High school trips have come a long way since most of us were at school, and international schools in Singapore seem to offer more exciting trips every year! There are all kinds of different destinations and projects on the agenda for some lucky students, from camping to community involvement – and all adding up to an important part of their education.
From hiking jungles to giving villagers a helping hand, we hear what these international schools did on their overseas trips and what the students enjoyed most. Some lessons are best learnt outside the classroom!
Thailand
Australian International School
Destination: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 10 days
During their trip to Chiang Mai in Thailand, Australian International School students hiked and visited villages. They spent eight days of the trip hiking through valleys and rainforests; they also climbed up various mountains and trekked by streams. The students enjoyed a local immersion experience for two days, including spending the night at a local village with a host family who cooked for them. The aim of the trip was to develop students’ leadership and outdoor skills.
Hear from a student
“We enjoyed incredibly surreal views of Chiang Mai as we hiked through the valleys and rainforests. We got to experience what nature can provide as we spent our days surrounded by the rainforest and its inhabitants. Our nights were spent staring up at the stars. On one of our final nights before heading home, we had a bonfire at our campsite and sat around roasting marshmallows. While sitting by the fire, I realised how truly relaxed and calm we all were. It was a fantastic experience.”
– Oliver Parker, Year 11
1 Lorong Chuan
6664 8127 | ais.com.sg
Tanglin Trust School
Destination: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Duration: One week
In Year 10, Tanglin Trust School students choose one of five options for their Expedition Week. One trip is to Kanchanaburi, Thailand for a six-night programme, with a mixture of land and river-based training and expedition. Students experience Thailand’s River Kwai and the surrounding jungle while picking up skills in kayaking, river hydrology and navigation. They trek the infamous Death Railway and take part in a vigorous adventure race, while also participating in a cultural exchange programme with local Thai students and building a sustainable mushroom farm for the school. The trip is rounded off with a night in an eco-lodge.
Students learn to overcome challenges, think laterally and develop leadership and teamwork skills. Many students use this trip to complete their Silver Adventurous Journey for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
Hear from a student
“The River Kwai trip was an amazing opportunity. I recall the beautiful landscape and crystal-clear waters while canoeing. This activity was physically demanding, and we were often travelling for up to seven hours each day, carrying our belongings to the next campsite. We would set up our tent and prepare our own food each night, before leaving early the next morning. I had an incredible time during the trip, becoming independent and making new friends.”
– Vincent, Year 11
95 Portsdown Road
6770 3480 | tts.edu.sg
Cambodia
Nexus International School
Destination: Phnom Penh and Kampong Cham
Duration: Five days
The Year 12 IB Diploma Programme students from Nexus International School went on a community outreach and service trip to Cambodia. They began their trip in Phnom Penh, learning about the culture and history of the country, seeing sites such as the Grand Palace and Khmer Rouge Killing Fields and traditional businesses like silk manufacturing. After this, they headed to the rural village of Kong Maha in Kampong Cham Province. The students held fundraisers to purchase materials for the village. They boarded in homestays and spoke with the school principal, village elders and accommodation hosts. At the school, they played with the children and made a playground for them, building fences, planting trees, adding swings and painting a mural.
Hear from a student
“From hunting mud crabs for dinner in rice fields, and eating delightful savouries such as fried tarantulas, crickets and silkworm cocoons, to watching the sunset over village fields and revealing my inner child while playing with young learners at the school, there were many activities that I enjoyed during our trip! We learned about the tragic history of Cambodia and the tyranny that locals endured during Pol Pot’s reign. Helping out at the school made me appreciate the simplicity of life and the determination that humans can have. ”
– Raghav Arora, Year 13
Nexus
201 Ulu Pandan Road
6536 6566 | nexus.edu.sg
Overseas Family School
Destination: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Duration: One week
During their trip to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia, Overseas Family School students built houses for the Tabitha Foundation and taught classes in an NGO school. The trip aimed to expose students to the culture and history of Cambodia while looking at the roles and challenges that NGOs face in developing countries. Before going, students studied how the history of Cambodia has shaped its development. During the trip, the students visit several different NGOs to observe these first hand. They also visited Angkor Wat, the Killing Fields, a circus that helps street children have an income, and a cooking school.
Hear from a student
“The Cambodia service trip was an experience I will never forget. It turned out to be more eye-opening than I expected! From playing English-enhancing games with the children and house-building to visiting historical sites, I learnt so much about the history of Cambodia and what its people had to go through. The determination they’ve had to learn is inspirational. The trip has changed my outlook on certain aspects and shaped the way I carry myself, giving me the mindset to make a difference, whether it be for a single person or an entire community.”
