TRAVEL STORIES
Expect the Unexpected:
Turning Travel Delays into Learning Experiences
Erin P. | April 1, 2025
Expect the Unexpected:
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Travel plans don’t always go smoothly—but sometimes, the unexpected turns into an unforgettable adventure. That’s exactly what happened when a group of eighth-grade students from Jenks Middle School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, found themselves spending two extra days in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on their way to Ireland. What started off as a hindrance became an experience they’ll never forget, thanks to EF’s global presence, support, and resourceful team of employees.
When you need us most, we’re always close
The students, who were travelling with EF for a science and agriculture trip in Ireland, had an unplanned detour. While en route from Newark to Dublin, their plane had to turn back due to a medical emergency on board. They landed in St. John’s—a city they’d never heard of—as a snowstorm rolled in.
Enter Michael Holden, an EF area manager in St. John’s, who stepped in to save the day. When he was contacted by EF in the U.S., he went to meet the group.
“I spoke to the principal, Nick Brown, and he asked me, could you start the tour here in St. John’s? I was like, okay, let’s see what we can do.” said Mike, jumping into action.
Mike organized a bus and guide for the group’s first day, making sure they had the chance to see some of the city’s most iconic sights. Despite the cold weather, the students enjoyed taking group photos and learning about Newfoundland’s rich history and culture.
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Turning a setback into a golden opportunity
When the group’s second flight was cancelled the next day due to high winds, Mike and the community kept the students engaged. He arranged another bus tour so they could explore even more of the area. But the highlight of the stopover was yet to come.
Knowing the group’s visit had become local news, Mike put out a call asking if anyone could do something special for the visiting students. Jamie Korab, an Olympic gold medalist in curling and Newfoundland politician, answered the call. He booked ice time at a local rink and gave the students a curling lesson. Not only did they get a crash course in this iconic Canadian sport, but Jamie also let each student wear his Olympic gold medal.
To top it off, Jamie organized a special letter written by Newfoundland’s Premier, Andrew Furey, and arranged for chocolates to be delivered. The warm hospitality made a huge impression on the students and their principal.
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Travel delays? No need to get tripped up.
“We’re looking at it as a bonus,” Principal Brown told the CBC in an interview. “We thank everyone who has kind of housed us for the last 48 hours. This is something these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.”
“Newfoundland is probably the best place get stuck on a trip to learn about Irish culture,” said Mike in an interview with the Toronto Star. “[It’s] probably the most Irish place you can get outside of Ireland,” he said.
Despite the initial frustration of the delay, the students gained something they never expected, with stories they’ll be sharing for years to come.
“I didn't know [Newfoundland] existed,” student Zeke Catterson told the CBC. “If I hadn’t gone here, I would have never like known how pretty it was.”
“It was amazing to meet them and just break down barriers,” said Mike. “They learned a lot from us here in Newfoundland and we all learned from them as well.”
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Why expecting the unexpected matters
Flexibility is key when travelling, especially with students. Delays, weather changes, or other surprises can happen, but they don’t have to derail your trip. In fact, sometimes they count as the most lasting moments of a trip.
With 500 offices around the world, we’re never far from our travellers. We have staff on the ground 365 days a year in over 50 countries, and EF team members live in nearly every one of our tour destinations. That means there’s always a friendly face nearby (like Mike) to offer a helping hand.
Travel is an endless education
With the right mindset and support, travel delays can make for important learning—and teaching—moments. Plus, 60 years in business means we know how to make safety the number one priority in group travel. And that’s bound to leave an everlasting impact.
