Core Insights - The popularity of study tours has surged, attracting many parents to enroll their children in various programs, but the market is plagued by safety incidents and issues such as inflated prices and lack of educational content [2][3][4] Market Issues - Many study tour programs do not meet the advertised standards, leading to dissatisfaction among parents. For instance, a parent reported that a program promised access to prestigious universities but only allowed a visit to one campus and required additional fees for a guide [3][4] - The pricing of study tours varies significantly, with some programs costing from hundreds to thousands of yuan, often without clear standards or transparency [5] - There is a prevalence of ordinary tourism products masquerading as study tours, which diminishes the educational value and turns them into mere sightseeing experiences [4][5] Industry Standards and Regulations - The rise of study tours has been supported by government policies, with recent guidelines issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to regulate the industry [6] - Many organizations offering study tours lack the necessary travel agency qualifications, leading to misleading advertising and market confusion [6][7] - The profession of study tour guide is being formalized, but there is currently no unified standard for training or certification, resulting in a proliferation of questionable training programs [7] Safety and Quality Assurance - Parents are advised to verify the qualifications of travel agencies before enrolling their children in study tours, ensuring they have valid licenses and insurance [8][9] - The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has initiated pilot programs to enhance the quality of study tour bases, with several provinces selected for this initiative [9] - It is recommended that parents sign clear contracts with study tour providers to protect their rights and responsibilities [9][10]