– Manantika Yadav, Grade 12
81 Pasir Ris Heights
6738 0211 | ofs.edu.sg
Hong Kong
St. Joseph’s Institution International
Destination: Lantau Island Hong Kong
Duration: Five days
During the five-day trek on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, SJI (International) students picked up navigation and camping skills, and honed leadership qualities. They trekked up to 15 to 20 kilometres each day. The trip’s aim was to encourage a spirit of discovery and adventure, and the students learnt to appreciate the natural world around them and understand the value of protecting the environment. The highlight was the hike up Nam Shan mountain on the final morning to watch the sunrise.
Hear from a student
“This was a trip that challenged everyone, not only physically but mentally. Having experienced outdoor life while completing our National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) (Silver), many of us felt comfortable with the environment of Lantau Island. Climbing while carrying a pack that averaged around 15kg was no simple task. Cooking outdoors also became a fun competition to see who could come up with the most sophisticated meal. Personally, I have never considered myself to be an outdoor person, but the change of pace and being away from civilisation without a single screen was certainly refreshing. My biggest takeaway from the trip was how to be self-sufficient as well as the importance of working as a team in order to lighten the burden.”
– Justin Tan, Grade 12
490 Thomson Road
6353 9383 | sji-international.com.sg
China
Stamford American International School
Destination: Yunnan, China
Duration: One week
Stamford American International School students went to China’s Yunnan Province, where they hiked Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Thousand Turtle Hike, and trekked the Tea Horse Road. They also visited local towns, markets, a minority village and a Tibetan monastery. The aim of the trip was to hone character development, specifically in metacognition, resilience and agency. The trip allowed students to challenge their perceptions, experience new environments and discover different perspectives. They also learnt about the diversity and value of communities, the importance of ecosystems, urban-rural connection and the effects of tourism.
Hear from students
“It was really nice to discover a new culture and understand the similarities and differences. We learnt a lot more about Chinese culture, and also about the culture of the minorities that live in the region. Witnessing the importance of small businesses and tourism first hand, we saw how the people’s livelihood depends on a constant stream of tourists. We learnt about the need to be compassionate to others who aren’t as lucky as us and to make an effort to understand more about their cultures and ethnicities. Helping your environment can influence those around you and subsequently make global change.”
– Grade 11 students
1 Woodleigh Lane
6602 7247 | sais.edu.sg
Japan
Dulwich College (Singapore)
Destination: Oze National Park, Japan
Duration: One week
Dulwich students visited Oze National Park in the Japanese Alps. Throughout the week, the students travelled through challenging terrain and took part in several activities. The main focus was to help students understand the importance of personal contribution to a team and to develop leadership skills. During the hike, students mastered expedition skills such as cooking, map reading and navigation, learning how to read the natural environment and navigating it safely. They were required to carry their expedition equipment throughout. The students also learnt about river safety on a whitewater rafting adventure and tested their willingness to embrace challenge in a canyoning activity.
Hear from a student
“Our Year 10 camp was divided into two segments. Firstly, we explored the small town of Minakami, where we took part in exciting activities including canyoning, orienteering, learning camp skills and outdoor training. After that, we set out on our self-supported three-day, two-night hike in Oze National Park. Each night, we arrived at different camps, cooked our own food and pitched our own tents. I learnt the valuable lessons of independence, leadership and collaboration. The fondest memory was arriving at the peak of Mount Hiuchigatake (2300m) and feeling on top of the world.”
– Harry Nelson, Year 11
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
6890 1003 | singapore.dulwich.org
Nepal
UWC South East Asia
Destination: Nepal
Duration: Five days
The students at UWC South East Asia enjoyed a whitewater kayaking trip in Nepal. Trips like these take students out of their comfort zone, immersing them in new environments, developing and demonstrating skills and qualities that will serve them well in the classroom and beyond. There are also opportunities to develop communication and collaboration skills in groups as team members and leaders, as well as individual self management and resilience.
Hear from a student
“Last year, we had the choice of over 20 different trips, including trekking in Ladakh, mountain biking in Australia, climbing in China and snowshoeing in Japan. I chose to do a whitewater kayaking trip in Nepal, where we spent five days kayaking along a river in the Himalayas. It was one of the most adrenaline pumping experiences of my life! Through this trip, I found a passion for kayaking; I wanted to continue kayaking in Singapore, so my friend and I found a local kayak polo club (basically playing water polo on a kayak). We enjoyed this so much that we decided to set it up as an activity at school. We coordinated with the Activities and Outdoor Education departments and, later in the year, Kayak Polo became an official activity with 18 members.”
