling throughout the trip, reflection deepens learning and helps students articulate their CAS experiences for portfolio documentation.