Sport & Public Services Students Reflect on Powerful Trip to Krakow

Students from the Sport and Public Services courses at East Sussex College Hastings recently took part in a four-day educational trip to Krakow, Poland

The visit gave them a unique opportunity to explore the country’s history and culture while learning about human rights, resilience, and active citizenship.

During the trip, students visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Galicia Jewish Museum, Krakow’s Jewish District, Schindler’s Factory Museum, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine. These experiences helped them understand the impact of the Holocaust, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of remembering history.

At the Galicia Jewish Museum, students learned about the experiences of Jewish communities in Poland. The walking tour of Krakow’s Jewish District allowed them to see historical sites firsthand and reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion today.

The visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was one of the most powerful parts of the trip. Adam Nichols, Advanced Teaching Practitioner at East Sussex College, explained, “A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was a powerful and emotional experience for the group. Students learned about the atrocities committed during the Holocaust through guided tours of the concentration camps, hearing survivor stories that brought history to life. This visit fostered critical discussions about the importance of remembering history, the significance of human rights, and the role individuals can play in combating prejudice and discrimination.”

At Schindler’s Factory Museum, students explored Krakow during World War II, gaining a deeper understanding of life under Nazi rule. The final stop, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, was a completely different experience. Students were amazed by the massive underground tunnels and intricate salt carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reflecting on the trip, Adam Nichols added, “This educational trip has had a lasting impact on students, both academically and personally. It is recommended that similar excursions be organised in the future to provide students with further opportunities for growth and learning outside the classroom.”

Poppy Waugham, a Level 3 Protective Services student, summed up the experience: "An unforgettable experience filled with a mix of fun and profound learning, some of which had an emotional impact on us all. We thank Adam, Gill and Hannah, for their support and kindness, in giving us this opportunity in going to Poland."

This trip was not just about history - it was about understanding the past, learning valuable life lessons, and developing the skills needed to create a better future.