What is CAS Trips All About?
CAS Trips is inspired by the International Baccalaureate’s Creativity, Activity, and Service program. The goal? To create genuine, sustainable impact through transformative cross-cultural experiences. It’s not just about travel; it’s about learning that sticks, about inspiring students to grow while making a positive difference in the communities and environments they visit. Educators behind CAS Trips believe in the power of experiential learning — that hands-on, real-world engagement can spark something truly meaningful.
The Main Benefit: Transformative Learning and Impact
Here’s what makes CAS Trips stand out:
- Founded in 2012 by Simon Armstrong, an international school educator with a passion for educational travel.
- Team members come from diverse backgrounds — from finance and economics to education, marketing, and sustainability.
- Each trip is designed to bring long-term benefits to local communities and environments.
- Focus on sustainability and responsible tourism is woven into every experience.
- Global reach with staff and directors based in multiple countries, ensuring authentic cultural connections.
Meet the Visionaries Behind CAS Trips
Simon Armstrong, the founder, started CAS Trips after years teaching English Literature and Language across Indonesia, Switzerland, Brazil, and the Czech Republic. His experience with the IB diploma program ignited a desire to inspire students beyond the classroom. Then there’s Callum Van Reilly, who swapped a finance career for backpacking the world and eventually joined CAS Trips in 2014. Kristýna, the Professional Development Director, grew up in Abu Dhabi surrounded by international schools and brings a passion for education and sustainability to the logistics side of things.
More Than Just Directors: The Whole Team
CAS Trips is powered by a vibrant team, each bringing unique skills and stories. Neil, the Marketing and Sustainability Director, splits his time between the US and Europe, crafting unforgettable experiences. Kamila, the Operations Director, blends her Czech roots with Latin culture insights from her studies in Spain. Sarah, the Global Student Exchange Director, left the US to chase her “European Dream” and now channels her journalism background into the program. And that’s just the start — from operations managers like Dominika and Lamija to destination managers like Sabina and Hugh, the team is truly global and passionate.
How CAS Trips Creates Lasting Connections
It’s not just about ticking off countries on a map. CAS Trips focuses on building meaningful relationships — between students, communities, and cultures. Staff like Guilherme, who transitioned from tax law to marketing, and Natasha, who lives between Berlin and Munich, help bridge gaps and create authentic experiences. Educational Travel Consultant Kathryn, with her theatre and film background, adds a creative touch. The team’s diverse experiences ensure that every trip is rich, engaging, and impactful.
Impacting the World: Sustainable Development Goals
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Why CAS Trips Matters
At its core, CAS Trips is about more than travel. It’s about inspiring young people to step outside their comfort zones, to learn through doing, and to leave a positive mark on the world. With a team that’s as diverse as the destinations they explore, CAS Trips offers a unique blend of education, adventure, and sustainability. It’s a journey that changes perspectives — for students and communities alike. And honestly, isn’t that what education should be all about?