– Joel Biro, Grade 10
• East Campus, 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5344
• Dover Campus, 1207 Dover Road | 6775 5344
uwcsea.edu.sg
Spain
Singapore American School
Destination: Barcelona, Spain
Duration: One week
Interim Semester is a favourite amongst students at the Singapore American School. The off-campus experience allows students to learn about different cultures, people and places. For one week, all regularly scheduled high school courses cease while students and teachers participate in the programme. As part of global studies in Interim Semester, students undergo an immersion experience in the Spanish language and culture in Barcelona. They live with a local family for six nights and attend Spanish classes for three days at a language school. When not in class, they visit historic sites in and around Barcelona.
Hear from a student
“I recommend the Barcelona trip to everyone who takes Spanish. Being in a new country where only Spanish is spoken forced me to rely on the skills and knowledge I learnt in the classroom and use them in real life. When I ordered food from a restaurant, the waiter was real; he wasn’t just one of my classmates reading off a script! My host family was incredible and accommodating; they were very patient when I struggled to understand their dialect. The sites were also beautiful. There wasn’t a day on the trip where I wasn’t amazed by the stunning architecture. I couldn’t have chosen a better trip for Interim!”
– Grazzia Bhatia, Grade 11
40 Woodlands Street 41
6363 3403 | sas.edu.sg
South Africa
GESS
Destination: South Africa
Duration: Two weeks
GESS students went on a conservation research expedition to South Africa where they learnt from scientists from a wide range of conservation biology research fields. They got a first-hand experience of the tough but highly rewarding fieldwork life of terrestrial and marine ecosystem scientists. The students enjoyed real-life application of knowledge gained in the classroom; they were introduced to a wide range of unique, regionally endemic species of wildlife, and applied field-sampling techniques under the guidance of expert scientists in challenging working conditions.
Hear from a student
“Going with Operation Wallacea to South Africa was an amazing experience. We attended lectures about wildlife conservation and befriended students from Finland. We would go out on daily surveys of the savannah, recording information about anything from mammals to vegetation. In the second week of the trip, we dived off the coast of South Africa. The coral reefs were filled with diverse underwater life, and in between dives we had the opportunity to explore rock pools and sand dunes. It was an unforgettable experience!”
– Jessie Shaughnessy, Grade 12
2 Dairy Farm Lane
6461 0881 | gess.sg
Indonesia
Marlborough College Malaysia
Destination: Sulawesi, Indonesia
Duration: Two weeks
Marlborough students spent two weeks in Sulawesi, Indonesia, following in the footsteps of Alfred Wallace who did scientific research in the region. It was the school’s first expedition as part of Operation Wallacea. They spent time between a rainforest camp in North Buton and a marine reserve in Hoga, learning jungle skills, trekking, exploring flora and fauna, and even getting a chance to dive. While they were there, the students learnt more about how scientific research is conducted, attended interesting biodiversity lectures by visiting tutors from European universities, and studied species movements, coral reef ecology and marine conservation. The students overcame physical challenges, enjoyed nature and made new friends with students from Berlin and Madrid who were part of the same trip.
Hear from a student
“The best moment of our Sulawesi trip was when we saw a big python while trekking and picking up jungle skills. I also enjoyed the butterfly walk. Hoga was great, too, with top-quality diving and great fun socialising with students from other schools. My favourite things were seeing turtles and observing the great biodiversity on the reefs, as well as spending the evenings stargazing with friends.”
– Darcy Tomlinson, Year 13
Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
marlboroughcollege.my
Malaysia
Canadian International School
Destination: Sedili Besar, Malaysia
Duration: Five days
Students from the Canadian International School (CIS) travelled to the coastal village of Sedili Besar in Malaysia. During the trip, they took part in a variety of meaningful environmental, team-building and service activities. The experience was to help them develop an international-mindedness and a sense of responsibility, and understand how small actions can make a meaningful contribution to the community.
Hear from a student
“We did lots of cool outdoor activities like kayaking, a ropes course, orienteering and mangrove exploring. We also visited a palm oil plantation and an organic fruit farm where we learnt how to create organic fertiliser and protect fruit without using pesticides. There was also volunteering at a local Rohingya refugee school where we facilitated two different art therapy exercises; one designed to break down negative feelings and the other to strengthen group bonds and identity. Afterwards, the children built their dream houses out of Lego – it was fascinating to see what they believed was necessary and desirable! I really enjoyed visiting the school. It allowed me to learn about the situation the children are in and how they’ve coped with it. I greatly benefited from the experience and would love the chance to do it again.”
– Rafael Gubbels, Grade 10
• Tanjong Katong Campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road | 6245 1573
• Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street | 6467 1732
cis.edu.sg
See more in our Schools section:
International schools in Singapore: HUGE GUIDE
How to choose an international school
This article first appeared in the November 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
